Job Access and Reverse Commute (jarc) Program fy 2009 Service Profiles Region X alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington October 2010 fta-08-0162 Job Access and Reverse Commute (jarc) fy 2009 Service Profiles: Region X

Intercity Transit (647)

Village Vans (765)

Location: Intercity Transit PTBA Area (WA)
Type: Trip-Based Services/Demand response
Goal: Improved access/connections
Service description: The Village Vans Program is the result of more than 40 human service agencies collaboratively identifying transportation as a major barrier to low-income citizens seeking economic independence. Intercity Transit developed, implemented, and operates the Village Vans Program providing free, advanced reservation, door-to-door transportation services. Passengers who meet low-income eligibility are given rides to work, to job search activities and to other essential employment support destinations that would be difficult or impossible without Village Vans. Rides are available Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
Vans are operated by eligible volunteers who are job seekers. They enroll in the Customized Job Skills Training Course to receive current work experience, employment skills instruction and job search coaching. More than 90% have found employment while in the Program.
Evaluation: Service data is compiled from call logs, scheduling and dispatching software, and from customer surveys. Performance standards include analysis of customer satisfaction, cost of service, number of trips, number of and reason for denial of service and percentage of drivers finding employment on completion of the Village Vans Customized Job Skills Training Program. Community partner evaluations are regularly analyzed to measure needs met and for planning.
Accomplishments: Village Vans successfully performs as the only on-demand, door-to-door transportation option for low-income job seekers and workers. Thousands of passengers have accessed employment support sites, many exiting public assistance for economic independence.
The Drivers Training Program is unique and innovative, doubling the impact of Village Vans while enabling program continuance by fulfilling grant match requirements. Volunteer drivers and passengers have the same goal – finding employment – and exchange information, tips on jobs, resource availability. Drivers’ model initiative and motivation in promoting professional development and 94% of them have been successful finding good employment while in the program.
Lessons learned: Develop a local support group of social service providers and/or volunteer organizations who will support the program with clients and drivers. Start small; be frugal; expect an extended deficit. Promote program and celebrate successes widely and publicly. We would like to have realized the difficulty in meeting grant’s substantial local match requirements.

Village Vans Vehicles (1435)