Project Overview
Transit-dependency, or the lack of independent transportation sources and reliance on public transportation, is an issue that the majority of Americans do not face. However, individuals with disabilities, senior citizens, and low-income populations are disproportionately affected by transit-dependency. Service gaps from transit and human service providers make travel without a personal vehicle increasingly difficult. Addressing these gaps requires strategic planning and allocation of funding sources.
The coordinated Human Services Transportation Plan (HSTP) seeks to identify gaps in public transit services that disproportionately affect seniors, individuals with disabilities, and low-income populations in the Rockford region. The HSTP also aims to address these gaps through strategies and recommendations that can help transit and human service providers better assist their growing service demands. Along with transit service updates, new transit providers, and a regionally-adopted goal of increasing equity in transportation, the update to the HSTP will help ensure that the plan is in line with shifting demands and supports larger regional goals. The HSTP is also necessary for aligning with federal regulations and federal funding through the Enhanced Mobility for Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Program (Section 5310). Ultimately, the HSTP update will support the growth of a more equitable and accessible transportation system for all users.
