Job Access and Reverse Commute (JARC)
and New Freedom Programs
Program Information
FTA Section 5316 - Job Access and Reverse Commute (JARC) and FTA Section 5317 - New Freedom Programs
The Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU), the federal funding authorization for fiscal years 2006 through 2009, was enacted on August 10, 2005. Under this legislation, JARC and the New Freedom Programs were developed with new funding and provisions to improve transportation services for individuals with lower incomes and persons with disabilities.
JARC Program Goals
The JARC program supports the development and maintenance of services designed to transport welfare recipients and eligible low-income individuals to and from jobs and activities related to their employment.
According to FTA’s guidance, projects need to be derived from a Coordinated Public Transit – Human Services Transportation Plan called for under SAFETEA-LU. Projects for 2006-2007 funding cycle were exempt from this requirement. However, the projects must be based on previously completed planning efforts that meet certain minimum criteria, such as an assessment of existing services, an assessment of needs or gaps in such services, and strategies for addressing these shortcomings. These plans must also be based on a good faith effort for coordinating with existing planning partners and with opportunities for public participation.
JARC Eligible Projects
JARC funds may be applied to the capital and operating costs of new or expanded transportation services. The funds may also be used for such activities as service extensions, guaranteed rides home, shuttle services, and ridesharing activities. For capital expenses, Federal funds provide up to 80 percent of the cost of the project and up to 50% of the eligible operating expenses. Funds from other, non-USDOT federal programs (e.g. human services) may be used for matching purposes. Upon approval by Metro, in-kind contributions may be used to meet the local matching requirements.
A reverse commute project facilitates the provision of new or expanded public transportation for the general public from urban, suburban and rural areas to suburban work places. Funding may include capital, planning, and operating assistance to support:
- Late-night and weekend service;
- Guaranteed ride home service;
- Shuttle service;
- Expanding fixed-route public transit routes;
- Demand-responsive van service;
- Ridesharing and carpooling activities dedicated to shuttling employees from their residences and transit transfer points to a suburban work place and back again;
- Local car loan programs; and
- Other items such as bicycle racks on buses and bike storage facilities, administrative expenses for voucher programs to increase service, vehicle location monitoring systems, project marketing for workers with non-traditional schedules, and development of employer vanpool and ridesharing programs.
New Freedom Program Goals
The New Freedom formula program provides funding for new public transportation services, and alternatives to public transportation services, for people with disabilities, beyond those required by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA).
New Freedom Eligible Projects
New Freedom funding may be used to support up to 80 percent of the capital project costs and up to 50 percent of the project’s net operating expenses. Funds from other, non-USDOT federal programs (e.g. human services) may be used for matching purposes. Upon approval by Metro, in-kind contributions may be used to meet the local matching requirements.
Projects and activities eligible for funding include:
1) Paratransit Enhancements
- Expansion of paratransit service beyond the 3/4th mile required by the ADA;
- Expansion of current hours of operation for paratransit services that are beyond those provided on the fixed route services;
- Provision of same day and door through door service;
- Accommodation for mobility aids that exceed ADA standards.
2) New* Public Transportation Services Beyond ADA Standards
- New feeder services to commuter rail, commuter bus, and intercity rail and bus stations for which complementary paratransit service is not required by the ADA;
- Purchasing new vehicles to support new accessible taxi, ride sharing, and /or van pool programs;
- Making accessibility improvements to transit and intermodal stations not designated as key stations;
- Supporting administration and expenses related to new voucher program for services offered by human service providers.
3) New* Alternatives to Public Transportation Beyond ADA Standards
- Accessible taxi
- Volunteer programs
- Administration of vouchers
- Travel training
- Mobility management
* New defined as either not operational or not funded prior to August 10, 2005
Eligible Applicants
The JARC and New Freedom Programs are competitive grants programs. Applicants may include local government agencies, social services agencies, tribal government, private and public transit operators, non-profit organizations and regional transportation planning agencies.
After an application has been selected for funding, the project sponsor will be required to submit the appropriate FTA certifications and assurances.
Funding for Los Angeles County
|
|
JARC
|
New Freedom
|
Available Through FY071
|
$11,141,922
|
$4,589,808
|
Estimated for FY08 and FY092
|
$13,175,044
|
$5,642,261
|
1. These amounts include apportionments to Lancaster/Palmdale area of: $302,720 (JARC) and $122,631 (New Freedom)
2. These amounts include apportionments to Lancaster/Palmdale area of: $345,726 (JARC) and $150,716 (New Freedom)
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