The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is hosting a series of regional public workshops to gain insight from the public regarding the federal Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities program.
The first meeting of the series will be on Tuesday, Dec. 13 at 1:30 p.m. at the TxDOT Atlanta District headquarters, Room 26, located at 701 E. Main in Atlanta.
During these meetings, which are scheduled in December and January, the public will have the opportunity to learn about rural public transit from local providers and to provide their own input.
Following presentations from local providers, those in attendance will help identify and prioritize issues and needs facing the transportation program.
“The needs of seniors and individuals with disabilities are at the center of the Section 5310 program, so we need input from local stakeholders such as transit users, organizations serving seniors and individuals with disabilities, nonprofit agencies, transit districts, and local governments to help guide the funding decisions for the next two years,” said Kari Banta, the Section 5310 program manager for TxDOT’s Public Transportation Division.
Simultaneous meetings at satellite locations will be taking place on a number of the dates. In addition, the meetings will be available over the internet, so the public can listen in and view the presentations, as well as offer input, from their homes or from locations more convenient to them.
A schedule of the meetings, as well as instructions for joining via webinar, will be updated regularly on www.txdot.gov, under the hearings and meetings schedule. An online survey can also be completed on the website, or participants may elect to leave input or ask questions by calling 512-360-0668.
Public transportation provides mobility options, reduces traffic congestion, conserves fuel, improves air quality, reduces greenhouse gas emissions and supports emergency preparedness in the areas it serves.
TxDOT promotes and supports public transportation by collaborating with local governments, non-profit entities and other transportation providers. TxDOT provides funding to assist the needs of elderly individuals and persons with disabilities when current transportation service is unavailable, insufficient or inappropriate.
For more information or if someone has accommodation needs, please contact Sonya Hudson, TxDOT Atlanta District Public Transportation Coordinator, at 903-799-1310.
