rabbittransit Receives Accessible Mobility Innovations Planning Grant

rabbittransit, in partnership with its 501(c)(3) 3P Ride, Inc., has announced that their service area is one of ten communities nationwide to receive a Getting Ready to Innovate Planning grant from the National Aging and Disability Transportation Center. The grant award of $18,597 will be used to expand mobility options through technology.

The project will identify and explore nationwide best practices that screen and match rider, driver, vehicle and destination to connect individuals with drivers interested in sharing the ride. rabbittransit plans to identify mobile apps currently in use and evaluate usability and relevance for our community.

Part of the process will include conducting focus groups to gain a deeper understanding of the needs and wants of potential user groups in the community, as well identify barriers that may prevent significant adoption of the process.

Forty-eight organizations representing twenty-eight states competed for these FTA cooperative agreement funds, which are managed by the NADTC. Grantees located in ten states – Colorado, Maine, Maryland, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and Texas – will work to lay the groundwork for innovative approaches that offer greater access to transportation options for older adults and people with disabilities.

“To receive funding dedicated to innovation is incredibly exciting for us. It allows us the opportunity to try and discover new mobility options that might better meet the travel needs of some of our residents,” comments Richard Farr, rabbittransit executive director.