AASHTO Journal - FTA Supporting Projects for ‘Underserved Groups’

The Federal Transit Administration recently issued nearly $8.4 million to 17 projects in 16 states to improve public transportation for underserved groups – with a particular focus on mobility projects that serve “health and wellness” needs. Some $4.6 million of that funding is from the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, enacted in November 2021.

[Above photo by the MTC]

FTA’s Innovative Coordinated Access & Mobility or ICAM pilot program seeks to increase transportation access and opportunities particularly for health care appointments – funding projects that build partnerships among healthcare, transportation, and other service providers.

“Transportation is a lifeline for Americans, connecting them to doctors, dentists, hospitals and other health care providers all over the country,” said U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg in a statement. “[These] grants will help improve the health and lives of people in underserved communities who need and deserve access to health care and other essential services.”

“This program supports statewide and regional strategies to help ensure people who are especially challenged in accessing health care can reach the services they need,” added FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez. “We are so pleased to provide resources that help reach into the forgotten corners of our communities to ensure no one is left behind.”

A full list of the projects FTA is funding through this round of ICAM grants is available online, with state DOT and affiliated agency examples listed below:

The Ohio Department of Transportation will receive $2.8 million to collaborate with Ohio Departments of Aging, Developmental Disabilities, Job and Family Services, and Medicaid to launch a regional transportation resource center in a four-county area in the state’s southeast corner. That one-stop hub for trip scheduling and mobility management will coordinate trips from the area’s approximately 40 public and human service transportation providers, ensuring safe and reliable transportation.
The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation will receive $100,000 to expand and enhance Virginia Transportation Navigator – a one-call, one-click directory of public and human service transportation, as well as mobility management and travel training services.
The Michigan Department of Transportation, in cooperation with the Michigan Transportation Connection, will receive $711,594 for electric vans and charging stations – allowing the MTC network to extend service to rural, underserved areas by linking with transit agencies throughout Michigan.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation will receive $750,000 to expand its ‘Find My Ride’ platform by allowing Medicaid users to submit requests for fixed-route tickets/reimbursements for out-of-pocket travel expenses.