Summary
In partnership with Valley Regional Transit (VRT), Boise City worked to find solutions to transportation gaps for people who could not drive or easily access fixed route bus systems. The goal of this project was to see if programs offered by both entities could be streamlined to offer a better product for our citizens.
Boise City and VRT staff met with a citizen group to determine the needs of those who are unable to drive and current gaps in service. Our brainstorm sessions produced several ideas on ways to improve services for older adults and people with disabilities. While our ultimate vision of the ideal travel program was not able to be funded at this time, we were able to combine a discounted taxi service the City supported with additional programs offered by VRT so that VRT can offer a one stop shop for transportation requests in the City.
Programs currently offered by VRT include $2 LYFT (a ride share service) rides from passengers homes within 1 mile of a fixed route bus stop, and the ACCESS bus which is door to door service for those with disabilities that prohibit them from riding a fixed route bus service. VRT also supports a volunteer driver service where riders can get on demand rides as volunteers are available and drivers are reimbursed per mile.
This partnership has allowed people who used the City’s discount taxi service to find some less expensive alternatives to their transportation needs.
Website: https://www.valleyregionaltransit.org/
Key facts
Main target group: Both younger and older people (i.e. intergenerational)
Other target group(s): anyone 15 and older with a permanent disability that prevents them from driving
Sector(s): Transportation
Desired outcome for older people:
Be mobile
- Accessibility
- Ageing in place
- Inclusion