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HomeMy WebLinkAbout8.3 Sr Ctr Ride Match Program �sz AGENDA STATEMENT PARKS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION MEETING DATE: June 15, 2009 SUBJECT: Senior Center Ride Match Program Report Prepared by Paul McCreary, Assistant Director of Parks and Community Services ATTACHMENTS: None RECOMMENDATION: Receive report and recommend approval to the City Council of the proposed program plan. FINANCIAL STATEMENT: None DESCRIPTION: One of the City Council high priority goals for Fiscal Year 2008- 2009 (identified by the Senior Center Advisory Committee and assigned to the Parks and Community Services Department) is to develop a Volunteer Carpool Program to provide transportation to the Dublin Senior Center. The intent is to provide an alternate transportation method for seniors from their homes or public transit hubs,to the Senior Center and back. Staff has developed a draft program plan for a "Ride Match" service which is outlined below. This program is based on the successful "Ride Share" program coordinated by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission for commuters. It would facilitate carpooling among Senior Center patrons who either want to be drivers and/or riders. Drivers would not be City of Dublin volunteers, similar to the drivers who transport participants in the Trail Trekkers program. PROPOSED PROGRAM PLAN In order to facilitate carpooling to the Senior Center, Staff would maintain a list of interested drivers and riders. The information would be stored in a database and plotted on a map using Google Maps, making it easier to visually find drivers and riders with similar transportation needs. The maps would be accessible via the Internet by Staff and by riders and drivers that have completed a registration form with the City. Once those registered for the service found a match, the rider(s) and driver would be responsible for working out their own arrangements for the carpool. Rider and Driver Registration COPIES TO: Senior Center Advisory Committee ITEM NO.: 8.3 G:\PARKS COMMISSION\AGNDSTMT\2009\6-15 Item 8.3 Senior Center Ride Match Program.doc d. J In order to gain access to the rider/driver map and contact information, individuals would need to complete a registration form. The form would ask for basic contact information and carpooling preferences including: • First and Last Name • Home Address or Street Name • Preferred Method of Contact: Email address or Phone Number • Carpool Preference: Ride, Drive or Both • Schedule: Day(s), Arrival and Departure Times, Schedule Flexibility • Special Needs: Non-Smoking, Mobility Issues, Car Size, etc. The form would also list the following "terms of use" for Ride Match and require a participant signature: ■ I agree to receive phone calls and/or e-mail messages from other Dublin Senior Center Ride Match Service users. ■ 1 understand that I will receive periodic e-mail messages from the Senior Center requesting that I review and update my information, and that such review will be required for continued participation in the service. ■ I understand that the Senior Center Ride Match Service only provides information that will enable me to form or join a carpool. ■ I understand that my personal information will remain confidential and will only be used for ridesharing purposes. ■ The Ride Match Service provides referral services; it does not certify the character of ridesharing participants. Participants are advised to screen referrals to their personal satisfaction. Additionally, in consideration of being permitted to participate in the Ride Match service, participants would be required to sign a release and waiver of liability. Ride Match and Carpool Tips Staff would prepare a handout for riders and drivers to provide tips for establishing and maintaining successful carpools. In order to help avoid carpooling with unsafe drivers and/or people who may make someone feel uncomfortable, participants would be advised to get to know each other before starting to carpool. They could meet in a neutral public place or talk on the phone and discuss driving safety. Other key questions to discuss could include: • How often will the carpool happen? ■ Who does the driving and on what days? ■ Does the driver(s) have full insurance coverage? ■ Where and when will the carpool meet? Carpoolers can pick each other up at home, or meet at a mutually-convenient location. The handout would suggest that participants request contact information for personal references, and make sure to exchange emergency contact and any necessary medical information prior to starting the carpool. Carpoolers should also establish "rules of the road" on items such as food and beverage, smoking, cell phone use, etc. The City would make no specific recommendations about cost sharing, but instead encourage carpoolers to decide about cost sharing up front to ensure all members of the carpool agree on the financial details before starting. IMPLEMENTATION Staff plans to present the program plan to the City Council on June 16. If approved by the Council, Staff anticipates implementing the service by the end of July. 2 of 3 v The ride matching data and maps would be maintained by the Senior Center Volunteer Coordinator. The service would be promoted in the newsletter, quarterly activity guide, www.dublinseniorcenter.com, and at City facilities. Staff would target driver recruitment with participants in existing classes. Additionally with well over 100 older adults at "The Groves" without personal transportation, Staff would try to facilitate use of the service by the management of that complex, which is trying to expand transportation options to the Senior Center. SUMMARY Staff has reviewed the proposed program plan with the City Attorney's Office and the City's Risk Manager from the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG). Both entities approved the proposed plan. Staff presented the program plan to the Senior Center Advisory Committee at the special meeting on June 11, 2009. The Advisory Committee Members were all supportive of the program and believe it will be a tremendous benefit to older adults in the community. The Committee unanimously voted to recommend approval of the proposed plan to the Parks and Community Services Commission. RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the Parks and Community Services Commission receive the report and recommend approval to the City Council of the proposed program plan. 3 of 3