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A recurring problem for people living with disabilities in rural areas is lack of transportation. This study examined a voucher program for rural transportation in seven rural counties in two states. Rides for daily needs, the study showed, were provided for a fairly low cost.
Voucher systems provide applications for funds to purchase vehicles for private nonprofit and reimbursement for transportation provided. The Non-Urbanized Area Formula of the Urban Mass Transportation Act and the Elderly and Persons With Disabilities Program encourages the use of vouchers through subsidies. Yet, in the U. S., fewer than 25 communities use this program. In this study, Supported Voluntary Rural Transportation Systems (SVRTS) served as a jumping point for the voucher study. Also used were other programs, such as mental health centers and senior citizens' programs that served people with disabilities as well as their own clients, and voluntary transportation programs--agencies that organize transportation through subsidized funds.
Developing a practical voucher model and program monitoring were the two main goals of the study done in seven counties in South Dakota and Montana. A total of 232 disabled were eligible to participate, and of this total, 90 used vouchers. Special study features were:
The system was used by non-profit agencies that provided insurance coverage to the volunteer through liability coverage.
Vouchers were given directly to individuals.
Each agency was community-based and served people with disabilities.
Independent providers accepted vouchers to pay for rides.
The vouchers doubled as a way to evaluate the system.
Data was easy to collect because each voucher was a four-part carbon copy, including trip date, provider, purpose, and mileage. A client filled out the form before the trip and gave it to the driver who then kept the original. Copies were sent for record keeping and reimbursement.
Voucher systems can be a feasible way to provide transportation to people living in rural areas with disabilities. The flexible system is easy to organize and evaluate. It may prove especially useful for emergencies or longer trips. However, if the program is not monitored it can be misused or abused. Also, when non-owner volunteer drivers are using the organization's automobiles, make sure agency insurance policies cover liability and non-owner automobile insurance.
This study had some limitations, such as no data was collected about alternate transportation used by participants. Therefore it could not be determined if the voucher system increased participants' amount of transportation. Also, of those eligible, fewer became involved in the program; of those involved, fewer vouchers were used than foreseen. However, over time, use increased.
Explanations for low participation could be that providers overestimated needs, did not advertise, did not recruit enough from immediate networks, and did not make the effort or were not responsible enough to fill out paperwork. Some overseeing voucher disbursement stated they felt awkward using the vouchers or getting reimbursed. Further research into innovative small-scale, case-study methods can further advance rural transportation needs. Contact the RRTC on Rural Rehabilitation Services, The University of Montana, 32 Campus Drive, Missoula, MT 59812-7056, (888) 268-2743, RTC Web site for more information. This research was supported by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research in the U.S. Department of Education. #167
Bernier, B., & Seekins, T. (1999, May). Rural transportation voucher program for people with disabilities: Three case studies. Journal of Transportation and Statistics 2(1), 61-69.
Keyword: Transportation
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