When efforts to address transportation slowed following COVID, it was an opportunity to try a new approach.
Allegany County and its surrounding areas do not fall within the metrics to call for recruitment of drivers. “We understand the nature of supply and demand. We see populations of students at Frostburg State University and Allegany College of Maryland, coupled with our booming tourism industry, which all position us at a high demand point. In an area where transportation is already a challenge for some households, the supply of drivers will be what has the potential to move us forward or force us to refocus,” said McCoy. Results from the survey indicate that the community might be in a better position than standard metrics indicate, however. Economic development specialist Adam Strott, a partner with the committee, has been working to extrapolate data that will soon be published, along with additional requested metrics, to Uber and Lyft . In addition to the survey, the partners have continued to explore options for a study and plan to identify specific actions for public transit and finding ways to bring together agencies that provide medical and non-medical transport to encourage coordination through a shared management platform.
The Chamber officially formed a sub- committee of its Economic Development Committee in May of this year, at which time representatives from Allegany County Transit, Allegany County Department of Economic and Community Development, Tri-County Council, and a growing assembly of individuals representing nonprofit organizations came together. The sub-committee quickly began conversations focused to: » Identify transportation barriers and opportunities » Evaluate how federal and state transportation funding is currently being utilized » Evaluate the flexibility of federal and state transportation funding in context of Maryland regulations and policies » Identify best practices in rural communities » Identify funding and partnership opportunities » Develop an action plan that includes implementation timelines and costs
It was during an update on the transportation issue in a health planning coalition meeting in June that led to connections being made with two nationally recognized rideshare companies and a software firm, which broadened the group’s focus to include additional opportunities. Now, four months later, in partnership with Allegany County Department of Economic and Community Development, the group has completed a survey that was encouraged as a grassroots effort to prove not only the need, but also potential supply for on-demand and rideshare options.
November 2022
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