Approximately twenty percent of Monterey County's population currently qualifies for senior and/or disabled transportation services and that figure is expected to increase in the coming years. In addition, Monterey County is composed of a range of geographies, including rural areas, unincorporated towns, incorporated cities and areas surrounding incorporated cities. Due to this range of geographies and client needs, one service type often cannot effectively serve the needs of all seniors and persons with disabilities living throughout the County. The purpose of the Agency's Senior & Disabled Transportation Program is to fund non-profit transportation services for seniors and persons with disabilities to support their ability to live independently in their homes and communities. 

The five organizations selected for funding during the first cycle submitted their first annual reports (web attachment) documenting communities served and success meeting project goals. Per the grant agreements and program guidelines, the following criteria is required to verify funds were used for eligible expenses and activities

1. Project Payments: quarterly claims that include documentation (procurement solicitation process if applicable, receipts, vendor invoices, and progress reports) must be submitted for payment reimbursement.
2. Annual Report: an end of year summary of work completed and work remaining in the next year, funds expended, number of seniors served, number of people with disabilities served, description of the communities served, and pictures of events or activities.

The Transportation Agency is conducting a needs assessment (web attachment) in response to questions about the selection process and scoring criteria for the first grant cycle of the program.

The Assessment will:

1. Identify existing transportation services for seniors and persons with disabilities,
2. Determine gaps in service, potential enhancements, and improved coordination; and
3. Identify potential changes to the Program application to better meet the needs of Monterey County's senior and disabled residents. 

Staff requests the release of the draft Program Guidelines to collect input on changes for the second grant cycle. The Program Guidelines (web attachment) include the following sections for review:

• Eligible activities and expenses
• Application review process and scoring criteria 
• Measure X program specific policies (project payments, funding agreement, annual report, etc.)
• Program application

Current application scoring criteria favors proposals with:

• ability to implement the project within 3-5 year funding timeline
• a project to fill a gap in transportation services for seniors or persons with disabilities
• high percentage of seniors or persons with disabilities eligible to use the service
• high percentage of communities served
• ability to leverage other public or private funding sources

The guidelines will be presented to and reviewed by the Monterey-Salinas Transit Mobility Advisory Committee, the Measure X Citizens Oversight Committee, and other stakeholders that serve seniors and persons with disabilities.

The proposed timeline for this project is below:

Measure X Senior & Disabled Transportation - 2018 Annual Reports

Measure X Senior & Disabled Transportation - Draft Needs Assessment

 Measure X Senior & Disabled Transportation - Draft Program Guidelines (Cycle 2)