Rappahannock-Rapidan Regional Commission – Regional Transportation Collaborative
The Rappahannock-Rapidan Regional Commission has created the Regional Transportation Collaborative (RTC), a mobility management program, through the use of Virginia’s first one-call, one-click call center.
Its flexible design allows partner programs to participate at the level they are able at any given time and increases the ability for nontraditional stakeholders to participate. Its collaborative structure enables RTC to leverage partnerships and resources to support fund raising, strategic planning, staffing, data collection and more.
What makes this innovative?
RTC’s Mobility Center provides mobility services through a central phone number, and it coordinates and supports information and referral. With a strong emphasis on collaboration among partners and sharing resources, RTC supports eight local transportation nonprofit programs, partners with more than 30 community agencies and continually implements new mobility solutions to address the region’s mobility challenges.
Over a four-year period, from fiscal year 2019 through 2023, RTC generated nearly 600-percent growth in mobility funding and services for older adults and people with disabilities. RTC’s collaborative relationships with diverse partners means that rather than competing for funds, they can jointly apply, and they typically meet eligibility for any state or federal transportation grant, including match requirements. The collaboration has enabled RTC to increase funding from AARP and three local foundations as well.
Partnerships also allow RTC to align priorities, data and services with local foundations. For example, RTC now partners with three programs supporting vulnerable individuals who need behavioral health counseling and drug and alcohol treatment services, which has opened new funding opportunities.
Lessons Learned and Replication Advice:
› Secure local buy-in for the collaborative to enable the ability to leverage funding, staffing and partnerships.
› Address partner differences in organizational policies and procedures when forming a collaboration. Partners should be willing to consider nontraditional approaches when exploring leveraging of funds, policies, service provision and more.
› Secure commitments from all partners to dedicate ongoing staff time to the collaboration.