HSTC - Consolidation of Human Service Transportation in Bridgeport, Connecticut

Volpe National Transportation Systems Center, Technical Reference Centerhttps://doi.org/10.21949/15267111983PDFTech ReportKuzmyak, J. RichardComsis CorporationJohn A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (U.S.)United States. Department of Transportation. Urban Mass Transportation Administration. Office of Technical AssistanceUnited States. Department of Transportation. Urban Mass Transportation Administration. Office of Service and Management DemonstrationUnited States. Department of Transportation. Urban Mass Transportation AdministrationConnecticutAgedPersons with disabilitiesParatransit servicesBrokerageCoordinationSocial service agenciesTransit operating agenciesElderlyagingDOT-TSC-UMTA-83-44;UMTA-CT-06-0008-83-1DOT-TSC-1753In the context of a larger Service and Management Demonstration of multimodal transportation brokerage in Bridgeport, Connecticut, an operating model of an effective consolidated elderly and handicapped transportation network was devised and implemented. The resulting system is known as the Human Service Transportation Consortium (HSTC), which has been successfully operating since September of 1980. Several aspects of the project are innovative, including the consortium concept itself, and the role of the Greater Bridgeport Transit District (GBTD), in developing the service. The consortium is built on the model of a private non-profit corporation, which consolidates and maintains members' existing transportation resources and sells services to members at contractually determined rates. GBTD was able to help formulate the consortium by contributing technical assistance and helping in the acquisition of initial capital funding, but was able to maintain an independent advisory role following implementation. Strong support from local health and social service agencies, enhanced by growing financial need, were key factors in the effective consolidation. The consortium transports over 12,000 monthly riders in the Bridgeport region with a fleet of 25 vehicles. Immediately upon implementation, the HSTC realized a doubling of productivity over a pre-existing Coordinated System. The HSTC carries an average of four passengers per vehicle hour. Costs average $11.80 per vehicle hour and $2.90 per passenger trip.138