Browse Common Goals

Common Goal	Regions and Coordination Goals
Improved Rider Experience	North Central Texas Coordination Goal: Enhance the quality of the customer's travel experience. Coordination Strategies: Understand the key elements of quality from the consumer’s perspective. Improve visibility and public awareness of regional services. Collect data and report changes in performance and service delivery on a regular basis. Evaluate and prioritize activities that close gaps and increase access to service by the public.
Improved driver training	Upper Rio Grande Coordination Goal: Improve System Operational Infrastructure Coordination Strategies: Continue placing shelters, benches, etc. where appropriate Targeted outreach to local businesses / Chamber of Commerce to sponsor shelters/amenities for stops on or near their property Continue to review additional needs for amenities Implement route information at each stop (maps of routes that stop serves, stop times, etc.) Review results of route timing analysis and adjust schedules/services as needed Modernization of vehicle fleet Coastal Bend Coordination Goal: Provide a safe, reliable and cost-effective regional transportation system Coordination Strategies: Continue the SWART Travel Training and Travel Ambassador Programs. Seeking funding to update and improve SWART and Del Rio bus technologies. Improve SWART’s maintenance program where necessary. Panhandle Coordination Goal: Promote efforts to maximize technical assistance and training to member agencies. Coordination Strategies: Promote collaboration of training events by member organizations such that training costs are decreased and an increased number of persons receive training. Identify and support implementation of safety mobility training sessions for member agencies. Support travel training programs that encourage greater use of fixed-route services for older adults, persons with disabilities, and other eligible persons. Promote multiagency training sessions that offer Continuing Education Units (CEUs) or other certifications to attendees. Encourage member organizations to review and update their disaster preparedness plans in anticipation of natural disasters, pandemics, civil disorder, etc. Permian Basin Coordination Goal: Improve Communication, Training, and Organizational Support to Promote Continuous Improvement in Service Delivery Coordination Strategies: Enhanced Information Distribution on Services and Transit Networks Establish a Mobility Manager Network for Open Communication Between Regional Providers Increased Coordination Between Public Transit Agencies, Resources, and Information Exchange Enhanced Information Distribution on Services and Transit Networks Strategically Extended Service Range and Hours When Financially Feasible Continued Operator/Staff Trainings, and the Introduction of Ridership Training
Planning Efforts	Coastal Bend Coordination Goal: Establish planning processes and goals for the City of Del Rio in order to be prepared for becoming an UZA at the next Census Coordination Strategies: Develop more mobility management to address the needs in Val Verde county. Develop traveling training program and coordinate with SWART. " Implement transit planning processes into the City of Del Rio’s planning documents." Ark-Tex Coordination Goal: Conduct Ongoing Assessment of Transportation Needs and Services in the Region Coordination Strategies: No strategy tied to the goal. Coordination Goal: Implement Strategies to Meet Needs, Improve Service, and Generate Higher Ridership Coordination Strategies: Plan and implement on-demand microtransit services. Heart of Texas Coordination Goal: Plan and Develop Transportation Options by Assessing Community Need and Challenges Coordination Strategies: Conduct planning activities to further identify public transportation needs of residents outside of existing transportation authorities and define additional coordination opportunities for existing providers Develop potential connections from commuter bus lines to light rail service Invest in programs to assist with filling gaps in public transportation and facilitate service for work-related trips Invest in programs that facilitate transportation trips to medical and healthcare appointments Launch a mobility toolbox to educate on and promote public transportation options such as fixed route, demand-respond, ondemand services, etc. Coordination Goal: Support Public Transportation Recovery and Growth Coordination Strategies: Promote safe and healthy practices on public transportation services Implement plans to safely return to shared mobility options so that vehicles can carry multiple riders in one trip Explore sources of local revenue for public transportation through partnerships, sponsorships, and contracting for service Advocate to integrate funding sources to maximize efficiency and increase availability of affordable public transportation options Partner with organizations to coordinate training and recruitment for future public transportation professionals and create pipelines with area schools Establish driver recruitment and retention programs for public transportation services to address difficulties in retaining drivers Capital Area Coordination Goal: Continue to Identify unmet needs in the region Coordination Strategies: No strategy tied to the goal
Improved service	Middle Rio Grande Coordination Goal: Develop innovative methods that assist with the continuation of public transportation services and the sustainability of multi-modal facilities Coordination Strategies: Enhance bus stop amenities within the EZ-Rider service area. Ensure bus stops within urbanized areas are accessible to persons using mobility devices. Investigate creation of a volunteer driver program. South Texas Coordination Goal: Comprehensive Needs Assessment Coordination Strategies: Continual scan of existing services and inventory. Review of demographics/land uses. Conduct regular gap analysis: Identify specific public need. Identify transit program needs. Nortex Coordination Goal: Ensure sustainability for existing and new services Coordination Strategies: Formalize Regional Transportation Coordination Committee Coordination Goal: Plan for new services Coordination Strategies: Microtransit in the Larger Cities North Central Texas Coordination Goal: Expand the availability of services, especially to those who are unserved. Coordination Strategies: Identify and establish a program of future funding for service Monitor the supply of services and changes in travel demand and need as reported by partnering agencies and stakeholders. Prioritize closing service gaps for veterans, school-age children, and other population groups identified as underserved in the Texoma region. Heart of Texas Coordination Goal: Implement Services by Enhancing Transportation Options and Expanding Where Service Gaps Exist Coordination Strategies: Expand eligible trips for specialized public transportation services to include employment, social, religious, and well-being trips Increase access to employment, social (such as entertainment and shopping centers), religious, and well-being trips in areas with limited to no public transportation service Establish additional assistance or more specialized public transportation options for customers who are not ADA paratransit eligible or physically capable of utilizing regular public transportation services Expand service hours to support needs of low-income individuals in the service industry and outside traditional 9am-5pm jobs Expand public transportation services to key destinations throughout the region without comprehensive service and support regional integration of new services. Improve coordination among public transit providers and cities that lack public transportation Work with regional and local organizations to increase ease of travel across municipal and county boundaries Foster cooperation between public transit providers within counties to allow better connectivity and simplify regional trips Develop partnerships across transportation providers to improve access to trips in the evening and weekends Create and support partnerships between public transit providers and local organizations to increase opportunities to make fares more affordable for those in need Identify, evaluate, and implement where appropriate, non-traditional ways to deliver and support public transportation, including but not limited to partnerships among public transit agencies, private transportation providers, transportation network companies, shared use mobility programs, and volunteer drivers East Texas Coordination Goal: Increase efficiency and effectiveness Coordination Strategies: Work with and support transit providers in their mobility coordination efforts. Provide sufficient pool of drivers with proper qualifications. West Central Texas Coordination Goal: Improve the safety of transportation services in the region Coordination Strategies: Adjust and adapt to the evolving situations that occur as they relate to the COVID -19 pandemic. Capital Area Coordination Goal: Deploy strategies to improve service, coordination and generate higher ridership Coordination Strategies: Urban/rural mobility manager In-town on-demand service - microtransit Fixed schedule service Intercounty service
Improved passenger amenities	Upper Rio Grande Coordination Goal: New transit facility Coordination Strategies: No attached Coordination Strategy. Central Texas Coordination Goal: Improve the quality of the customer’s transit experience Coordination Strategies: Work with social service organizations to subsidize the purchase of multi-ride fare media. Synchronize scheduled service changes. Provide regional trip planning through Google Maps. Implement recommendations included in the 2030 Transit Development Plan and other localized planning efforts designed to improve service delivery and coordination as appropriate. Improve service frequency for inter-county transit service. Link South Texas College campuses in McAllen and Weslaco Evaluate the delivery of transit service in Willacy County. Consider realigning route paths for Valley Metro routes traveling along University Dr. and Closner Blvd. in Edinburg to minimize duplication. Prepare and distribute a regional transit guide. Expand awareness of Valley Metro’s Flex route feature. Provide more detailed service information. Enhance access to service information Improve access to information about transportation offerings provided through senior centers.
Increased connectivity	South Texas Coordination Goal: Improve the Effectiveness of the Advisory Committee and Outreach Coordination Strategies: Revise the by-laws to ensure a properly functioning committee. TxDOT does not require any formal process other than to assure that all stakeholders are heard. Bylaws should be simple and should encourage dialogue. Improve attendance at the meetings: Ensure each meeting is meaningful. Members will be organizations, rather than individual people. No quorum will be needed. Video link and designated backup to be provided for representatives. East Texas Coordination Goal: Bridge the transportation gap between service providers and clients Coordination Strategies: Expand service to meet needs of clients. Increase quality of service. Golden Crescent Coordination Goal: Establish connectivity among the cities of Beaumont, Port Arthur, and Orange. Coordination Strategies: Continue Beaumont Municipal Transit (BMT), Port Arthur Transit (PAT), and South East Texas Transit (SETT). Identify opportunities to maintain and expand the number of vehicles in the region providing transportation services. Develop a regional transit service that would operate between Beaumont and Port Arthur.
Technology	West Central Texas Coordination Goal: Reduce emissions caused by transportation in the region Coordination Strategies: Facilitate the use of electric and zero emissions vehicles in the development of new transit services
Increased mobility options	Central Texas Coordination Goal: Provide increased transit alternatives to people in the region. Coordination Strategies: Develop a partnership with Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) to address mobility needs outside regular service hours Introduce service to the McAllen Veterans Services Office. Expand local service in San Benito. Expand service to include neighborhoods around Harlingen.
Increased revenue	Central Texas Coordination Goal: Develop a sustainable fiscal system for transit in the region Coordination Strategies: Increase capital (vehicle) funding for non-profit operators. Panhandle Coordination Goal: Fill gaps in service through identification and assessment of changing mobility needs, increased efficiencies, funding opportunities, and new technologies. Coordination Strategies: Prepare for COVID-19 recovery period and long-term impacts of the pandemic. Survey transportation and health and human service organizations and identify ways in which WTEP can provide support to fill gaps in services. Promote expansion of interstate transportation and health and human services with South-Central New Mexico Rural Transit District (SCNMRTD) and Family Services of New Mexico, that serve Las Cruces, Chaparral, and Sunland Park New Mexico. Promote the creation of a user-friendly, single-entry phone and website access for passenger information for use by transit providers. Capital Area Coordination Goal: Sustainability and Growth Coordination Strategies: Securing additional federal funding Securing local funding
Mobility management	Middle Rio Grande Coordination Goal: Develop and market a centralized information system regarding transportation for transit-related requests among urban and rural providers Coordination Strategies: Redesign service information materials (including brochures, website, etc., especially TRAX and All Aboard America). Prepare and implement an 18 to 24 month Marketing Plan. Goal: Establish and maintain public awareness of all transportation services available within the project area. Introduce a single toll-free number for TRAX ride reservations. Create a one-stop call center covering the 22-county region, inclusive of an online platofrm where you can view all transportation services available in a county or area. Panhandle Coordination Goal: Maintain broad public knowledge of transit and social services throughout the six-county region. Coordination Strategies: Encourage adoption of smart phone technology that uses trip data analytics to improve connectivity and real-time communications with consumers and thus improve passenger readiness and pickup efficiency. Maintain www.gobusgo.org web site to inform the public about WTEP’s vision, mission, goals, operating objectives, and related activities. Conduct or participate in forums, seminars, community fairs or other means to inform the public about transportation and social service programs and events within the region. Support transit consumer education programs that inform recipients of services about their responsibilities as passengers. Inform policy makers about WTEP events and activities through presentations at board of directors’ meetings (City Councils, Commissioners Courts, MPO, COG, etc.). Update and continue supporting a multiagency marketing plan to promotes services offered by member organizations. Golden Crescent Coordination Goal: Develop a website that would provide transportation information to priority population groups. Coordination Strategies: Establish transportation coordination, both rural and urban, by developing an informational website that would be an easy-to-use resource connecting users with a variety of transportation services in the southeast Texas region. This would include information about public transportation, taxi services, Uber and Lyft services, paratransit, non-profit organizations, Carpool South East Texas, and others.
Increased service coverage	Middle Rio Grande Coordination Goal: Facilitate the expansion of transportation services to meet the needs of more clients. Coordination Strategies: Consider introducing once or twice-weekly van service linking outlying communities with Midland/Odessa/El Paso. (For communities not served by either AAA or Greyhound.) Resolve the TRAX driver recuritment and retention problem (likely attributable to a combination of the low overall wage structure and non-traditional work schedules). Develop formal agreements governing passenger travel between outlying communities and Midland, Odessa, and El Paso. Encourage rural communities to provide sidewalks and other bicycle/pedestrian facilities and infrastructure to facilitate mobility for those who utilize non-motorized transportation within their home community. Investigate opportunities for possible Transportation Network Companies (TNC) partnerships (especially in Ector and Midland counties) as a means of enhancing evenign and weekend mobility. Offer ADA paratransit service between Midland and Odessa. (May need to make a transfer at the EZ-Rider office to keep vehicles in their regular travel zones, but would still provide curb-to-curb service for ADA.) This would also facilitate paratransit service to the VA Clinic in Odessa. Implement improvements to the EZ-Rider system identified with its Comprehensive Operation Analaysis to enhance access to transit service in Midland and Odessa through extended service hours and Mobility on Demand areas. The City of Andrews should consider introduction of a local demand-response service. West Central Texas Coordination Goal: Increase the percentage of residents in the region with access to public transportation services Coordination Strategies: Develop innovative means to fund alternate mobility solutions such as microtransit - considering alternate funding sources and public private partnerships Increase awareness among officials and public of need for increased transit and human transportation services in Gulf Coast region Seek to initiate new fixed route transit services or expand in areas where it is identified as needed Seek to start demand response service in area where it is identified as needed Endeavor to enhance regional coordination for transit and human service transportation where possible Meet gaps with appropriate or innovative human and social transportation services in areas where service by adequate transit is difficult or not feasible Identify additional means of funding transit, human and social service transportation services Golden Crescent Coordination Goal: Expand public transportation service throughout the region. Coordination Strategies: Explore the possibility of expanding the transit service operation hours by initiating a survey to transportation patrons to get feedback on the need for expanded weekday and weekend services. Review existing transit routes within Beaumont and Port Arthur to identify potential changes to accommodate priority population groups.
Increased service span	Upper Rio Grande Coordination Goal: Improve and increase public transportation services Coordination Strategies: Further assess regional needs through outreach and planning activities with public sector, private sector, and non-profit sector stakeholders. RTPO formation. Develop partnerships with educational institutions, employers, businesses Approach businesses and churches for potential public-private partnerships to fund additional services/amenities (funding/finance) Research benefits/disadvantages of CDL license vs non-CDL license service. Based on results, conduct feasibility study on switch from larger vehicles to more numerous smaller vehicles Use pop-up/outreach events/opportunities to further gauge interest in increased rural demand service Continue development of bus app (OneBusAway, or OBA) to let passengers track vehicles and better time their rides / activities Review and upgrade operations software as needed Research potential future service additions including (but not limited to): On-demand response service/micro-transit; Trams/light rail; Victoria express routes; Promise Pointe route; Regional commuter routes Continue to search for volunteer organizations to partner with for the “Choose My Ride” Program Implement call and text reminders for those that have reserved trips in advance West Central Texas Coordination Goal: Enable the region’s public and human service providers to provide a longer span of service Coordination Strategies: Improve the level of service and span of existing providers
Improved Service to Disadvantaged Populations	Lower Rio Grande Valley Coordination Goal: Increase reliable access to transportation for low income and/or elderly persons within the region Coordination Strategies: Assist individuals to return home to rural areas after hospitalization Expand service hours for urban transit provider Expand direct services to employment centers Design new routes or services to directly serve low-income and/or elderly persons Explore new opportunities for multi-modal connections within the exisiting transit system (bike-share, ride sourcing, etc.) Coordinate services between rural, urban, and intercity transit providers to provide improved access for riders Explore expansion of pedestrian and bicycle facilities within the region with a focus on accessibility Build partnerships with traditional and non-traditional stakeholders to increase the likelihood of improvements to mobility for low-income and elderly persons Sustain the coordinated planning process Upper Rio Grande Coordination Goal: Maximize accessibility and ensure affordability of public transportation Coordination Strategies: Complete operational cost analysis Complete current and proposed enhanced system operational cost forecasts. Complete passenger fare analysis Develop regional accessibility and affordability policies Analyze and develop fare collection system Nortex Coordination Goal: Continue to expand services to communities that need transportation services the most Coordination Strategies: Continue to assess ways to serve colonias in the rural areas of the region. Use Section 5310 grant programs to expand specialized services to older adults or people with disabilities that may have trouble navigating the public transit systems. Coordinate with local municipalities and counties to improve roadway networks and pedestrian infrastructure in ways that can support public transit vehicles and pedestrian access to bus stops. Coastal Bend Coordination Goal: Increase equal access to transportation services for priority populations in Region 24 Coordination Strategies: Expand weekday service Establish regularly scheduled intercity services. Increase coordination among transportation providers and human service agencies. Permian Basin Coordination Goal: Implement Mobility Strategies to Address Client Needs for Convenient Travel to Work, Community Service, and Leisure Destinations Coordination Strategies: Strategically Extended Service Range and Hours When Financially Feasible Establish a Mobility Manager Network for Open Communication Between Regional Providers Enhanced Information Distribution on Services and Transit Networks Golden Crescent Coordination Goal: Increase awareness and understanding of the advantages of using public transportation to priority population groups through the region, including individuals with disabilities, aging populations, individuals with limited English proficiency, etc. Coordination Strategies: Collaborate with agencies on the Regional Public Transportation Coordination Steering Committee to form focus groups to help advertise the bus services. Leverage various media and opportunities, including traditional media (radio, TV, print), op-ed pieces, social media (Twitter, Facebook), and community meetings. Look for opportunities to expose the system to new passengers. Print pertinent transportation information in English and Spanish to assist the Spanish-speaking population to understand the available options.
Increased Coordination	Lower Rio Grande Valley Coordination Goal: Improve coordination for transportation services Coordination Strategies: Seek funding to improve technology capabilties for coordination between transportation service providers Increase coordination between transit providers to include passenger linkages at common drop-off points explore effects of coordination between TxDOT, planning agencies, transit agencies, etc. Identify opportunities to coordinate or centralize services or pool resources Explore creation of regional mobility manager or coordinator position Design new routes or services to directly serve low-income and/or elderly persons Explore potential coordinated programs for the provision of low-cost or no cost transportation for priority populations Sustain the coordinated planning process Coordination Goal: Increase utilization of resources between agencies in the region Coordination Strategies: Seek to increase the regional pool of drivers utilized by transportation agencies Research operational improvements to increase the retention of drivers and other transportation staff in the region Improve connectivity between transportation agencies and resource management Sustain the coordinated planning process Middle Rio Grande Coordination Goal: Promote public transportation within the seventeen counties of Planning Region 9 and the five counties included in the Big Bend region. Coordination Strategies: Investigate income-based ride subsidy for Greyhound and/or All Aboard America (AAA) for trips linking outlying communities with Midland/Odessa/El Paso. Address misperceptions regarding TRAX eligbility. Develop more effective travel coordination between TRAX and EZ-Rider. Designate central TRAX pick-up locations in Midland and Odessa (served by EZ-Rider) for individuals traveling outside of the urbanized area (such as to the VA Medical Center in Big Spring). Develop and maintain a travel training program. Develop more effective coordination between transportation providers and healthcare providers, focusing on appointment times and awareness of travel limitations of ride-dependent patients. Central Texas Coordination Goal: Coordinate transit agency functions. Coordination Strategies: Develop a regional one-call/one-click service. Improve schedule coordination between routes and between operators/providers, thereby reducing “wait-time” between buses. Implement a travel training program Consider conducting joint recruitment and training of drivers, including non-profit operators. Implement a one-stop call center. Improve rural bus stops to provide a clear, ADA-accessible path of travel. Prepare Bus Stop Inventories and Bus Stop Improvement Plans for each operator. Nortex Coordination Goal: Deploy strategies to improve service, coordination and generate higher ridership Coordination Strategies: Office of Mobility Management Coastal Bend Coordination Goal: Improve coordination among regional transportation providers Coordination Strategies: Seek opportunities to coordinate services and resources in the region. Seek funding to improve technology for regional providers to provide services more efficiently. Coordinate and assist the City of Eagle Pass in the formation of the City’s Metropolitan Transportation Organization. Work with the City of Eagle Pass to establish organizational structure, develop operating standards and any required interlocal service agreements, transit services and assets needed. Coordination Goal: Improve regional coordination between providers and brokers regarding nonemergency medical transportation (NEMT) Coordination Strategies: Seek to establish regular meetings with NEMT brokers to discuss regional gaps in service. North Central Texas Coordination Goal: Establish and sustain communications and decision-making mechanisms among sponsors and stakeholders to guide plan implementation effectively. Coordination Strategies: Establish the responsibility for plan and coordinating committee oversight at TAPS Maintain the regional coordination committee as a place for robust discussion and development of solutions to regional transit needs. Educate agencies, policymakers, and the public on the need for providing service and responding to community needs. Ark-Tex Coordination Goal: Identify Opportunities to Improve Coordination Between Transportation Providers in the Region Coordination Strategies: Formalize coordination efforts between GoBus, Tyler Transit, Longview Transit, NDMJ and other private providers. Explore opportunities to improve coordination between public transit with NDMJ, Amtrak, human services transportation, and intercity bus services as well as other private providers. Implement new transfer locations that provide improved connections between Tyler Transit, GoBus, and Greyhound. Implement expanded regional mobility management efforts. Implement recommendations from maintenance study. Administer trainings for human service agency staff, medical facility personnel, and others on the use and availability of transportation services. Heart of Texas Coordination Goal: Coordinate with Transportation Providers, Public Agencies, and Stakeholders to Increase Efficiencies Coordination Strategies: Improve coordination among public transit providers and cities that lack public transportation Work with regional and local organizations to increase ease of travel across municipal and county boundaries Foster cooperation between public transit providers within counties to allow better connectivity and simplify regional trips Develop partnerships across transportation providers to improve access to trips in the evening and weekends Create and support partnerships between public transit providers and local organizations to increase opportunities to make fares more affordable for those in need Identify, evaluate, and implement where appropriate, non-traditional ways to deliver and support public transportation, including but not limited to partnerships among public transit agencies, private transportation providers, transportation network companies, shared use mobility programs, and volunteer drivers East Texas Coordination Goal: Improve communications between service providers and clients Coordination Strategies: Improve coordination amongst providers and health & human service agencies. Improve information and communication methods for users. Panhandle Coordination Goal: Implement the WTEP Regional Health and Human Services – Public Transportation Coordination Plan through collaboration of services by member agencies. Coordination Strategies: Ensure that WTEP is well managed and administered such that it operates within its bylaws and meets TxDOT’s contract requirements Develop an Implementation Plan that guides member organizations to meet the region’s goals and operating objectives. Increase WTEP’s membership by developing partnerships with transportation and health & human service organizations. Encourage WTEP member organizations to share information regarding legislative and regulatory changes that can have a positive or negative impact on member organizations. Identify and implement strategies designed to inform member organizations about their role in implementing the Regional Plan. Identify and promote ‘Best Practices’ for transit and health and human service organizations such that services are improved. Seek additional funds to support expenses generated by WTEP as it meets the Goals and Objectives of the Regional Plan. Coordination Goal: Promote collaboration resulting in continued and improved services to persons served. Coordination Strategies: Support the distribution of information to member organizations regarding funding opportunities (Section 5310 of the Federal Transportation Act - Enhanced Mobility of Seniors & Individuals with Disabilities - offered by FTA, TxDOT, as well as seek additional funds from various sources such as foundations, businesses, Coordinating Council of Access and Mobility CCAM), etc. Continue support to the Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPO) by ensuring that Request for Proposals (RFP’s) submitted for funding under FTA Section 5310 are within the scope of the Regional Plan. Monitor and evaluate transportation services to dialysis centers and make recommendations that result in improved services. Develop and promote strategies designed to increase transportation and health and human services to persons from Brewster, Presidio, Davis, Culberson, and Hudspeth Counties. Continue to explore and present findings to appropriate entities as to having a metropolitan transportation system that combines city and county transit services into a single integrated service design. Continue to support the delivery of transportation and health and human services to: Individuals with disabilities; Individuals 65 and older; People with low income; Individuals with limited English proficiency; Children; Veterans; People lacking transportation to and from employment; and Members of the public. Permian Basin Coordination Goal: Coordinate and Consolidate Transportation Services and Resources to Promote Efficiency and Equity Coordination Strategies: Establish a Mobility Manager Network for Open Communication Between Regional Providers Increased Coordination Between Public Transit Agencies, Resources, and Information Exchange Enhanced Information Distribution on Services and Transit Networks Continued Operator/Staff Trainings, and the Introduction of Ridership Training Capital Area Coordination Goal: Improve the effectiveness of the advisory committee Coordination Strategies: Re-organize advisory committee