The need for on-demand response services in the Denver region outpaces existing service levels resulting in longer trip request wait times and more trip denials. The delay means the region's vulnerable residents are unable to access critical resources necessary for health, independence and quality of life.
About the program
Ride Alliance Human Service Transportation Trip Exchange project is an on-demand transit service designed to help older adults, veterans and people with mobility challenges get around the Denver region. Ride Alliance, which is currently not accepting ride requests, recently received a $975,486 grant for transit innovation from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation Grant program. The Ride Alliance Human Service Transportation Trip Exchange project was one of 34 programs selected nationally out of 321 eligible projects, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.
The Ride Alliance will provide more frequent, improved service by reducing trip denials, streamlining client intake, coordinating service, optimizing funding and eliminating duplicative reporting requirements. The aim is to improve mobility for the region's most vulnerable residents.
How will it work?
The Ride Alliance Trip Exchange software will function as a central hub for service providers using different dispatching software and platforms for demand response transit trips. This coordination will work through application programming interfaces that connect the “endpoint” systems to the central hub.
Riders will register an account with Ride Alliance either online or over the phone.
Riders will provide consent to share information with Ride Alliance trip providers to request a ride.
Trip providers can accept or reject a trip based on factors such as availability or service hours.
Rejected trips will be posted to the Trip Exchange, allowing other providers to accept the trip.
Project outcomes
Once completed, Ride Alliance will coordinate and integrate demand response transportation resources among passengers, multiple service providers and sponsors in the Denver metro area. The grant funding for Ride Alliance will transform the way services are accessed and used, ensuring the most vulnerable community members can reach medical appointments, grocery stores and other essential activities.
By bringing together local partners and human service transportation providers, Ride Alliance will streamline the coordination of transportation services, reducing wait times and trip denials. This innovative approach not only enhances the quality of life for those who rely on demand-response transit services but also sets a new standard for accessible and inclusive transportation solutions.
Additional resources
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law authorized the Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation Grants program to build demonstration projects focused on advanced data-driven community technologies and systems to improve transportation efficiency and safety. Explore the links below for more information on the grant program.
For more information on Ride Alliance, contact Cole Neder, senior transit planner, 309-373-4940.