For More Information Contact:

Ted Burton, Public Relations Manager 389-7550

For Immediate Release: May 21, 2001

Capital Metro Partnership Providing Elderly/People with Disabilities more Transportation Options

New program relieves demand for Special Transit Services

Getting to the doctor, adult day care, a job interview, or the grocery store will be easier for thousands of elderly Central Texans and people with disabilities. A new partnership between Capital Metro, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), and three local non-profit groups, will offer alternative services to public transportation. “We believe this partnership will provide customers who have special needs with better service. And, it will be more cost-effective for Capital Metro,” said Karen Rae, Capital Metro General Manager.

The Capital Metro Board of Directors Monday approved interlocal agreements with TxDOT and three non-profit agencies. The agencies are Austin Groups for the Elderly (AGE), Easter Seals and Community Options. The groups will coordinate specialized van services for customers who, in the past, may have used Capital Metro Special Transit Services (STS)

“It provides one-stop shopping for customers who already go through these non-profit groups for services,” said Dan Peabody, Capital Metro Purchased Transportation Manager “Now they can also plan their travel to the doctor or a job interview through the same agency. We’ll simply provide the agency with the vans and preventative maintenance, while the agencies provide the driver, insurance and fuel for the vans.”

Funding will be provided by the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities Transportation Program in Texas, or Section 5310 program, administered by the Texas Department of Transportation. The goal of the program is to provide assistance in meeting the transportation needs of the elderly and/or persons with disabilities where public transportation services are unavailable, insufficient or inappropriate.

Capital Metro anticipates the program will shift more than 14,000 one-way trips from STS to the non-profit agencies. “This should make our Special Transit Services even more accessible for our STS customers.” said Rae.