NEW HAMPSHIRE
Legislation

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TRANSPORTATION FUNDING

Highway Funds Freed for Transportation Network

Introduction of a constitutional amendment needed to
broaden the use of highway funds for all modes of trans-
portation is first step in the development and opera-
tion of a statewide network of transportation - rail,
bus, air, taxi, etc. Elders and disabled will ride
free; other residents will pay a normal fee.

Members of the Interim Joint Legislative Committee on Elderly Affairs introduced enabling legislation. Several of these legislators also on the SUA Advisory Body which actively supports the legislation. The State Transportation Authority which administers the Highway Fund now would coordinate the development and operation of the network. Also involved: State Highway Department, Regional Office on Aging and the SUA.

Statewide.

Transportation needs of the state's elders and disabled as identified by elders during a 1976 statewide series of meetings with the SUA Advisory Body.

Died in Committee.

A proposed surcharge of 50¢ on mandatory motor vehi-
cle inspection fees and a $3 increase in vehicle title
transfer fees would realize an estimated $1.5 million
the first year.
Some of this new revenue will be used
as match for federal funds (25-75%).

Constitutional Amendment Concurrent Resolution (CACR)
No. 9.

Representative Henry Richardson, Chair

Governor's Committee for the Elderly

P.O. Box 382

Greenville, New Hampshire 03048 (603) 878-2718 (Adv.)

CONNECTICUT
Policy

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LEGISLATIVE STUDY COMMISSION

Commission Will Study Transportation Needs and Systems

Bill #112 (pending) calls for the establishment of a 24
month study commission on transportation. Presently,
separate planning and program development efforts are oc-
curring in 15 regions and municipalities, resulting in
no clear policy or coordination. The study commission
would consist of 15 members, including State Commission-
ers of Social Services, Aging, and Transportation, a vo-
cational rehabilitation division member, 2 elderly and 2
handicapped consumers appointed by the Governor and re-
gional, urban and rural planners. Their duties would be:
to inventory existing transportation programs both in-
side and outside the state; assess present policies;
make recommendations and propose policies regarding the
state's role and responsibility. This type of investi-
gation will enable Connecticut to develop a clear-cut
policy regarding the planning, development and financing
of adequate transportation services for elders and the
disabled in order to further their ability to continue
living independently in their own homes and communities.
The SUA is responsible for stimulating state government
to move to define its transportation policy for elders.
Statewide policy development.

A clear-cut policy regarding the state's role and responsibility in coordination with sub-state bodies in the planning, development and financing of adequate transportation services for elders.

Hartford, Connecticut 06115 (203) 566-4150 (Legis.)

NEW JERSEY
Program

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ECONOMIC RESOURCES

Statewide Half-Fare Transportation Program

Since 1973, New Jersey has been operating a statewide half-fare transportation program. Through reimbursement contracts, existing motorbus carriers provide intrastate transportation during off-peak hours to the disabled and all elders eligible for or receiving social security benefits. AB 3400 was spurred on by vocal senior groups in the state and the SUA. Expands the program to include travel from New Jersey to points outside the state as well as transportation by rail.

The

Elder groups and the SUA were principal advocates. Department of Transportation established and is implementing the program. Passes similar in appearance to a social security card are issued upon application. Affects existing services statewide.

The disabled and all elders eligible for or receiving social security benefits. This program has a special impact on the low income elderly, and those dependent on public transportation.

Intrastate services began in 1973. Expanded in 1976
to include interstate coverage and rail service. The
state's next undertaking will include a small proposal
for coordination of a variety of transportation systems
to most effectively meet the needs of elder and disabled
populations.

Publicity is subsidized by the state of New Jersey not to exceed $50,000. Operating expenses from a combination of state funds and those federal funds available through section 103(a) of the National Mass Transportation Assistance Act of 1974.

RHODE ISLAND
Program

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TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM

Demand-Response Transportation System Serves Elders

Senior Citizens Transportation, Inc. (SCT) is a statewide, demand-response, door-to-door, radio-dispatch minibus system which provides transportation at no charge to persons age 60 and over for medical appointments, nutrition and day care programs. Also serves disabled and retarded persons.

Non-profit private corporation SCT, Inc. operates
minibus system.
SUA conceived the idea and formed
corporation.

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Statewide.

Provides 30,000 one-way passenger trips per month to 5,000-6,000 individuals.

Operational. Development began in 1970.

Coordination

of Community Action Program transportation programs
began in 1971.

State general funds, Older Americans Act Title III funds and match, Department of Transportation, city contracts, retardation agency contracts, elder companions, Social Security Act Title XX.

The History of Senior Citizens Transportation in Rhode
Island, 9/75.

Catherine Collette, Program Planner
Department of Community Affairs

Division on Aging

150 Washington Street

Providence, Rhode Island 02903

(401) 277-2858 (SUA)

TEXAS
Program

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INTERAGENCY COORDINATION

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Van and Transportation Program Reclaims Old Vehicles for
Elders' Needs

A three way contract between the SUA, State Department of Corrections (SCD), and the Farmers' Union Community Development Association Incorporated (Farmers' Union) has been negotiated which would provide for the SDC to renovate old vehicles used to serve aging programs. The benefits of this program would be noted in the reclamation of existing vans and automobiles for approximately one third the cost of new vehicles while providing job training and rehabilitation services to inmates of the correctional system. The limited funds available for transportation for elders can be used for the expansion of services rather than replacement of vehicles.

The Rural Tranportation Program determined the need and proposed the program; the SDC agreed to the use of inmates; the SUA researched the legality of contracting with State Department of Corrections. The Farmers' Union provided technical assistance.

Rural and urban transportation programs for elders
throughout the state.

The use of transportation funds to extend services
rather than to replace vehicles. Aids elders by
decreasing the financial burdens of the local com-
munities.

Proposal finalized 8/77, waiting legislative appropriations 9/77.