USER-SIDE SUBSIDIES: DELIVERING SPECIAL-NEEDS TRANSPORTATION THROUGH PRIVATE PROVIDERS

The user-side subsidy is a method for delivering low-cost transportation services to selected groups of travelers. Under a user-side subsidy program, certain target groups of users are permitted to purchase trips from a transportation provider at fares that are below those charged to the general public. For each subsidized trip delivered, the provider receives a voucher, scrip, or a ticket from the user, which can be redeemed at the subsidizing agency for an agreed-on value--usually the full-fare value of the trip. Over the past several years, the Service and Methods Demonstration Program of the Urban Mass Transportation Administration has been exploring various applications of the user-side subsidy concept through a number of demonstration and case-study evaluations. This paper summarizes and compares the major evaluation findings from these projects to make some general statements about the overall feasibility and cost-effectiveness of providing special needs transportation services through user-side subsidies. It examines the concept from the perspective of three principal groups--the subsidizing agency, the user, and the transportation provider. Relevant issues of concern to each of these groups are identified and discussed and those issues most relevant to federal policymakers are highlighted.

Media Info

  • Media Type: Digital/other
  • Features: Tables;
  • Pagination: pp 13-18
  • Monograph Title: Issues in the provision of transportation services for the elderly and the handicapped
  • Serial:

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00368196
  • Record Type: Publication
  • ISBN: 0309033535
  • Files: TRIS, TRB
  • Created Date: Oct 30 1982 12:00AM