Project. Northern Shenandoah human services Completed

Principal investigator. Dr. Brian L. Smith, University of Virginia, 804-243-8406, bls2z@virginia.edu

External contact. James Robinson, VDOT, 1401 E. Broad St., Richmond, VA 23219, 804-786-6677

Project objective. To promote increased use of ITS in coordinating human services transportation in the Northern Shenandoah Valley.

Project abstract. Human service organizations often provide basic transportation services to their clients. While these services are essential to providing consumer support, the provision of transportation service tends to be expensive and difficult to manage. In order to provide a high level of service, while keeping costs to a minimum, it is desirable for regional human service organizations to join together to Apool@ their resources to provide transportation services. A fundamental challenge to providing such a pooled service lies in the logistics of managing the system. Multiple vehicles are involved, with multiple operators, serving clients with varied needs, all over a large geographic area. Before attempting to offer such a service, it is important to analyze current trip requests and resources to determine if the service would likely address the problems inherent in human service transportation. In addition, as stated above, providing such a service requires simultaneous consideration of numerous factors. This project will analyze all these factors as they bear on the use of ITS to facilitate human services in the Northern Shenandoah Valley.

Tasks. 1) Evaluate the appropriateness of suggested ITS methods in coordinating human services in the region. 2) Analyze the application of such technologies. 3) Analyze appropriate technology integration and operations requirements.

Milestones. This project will be completed in January 2001.

Student involvement. One part-effort GRA will be used.

Budget.   $120,000

Relationship to other research projects. No immediate relationship.

Technology transfer. Transmittal to appropriate officials in VDOT and the region. Possible publication in professional journals.

Potential benefits. More effective transport of human services clients in the region.

TRB keywords: ITS, social services