Thunder Bay Transportation Authority, Expanding Access: A Mobility Growth Initiative
Thunder Bay Transportation Authority serves as the only public transportation provider for a four-county area of northeastern Michigan. It offers fixed route, paratransit, CMS Medicaid non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) and specialized transportation services, reducing transportation barriers for essential trips like medical appointments, employment and daily needs for older adults, people with disabilities and low-income residents. While Thunder Bay is a licensed CMS Medicaid NEMT provider and receives Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA’s) Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Formula Program (Section 5310) funding for capital vehicle purchases, it uses FTA’s Formula Grants for Rural Areas (Section 5311) to go beyond more typical CMS Medicaid NEMT to integrate technology, route optimization and partnerships. The result is accessible, reliable and affordable non-emergency medical transportation provided in a remote area.
What makes this innovative?
Thunder Bay Transportation Authority offers demand-response rides tailored to the needs of rural older adults, people with disabilities and low-income residents. The agency trains drivers in disability awareness, customer service and emergency protocols and coordinates with local agencies, such as the Area Agency on Aging, healthcare providers and workforce organizations, to ensure resident access to essential services. This holistic approach fills critical gaps in this rural area and helps to ensure that individuals remain independent and connected. Thunder Bay has experienced a 40-percent increase in demand for NEMT trips in just the past year, and the expanded services have strengthened regional mobility and fostered economic stability.
Funding for this innovation comes from FTA Sections 5310 and 5311 as well as CMS Medicaid NEMT.
Lessons Learned and Replication Advice:
› Engage with older adults, people with disabilities and community stakeholders early to ensure services are designed to meet actual needs.
› Secure funding and partners to maintain long-term service operations.
› Leverage route optimization software and real-time scheduling technology to improve efficiencies, reduce wait times and reach more clients with fewer resources.
› Train drivers in disability awareness, customer service and emergency protocols to ensure safe and respectful service.
› Focus on community needs, funding sustainability and operational flexibility to expand transportation access and improve quality of life for hard-to-reach rural populations.