I-way Blog

Lewiston Transit allows kids to ride for free

Fri, 04 May 2012 21:25:00 GMT

by John Murray, District 2 Mobility Manager

“For the things we have to learn before we can do them, we learn by doing them.” Aristotle

How does a transit system develop lifelong riders? By teaching them when they’re kids the benefits of a bus system. In our automobile-centric society learning to drive is taught in school, but using public transportation often isn’t. Teaching kids to use the bus, and to rely on it for transportation, could create a generation that isn’t dependent on single-passenger privately owned vehicles.

Lewiston Transit and their Washington partner, Asotin Co. PTBA, are willing to invest in future ridership by offering FREE rides this summer for youth ages 17 and younger. This program, called the “Kids Freedom Pass”, will start Monday, May 21st and run through August. These buses run throughout the Lewis Clark Valley, including the Lewiston Orchards, Downtown Lewiston, East Lewiston, Downtown Clarkston, Clarkston Heights and Asotin. Operation of the buses is 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. No special pass is needed! All a kid has to do is go to the nearest bus stop or flag the bus down at a safe spot and the bus will pick them up! Lewiston Transit will safely get kids where they need to go all summer long!

Brochures targeting teenagers have been created. The brochures provide a map showing the entire Lewis Clark Valley transit system and destinations that might attract teens. Want to go to the new skate park? There’s a bus stop across the street. Want to spend the day at the Aquatic Center? The bus stops right in front. In fact, a kid could get most anywhere in the Lewis Clark Valley in an hour.

Shannon Grow, Director of Lewiston Transit, says, “If we can get the kids on the bus and show them how convenient it is, we’ll have riders for life.”

"What Have I Done?"

Fri, 04 May 2012 21:33:00 GMT

by Clif Warren, District 1 Mobility Manager

April 24, 2012 – Have you heard the phase “Be careful what you wish for”? Lately, I have been wishing for a lot of things. Let me preface by saying I’m 62 years old, out of shape, have high blood pressure and overweight. How much over weight? I am just under 60 pounds heavier than when I graduation from high school. More on that in a later blog. The wish list includes doing something about the “out of shape, high blood pressure and overweight” parts of my description. Unless Einstein was wrong, I’m not going to get any younger. I don’t have “being 25 again” on the list. Two unrelated items were: 1) start riding my bicycle again; and 2) come up with some topics to blog about for work. I’m way over due.

For the last few years a friend of mine has been encouraging me to sign up for the “WaCanId Ride”. It is a 355 mile six day bicycle trek around the International Selkirk Loop. Participants ride for five of those six days. The ride goes though Washington, Canada and Idaho. Hence, the name “WaCanId”.

Over a month ago, I had an idea. Maybe I can put all of these things together. Maybe I can register for the ride, get in shape, survive the trip and blog about the whole experience. I could inform people about various aspects of mobility, the environment, and a healthy life style. I might even motivate a few people to challenge themselves. I prepared a proposal for my boss about a blogging series. I really laid it on about how so many aspects of the trip fit our company mission. Guess what – she bought it! I mean, she thought it was an excellent idea. She shot back an email approving my proposal. Go for it!

That’s when it hit me. “What have I done?” Now I’m on the hook. I have to publicly declare my intentions and follow through. I haven’t done much bike riding for over 12 years. Did I mention the ride has a daily average climb of 1500 vertical feet and average riding distance of 73 miles? Did I tell you that blogging is not really my strong suit? And contrary to my skinny wife’s healthy eating habits, I partake of everything. Oh Boy!!! This may be tougher than I planned. I only have until September 17th to prepare.

If this was to be a movie, it is yet to be determined if it is a “comedy” or a “horror” flick. Come along on my journey and find out. I have planned a whole series of blogs covering all sorts of topics. Next Up – “Ya Gotta Have A Goal”. Setting a plan and developing a means to measure progress.

Will Your May be in Motion?

Fri, 04 May 2012 21:30:00 GMT

by Vanessa Crossgrove Fry, District 4 Mobility Manager

Last week I was honored (in partnership with District 3’s mobility manager, Brooke Green) to deliver the opening keynote address at the first annual Intermountain Active Transportation Conference. What is active transportation, you ask? It’s traditionally thought of as any human-powered method of getting from point A to point B and it’s been touted as one way to help fight against American’s growing midlines.

According to the Active Transportation Association, by making bicycling, walking and public transit safe, convenient and fun we can achieve a significant shift from environmentally harmful, sedentary travel to clean, active travel. This encourages and promotes safety, physical activity, health, recreation, social interaction, equity, environmental stewardship and resource conservation. Sounds good, right?

All this got me thinking about what I will do for this year’s May in Motion and I’ve devised a plan! I will create a photo documentary of various forms of moving around Idaho and what is seen while you’re traveling in the Gem State. I’ll also be tweeting (@idahovanessa) tips about how active and multi-modal transportation can make Idaho even better than it is already.

So what can you do as we embark on May in Motion 2012? Here are some tips developed with help from our friends to the north:

Think twice about using your car for every trip. Could you walk or use your bike instead?
Dust off your bicycle and cycle to work when the weather permits.
Trade in your dress shoes for running shoes, strap on a backpack and walk all, or part of, the way to work/school.
Never tried out your local transit system? Why not ‘test drive’ Idaho 511 to find a route nearest to you.
Instead of driving your kids to the park, why not walk or make it a family outing on your bikes?
One day each week commit to ridesharing to work (check out IdahoRideShare.org for more info).

See you out and about!

It’s Not Easy Being Green

Fri, 04 May 2012 21:35:00 GMT

by David Doran, District 5 Mobility Manager

What was the price per gallon the last time you filled your gas tank; $3.47…$3.53…$3.68? The price seems to get more expensive by the day providing little relief for weary consumers. Recent projections say it will be close to $5.00 by mid-summer yet, how much can we expect to pay by next summer? I know I am not alone when I cringe at the local gas station’s constantly changing fuel marquee, which is typically not in the customers favor. Blame shifts on who is responsible for such disgust; corporate greed, Congress, the president, instability in the Middle East... To me this blame game boils down to cognitive dissonance- we as consumers are responsible. After all, big oil corporations are major businesses set on generating profits, and as a society we continue to pay their hefty bill. And it is not just at the pump either. The cost of food, supply, commerce, recreation, and entertainment all increase with the price of gasoline and diesel, which ultimately affects our quality of life.

The future is not very bright under these circumstances, yet how are we to change something that is seemingly so far out of reach? Finding a sensible answer is especially frustrating for many Southeast Idaho residents who are subject to individual modes of transportation to meet the increasing demands of an ever-changing lifestyle scaled across plains of rural openness. The answer, however, is easier than one might assume. It is time to start thinking outside of the box (that confined gas guzzling space where we often find ourselves, by ourselves…). It is time to change our culture; this subjected “way of life.” It is time to “dump the pump” and “curb the car.” It is time to jump on the environmental bandwagon that is becoming more visible in commercial marketing strategies that flood the air waves and flash on TV screens. A once marginalized ideology that preached all-things-green is starting to make a lot more sense in today’s economy. For better or for worse, green-washing is providing an opportunity to not only protect the planet, but also to reduce our expenditures and reinvigorate the economy with innovation, technology, and a departure from the status quo. The opportunity to be green has long been knocking at our doorstep, begging to come in. Only now we are in a position of a more gracious welcoming.

Being green is not always easy, but ponder the incentives. Beyond reducing personal expenditures, walking, bicycling, car pools (especially hybrid), rideshares, buses and other transit options reduce fossil fuel consumption, decrease vehicle emissions into the air and moderate other environmental pollutants. These alternatives also preserve transportation infrastructure, thus conserving tax dollars otherwise spent on costly maintenance and repairs. Some would argue the desire and opportunity for achieving these objectives is unrealistic. I would argue that this is the solution to many of our nation’s financial problems. Energy independence, transportation modernization, research and development are the cornerstones of a strong and vibrant nation, and many of these sectors are the leading edge for a wealth of untapped economies. In addition, engaging in alternative modes of transportation provides opportunities for friendships, community reinvestment, stress reduction and exercise. Normally these activities occur outside of our workday as “one more thing to do.” Conveniently, however through efforts to be more thrifty (and green) we now have an opportunity to incorporate conversations with other like minds during a morning carpool, to reduce tension associated with traffic congestion, or to fit in that eluding daily burn on a quick two-wheeled jaunt home. Change is never really easy, but on this Monday morning, I was smiling as I rode my bicycle. Be the solution.

For more information on how you can be the solution, contact me or check out the Community Transportation Association of Idaho and the I-Way webpage.

David Doran
District 5 Mobility Manager
241-4379
ddoran@ctai.org
www.iway.org
www.ctai.org

Rideshare Once a Week – That’s All it Takes

Fri, 04 May 2012 21:37:00 GMT

by Suzanne Seigneur, CTAI RideShare Coordinator

Just like those ardent “New Years Resolutioners” that attempt to completely reform their eating and exercise habits, with an all or nothing attitude that is impossible to keep up, so are people’s attitudes about carpooling. It’s all or nothing, black or white, carpool every day or don’t do it at all.So we don’t do it at all and that’s crazy. Crazy because even just sharing your ride 1 day a week can make a huge difference. A huge difference in saving money, gas, and improving the air quality around you.

I bet you didn’t know that a mere 1.2 gallons of gas creates roughly 23 pounds of CO2 emissions – that’s the amount of carbon a 10 year old tree sequesters in all 10 years of its life. If you carpooled just once a week for work or play, enough to save 1.2 gallons of gas, you would save enough CO2 emissions for 52 trees in a year’s time. As for dollar savings, you could save about $3.80 a week, $15.20 a month, or $197.00 a year (gallon price at $3.19 a gallon). If your commute is longer than 1.2 gallons worth, the dollar amount you save will be even bigger, and the positive impact you make on the environment will even be greater!

So next time you have an opportunity to share the ride with someone going the same place; whether to work, to a sports event, to school or after-school activities, or to some of Idaho’s great outdoor places, share the ride. Even if just once a week, it all adds up!

Remember 1.2 gallons gas = 1 ten yr old tree’s carbon absorption = 23 lbs. CO2 emissions

If you need a carpool partner or are looking for a vanpool, go to www.IdahoRideShare.org

*Source U.S. DOE (1998). Method for Calculating Carbon Sequestration by Trees in Urban and Suburban Settings. Voluntary Reporting of Greenhouse Gases, U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Information Administration(16 pp, 111K, About PDF)

Addressing Rural Transportation Needs in District 2

Fri, 04 May 2012 21:37:00 GMT

by John Murray, District 2 Mobility Manager

Rural Idaho suffers from a shortage of transportation options, particularly in those counties without urban centers. Residents of these communities tend to rely on their cars and trucks, and where they might not have access to a car they can become isolated, especially those residents in poverty or marginalized by circumstance. Human services agencies within rural Idaho see the impacts of transportation challenges daily. Without available mobility, human service clients have the hardest time making appointments for medical care or to receive benefits.

With that in mind, District 2 Mobility Management held a roundtable discussion regarding “Human Services and Rural Mobility Options in Lewis and Idaho Counties” in Grangeville. With the closures of Idaho Health and Welfare offices in Orofino and McCall, Grangeville has become a human services hub for people from as far away as Valley County. Participants heard about the mobility options available to clients and strategized how to match clients with transportation services. The greatest need identified at the meeting was to find a way to get clients with medical needs to low cost medical providers in Lewiston.

COAST Transportation offered the use of a van for the purpose if match funding could be found. Also, the group identified a need to expand and promote the existing volunteer driver program by matching human services clients with neighbors or friends willing to drive them. From the meeting came a realization that mobility options need to be at the forefront of discussions about providing human services in rural Idaho. I’m committed to ensuring that mobility options become available to all residents.

Below are other activities that have resulted in support of improved transportation for other populations within District 2:

Lewiston Transit has proposed to the Lewiston City Council a policy for advertising on buses. The council is expected to act on the proposal in the next month. External and internal advertising will reduce operations costs by adding a new revenue stream, and increase exposure for the buses.
The Associated Students of the University of Idaho have allocated $24,000 to Moscow Valley Transit. Additional funds to be collected in the spring semester will also be allocated. This is great news because it helps MVT to continue its current service and shows the support of the students of the University of Idaho for public transit.
The community of Riggins and Canyon Area Bus System was one of only 10 communities nationwide picked by Easter Seals to receive Project Action training in developing accessible transportation. The two day event resulted in the establishment of the Riggins Area Transportation Coalition, whose mission is to “serve the needs of the community with safe, fun, affordable transportation options for all.

John Murray, CTAI District 2 Mobility Manager | jmurray@ctai.org |208.553.3076

Meet John Murray!

Fri, 05 Aug 2011 19:51:00 GMT

Hello, I'm John Murray, the Mobility Manager for transportation District 2, which includes Latah, Clearwater, Nez Perce, and Lewis Counties. I began working as the CTAI District 2 Mobility Manager in July 2011.

I have been a resident of the Lewis Clark Valley for 12 years. My primary experience is in city planning and project management, working most recently with the City of Lewiston. I have over 17 years experience working with local government, doing everything from creating water rate structures to managing housing rehabilitation programs. I've also worked in warehouses, factories, law offices, and even on a few farms. I continue my interest in land use planning as a member of the Clarkston, Washington, Planning Commission. As a planner, I became a true believer in the public "process"; the process where stakeholder participation becomes focused action. I find productive public meetings exciting affirmations of our democratic values.

I'm proud of the success we're having with improving mobility in our district. I look forward to working with you to facilitate, innovate, coordinate, and promote transportation options here in North Central Idaho."

-John Murray, District 2 Mobility Manager

Improving Health through Transportation Policy

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 21:16:00 GMT

I was moved by Slate.com's article “Is Your Commute Killing You?”, so I wanted to build upon it. It has been a while ago, but the Center for Disease Control and Prevention has made some recommendations as our health and safety applies to transportation actions.

CDC supports transportation policies and strategies such as:

Reduce injuries associated with motor vehicle crashes;
Encourage healthy community design;
Promote safe and convenient opportunities for physical activity by supporting active transportation infrastructure;
Reduce human exposure to air pollution and adverse health impacts associated with these pollutants;
Ensure that all people have access to safe, healthy, convenient, and affordable transportation.

For more information on this please go to http://www.cdc.gov/transportation/.

These transportation policies and strategies are exactly what CTAI and the District Mobility Managers are working towards in Idaho. CTAI’s vision is that transportation options that promote vibrant, healthy, and economically sustainable communities are a core element of the transportation systems in Idaho.

If you want to know how you can be involved in your local transportation planning efforts, feel free to contact me bnelson@ctai.org and I will be happy to have you participate in your Local Mobility Management Network. You may explore and learn more about the networks at http://i-way.org/Community/networks.

Brett Nelson
District 5 Mobility Manager

May in Motion - What a Success! Keep it Going!!

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 22:27:00 GMT

A Blog by Vanessa Fry, CTAI District 4 Mobility Manager

This year's May in Motion was great! Whenever possible, I walked, biked, carpooled and road public transportation. I met a ton of people who love using these methods to get from point A to point B. Everyone has their own reasons why they choose a particular form of transportation. Some of the reasons I heard about this month include convenience, saving money, health benefits, and protecting the environment. Below I highlight some of what I heard. The links provided will take you to some of the videos I took of people sharing their experiences.

Whether it's the bus or bike paths many people rely on public transportation and good bike and pedestrian infrastructure for access to all sorts of services. In addition, according to FTA, good bicycle and pedestrian access are critical components of the success of the transit system. The Hunger Coalition in the Wood River Valley purposely designed their food drop off points in locations with access to the bike path and transit stops.

According to the Community Transportation Association, "More than one-third of America's population lives outside of urbanized areas. Nearly 40 percent of the country's transit dependent population -- primarily senior citizens, persons with disabilities and low-income individuals -- resides in rural areas. Yet in many of these communities, public and community transportation are limited or absent." The chair of the Mini-Cassia Transportation Committee, perhaps the most rural area in District 4, supports the need integrate public transportation planning into community planning. It is clear, as we plan for our future we must integrate a variety of transportation ideas and options.

As the Mayor of Sun Valley pointed out to me, an investment in public transportation benefits the entire community. It helps residents and visitors save money. It reduces pollution and congestion. It also allows people to have great access to work, shopping and recreation. I would love to hear what community doing to support mobility options.

I had a great time in May and have continued to bike, walk, carpool and ride the bus as much as possible - I challenge you to do the same!

If you'd like to see some of the other videos I took last month (maybe one is of you!) check out CTAI's YouTube site: http://www.youtube.com/user/ctaidaho Do you have a great story to tell about getting around? You can post it on CTAI's facebook page.

Portneuf Valley Bike to Work

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 18:27:00 GMT

By Brett Nelson, CTAI District 5 Mobility Manager

May was the Portneuf Valley Bike to Work month. A Kickoff ribbon cutting event was led by by Mayor Brian Blad, City of Pocatello, and Mayor Steven England, City of Chubbuck. Many activities surrounded Valley Bike to Work month including a Bike Parade mid-month; Tour de Inkom (approximately 50 mile road trip); and Month Long Employee Challenge.

Even with the weather challenging month of May, there were 544 Employee Challenge participants in 140 businesses. Pictures are available at http://pokybiketowork.org. A successful and user friendly tracking system was developed by a steering committee member and used by participants. Tracking sheets were completed June 10, and participants with 60% ridership or higher were entered onto a drawing of some great prizes.

This was a great event and I encourage businesses and individuals who participated to continue to find other ways to get to work and get around town that does not include getting in a car - particularly if you're going to be driving by yourself!

When a route isn't just another route: Why Caldwell's Route #55 Matters

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 17:55:00 GMT

Written by Brooke Green, with Monique Johns, Idaho State Independent Living Council

Connecting people through transit options gets at the heart of CTAI’s mission. We’re always looking at innovative ways to connect agencies to help get people from one place to another. This is why I’m writing about the new Franklin/Smeed Route #55 in Caldwell. It’s an 8-mile loop recently added to Valley Regional Transit’s lineup of transit options.

So why am I writing about a new bus route? To look at what makes this route special one must look at the funding behind the route. You see, the first six months of this route will be funded by a federal grant from the Idaho State Independent Living Council (SILC). Yes, you heard me right. The SILC, whose mission is to promote the independent living philosophy for all Idahoans with Disabilities, has invested their valuable grant money into this project…and they’re hoping to reap a major reward: increased awareness of the Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities program.

Okay, okay. Seem confusing? Well let me explain the history:

About five years ago, the SILC was spearheading the effort to stop abuse and domestic violence against people with disabilities. In doing so, they heard horrific stories from individuals, who were overcoming domestic violence in their lives, who described having to walk across I-84, sometimes with young children in hand, to access health and human service agencies on the other side of the freeway. It became evident that something must be done to help these individuals, and all people, to connect with the valuable services that the Departments of Health and Welfare, and Labor provide.

Since then, multiple stakeholders have been brought to the table to help address this issue through surveys, focus groups, and feasibility studies. Last year the SILC had the opportunity to apply for new grant funds through a project called the Medicaid Infrastructure Grant. They included this valuable project in their proposal, which they said, “would help unemployed citizens, including those with disabilities, access service agencies through public transportation.”

And then the SILC received the grant. Valley Regional Transit (VRT) signed on to host the service. And now both agencies are working together to help form a sustainability committee to identify how the route will continue beyond the grant funding. VRT has committed about 65% of federal funds (as long as their available) toward this route. That leaves about $65,000 left to raise each year.

So what does Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities (the award that SILC hopes to reap) have to do with any of this?

The SILC hopes that individuals with disabilities, who currently cannot access the Department of Labor or the Department of Health and Welfare, will receive the services they need to return to work. And, if they qualify, sign up for the Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities program, an insurance program for folks with disabilities. This insurance program, administered by Medicaid, collects premiums (good for Idaho!) and helps workers with disabilities to continue to receive the benefits they need to work (medicine, attendant care, etc.).

From an 8-mile route to a program which has the potential to give people the freedom to work, from a domestic violence victim, to a person of independence and confidence. This type of collaboration is what it will take to make sustainability throughout our community a realization.

Congratulations to the Idaho State Independent Living Council, Valley Regional Transit, and the people who will benefit the most from this type of service. 17 agencies and multitude of stakeholders participated in making this route a reality, adding to the statewide network of available transportation, an addition that will allow individuals to access vital services within the area.

Here is the list of stakeholders and agencies who worked to make this route a reality:

Idaho State Independent Living Executive Director Robbi Barrutia,
Medicaid Infrastructure Grant Project Director Monique Johns,
AmeriCorps Project Director Janette Rickman,
Previous AmeriCorps member Christina Pettis,
Idaho Senator John McGee,
Valley Regional Transit Authority Executive Director Kelli Fairless,
Staff Bill Jordan, U.S. Congressman Walt Minnick assistant Dean Ferguson, Caldwell-Canyon County Economic
Development Council member Steve Fultz,
Disabled American Veteran representatives Terry Harrell and Dave Howerton, Department of Health and Welfare’s
Caldwell Office Director Ross Mason,
LINC Center for Independent Living staff member Heidi Caldwell, Jeanne Rose, and Brenda Miller,
Caldwell City Mayor Nancolas and assistant Brian Billingsley,
Department of Labor’s Caldwell Office Manager Carmela Ramirez,
Department of Labor management: Joe Goitiandia, Bob Uhlenkott, Katherine Takasugi, Robert Vetter,
Community Planning Association of Southwestern Idaho member Walt Satterfield,
Vocational Rehabilitation staff member Dan Schara,
Boise State University student Kenneth Widick, and
community members with disabilities -- Nick Schooler, William Bramhill, Tina Hernandez and Katy Wyatt.

Winter Mobility In Yellowstone

Fri, 13 May 2011 19:26:00 GMT

The last ten years has seen significant battling over winter use in Yellowstone National Park. With no final resolution, the National Park Service (NPS) has been operating under an interim winter use plan since 2009. But that plan expired on March 15 of this year when the 2010-2011 winter season ended. With an expired plan, there is as of now, no legal authority to operate snowmobiles or other over-the-snow vehicles (OSV) in the park. But with winter leaving, and the Draft Economic Impact Statement (DEIS) just released for a new winter use plan, there is time.

In its DEIS released on May 5, the NPS reports on six alternatives evaluated for the potential new plan. The plans varied from no action, meaning the default position of an expired plan would not permit any OSV use in the park, to returning to the 2004 winter use plan and OSV limits – roughly double the permitted vehicles in the park as currently allowed. The NPS settled on a 7th alternative which was a hybrid of some elements from several of the studied alternatives. Unfortunately, most aspects of mobility weren’t considered in the analysis.
As stewards of the incredible natural resource that is Yellowstone, the NPS focused primarily on the balance between visitor use and enjoyment of the park, and resource protection. While issues like wildlife, air quality, noisescapes, gateway economies, and socioeconomic values were discussed in the report, mobility was not. Therefore, mobility in Yellowstone will remain a recreational activity only. It appears most likely that a mix of OSV traffic will continue to transport park visitors from gateway communities in to popular destinations like Old Faithful and back out on a metered basis. But mobility for nearby residents through the park will not likely become a reality.

‘Alternative 4’ was one that would have provided a mix of mobility as well as recreational opportunities. It provided for snow plowing the roads from Mammoth and West Yellowstone to Old Faithful, allowing wheeled vehicle travel to Yellowstone’s most popular destination, as well as a North-South link connecting Livingston-West Yellowstone-Idaho Falls. It would have also allowed for snow coaches and snowmobiles to depart for over-the-snow recreation from destinations within the park; renting snowmobiles at Old Faithful for example. The cost on this alternative would appear to be lower to both the park and operators. Snowmobile trails must be groomed every day, but roads are only plowed after it snows. Snow coaches get 3-4 miles per gallon. The same vehicles outfitted with standard wheels would get 14 miles per gallon. In addition, one operator I spoke with who operates from West Yellowstone to Canyon and back said he must replace his tracks every 10 trips on average – at a cost of $2,000 per set. As a Mobility Manager, Alternative 4 really seemed to offer the most to our region; increased options for intercity travel, maintaining recreation opportunities and the draw for seasonal tourists, lower operating costs, more people able to access the park, better air quality, and lower noise.

If you would like to read the full DEIS, you can view it at http://parkplanning.np.gov/yell

There will also be opportunities to comment in our region:

Wednesday, June 1: Jackson, WY at The Virginian 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.

Tuesday, June 7: West Yellowstone, MT at the Holiday Inn 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.

The final EIS is scheduled to be released in the fall of 2011 with a record of decision and plan implementation for winter 2011-2012

Week one of no car, and what do I think so far? I love it!

Fri, 13 May 2011 19:19:00 GMT

In celebration of May in Motion, I’ve left my keys at home and committed to riding my bike, taking the bus and carpooling to commute to work.

In the first week I’ve tried all modes of transportation except the Zip Car, I hope to give that a try in coming weeks and will share that experience with you.

I’ll say I was quite intimidated to give up my car for a whole month and rely on alternative modes to get around. On the other hand I was excited to challenge myself to see how creative I can get.

I have ridden my bike three times this week, taking a new route each time as I noticed day one that my preferred route along the greenbelt was flooded. Day three I jumped on the bus for the first time and momentarily bounced back and forth between two signs on each side of the street until a quick call to 345-RIDE to identify exactly which sign to stand under. A lovely lady helped me as I tried to navigate the schedule.

The true humbling moment came when it was time to get off. I kept hearing the beep but couldn’t see what people where pushing. I didn’t see the normal pull rope and I couldn’t see a sign that said “pull” or “push” here to request a stop. Of course I was adamant to figure it out on my own and would wait to the next stop quickly look around to see what people where pushing and again! The beep went off and I didn’t see them in action. Come on really, I am in the transportation field and I can’t seem to figure out how to request a stop? I came to grips with my situation as I was pretty sure my stop was coming up and I didn’t want to miss it. So I put my ego aside and asked a friendly frequent rider how to get off. It was pretty simple, the yellow strip on the side inner panel is the “pull rope” equivalent.

Would I ride again, of course! The whole experience gave me a good reason to laugh at myself as I learned that asking for help is perfectly ok. For one dollar I was able to get a cheap ride to work, read all my email before I sat at my desk and finish off my cup of coffee. I’d consider that a great start to my morning.

Follow me along as I continue my adventure, and feel free to send me your lessons learned on your many commutes to work.

A special thank you goes out to all those who have pledged to try a new way to get around. If you haven’t checked out the great stories or pictures log on to facebook.com/CTAIdaho. By pledging once you are entered into a drawing for some local prizes. The drawing will take place June 1st.

Throughout my Challenge I will share with you three lessons each week I’ve learned while participating in my challenge.

    Lesson #1: It is necessary to plan; little did I know my route was going to be flooded on day one of my excursion.

    Lesson #2: This applies more to the women; if you are intending to spend a lot of time walking, don’t expect your high heels to gracefully get you where you need to go. Pack a pair of flats.

    Lesson#3: When riding the bus it is ok to ask for help or better yet, call your public transportation provider!

It is Time to Ensure All Mobility Funding in Idaho is Used Efficiently and Effectively

Fri, 25 Mar 2011 20:28:00 GMT

Performance measures are something that we continually struggle to develop and monitor throughout the state. Last November, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) issued a report related to performance measures, Federal Transit Administration Has Opportunity to Improve Performance Accountability. The GAO conducted this study due to the fact that although the demand for public transportation funding continues to increase around the nation most of the federal funding awardedis not tied to performance measures. Recommendations from the report include having the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) report to Congress on options for adding performance accountability mechanisms to transit programs to increase efficiency and effectiveness and for analyzing and usingtransit data for further evaluation of federal transit program performance.

It is time we ensure all funding in Idaho is used efficiently and effectively. By working with all mobility stakeholders we can begin to develop programs that help benchmark and measure performance. One agency in District 4 has already got the ball rolling.

Recently Mountain Rides Transportation Authority (MRTA) developed a survey that may prove to be a best practice for measuring achievement for all providers. The survey captured the thoughts of 174 customers (10% of daily ridership) and asked 7 questions. Questions ranged from how the service is used to reasons to use the bus and overall grade (GPA). MRTA received a B or above grade from all but 3 of the respondents giving the organization a 3.7 out of 4.0 rating. MRTA’s executive director, Jason Miller, plans to use this initial survey as a benchmarkfor their commitment to 100% Customer Satisfaction. MRTA will continue implementing the survey twice per year. In addition, MRTA will reach out to non-riders and those not using other alternative forms of transportation (carpool, vanpool, biking, etc.) to help determine why they are not using these mobility options for getting from point A to point B.

Statistics such as number passenger trips and cost/trip are important, but only provide part of the important information we need to continue improving Idaho’s mobility options. Surveys from users and potential customers provide personalized information that can help balance the statistics gathered by transportation agencies. I am curious to hear what others in Idaho are doing to benchmark and measure their success. Join the conversation and let us know what you are doing!

-Vanessa Fry, District 4 Mobility Manager

Transportation and Unemployment

Fri, 25 Mar 2011 19:57:00 GMT

You are a single mother of two without a vehicle, out of work and unemployment benefits are running out. You have been offered a night job as the weekend auditor for a local hotel. The downside – the shift begins at 11:00pm and ends at 6:00am. The problem – affordable and safe child care is limited and there isn’t any public transit offered for late night and weekend workers. Will you accept the position…can you accept the position?

This is not a fictional scenario, this is the dilemma faced by a young mother within my district. We need to look at these two issues, child care and mobility as they relate to shift and weekend labor pools. Nationwide we find in rural areas that bartering and cooperation between neighbors and families can fill a portion of the gap in transit and child care availability. But, shift work often limits the willingness of families and others to provide rides or babysitting services.

Are these limitations keeping our unemployed or underemployed from seeking shift and weekend positions? As a mobility manager this discussion provided insight to the issues faced by our human service agencies – how do you help clients learn positive ways to meet their own needs on their journey to self-sufficiency with such overwhelming gaps in service.

Possible solutions:

• Visit I-Way.org and click on the Getting Around icon for RideShare information. The RideShare is a free, online resource to individuals find the perfect carpool or vanpool; RideShare also has matching tools such as Bike Buddies and School Pools for the kids.
• Work with employers that require shift and weekend workers to develop options such as van and car pools;
• Seek sponsorships for evening and weekend transit routes designed to serve the needs of major employers and their workers.

Our economic climate has created challenges for those seeking employment and mobility options can remove at least one of those challenge.

Deb Smith, District 2 Mobility Manager