Human Services Transportation Plan

Executive Summary

The Atlanta Regional Commission’s Human Services Transportation (HST) Plan focuses on the transportation options available to often-underserved populations in the Atlanta region.

It looks at a broad range of transportation options designed to meet the needs of the region’s residents who don’t always have good access to decent, reliable transportation to and from jobs, medical facilities and home.

These residents include people with disabilities, individuals with low incomes, veterans, communities with limited English proficiency and older adults. These individuals have different needs and require a variety of transportation services to ensure quality of life.

The HST plan details strategies to improve the efficiency of limited transportation resources in the region, reduces duplication of services and improves customer satisfaction.

It identifies the transportation needs of specific populations and provides strategies and solutions to address those needs throughout the region.

Non-single occupancy vehicle (SOV) options available to HST populations include fixed-route/guideway transit, ADA paratransit, carpool/vanpool, specialized services, and teleworking. Despite the presence of these modes in the Atlanta region, gaps persist.

In assessing the needs of HST populations, the following key findings emerged:

• Non-drive alone commutes are on the upswing, and residents of metro Atlanta use a variety of non-SOV options for their travel needs
• Personal characteristics frequently compound and increase the vulnerability of HST populations
• Transit access to origins and destinations is not comprehensive
• Switching to non-SOV options may result in a myriad of other benefits

Targeted improvements recommended in the plan include:

• Establish a framework based on personal decision-making process
• Develop a menu of local and regional tactics that enhance mobility in the Atlanta region