Action Steps to Bridge the Transportation Gap
Transportation is a significant challenge for persons with SUD who lack access to public transit or other modes of transportation. Rural communities can implement programs that provide transportation to people on demand, for any reason. Communities that are interested in implementing transportation programs to help address the need should consider the following action steps:
- Bring transportation to the table. Make sure that representatives from the State or local transit office are engaged early. Invite them to join working groups or the taskforce that is formed to address SUD in the community.
- Understand the level of transportation that people seeking SUD services need. Engage in a community prioritization exercise to identify the transportation needs of clients and the areas with the greatest needs.
- Put the transportation need on the DOT radar. Make sure that the transportation need is reflected in the transit plan. Transportation is funded through the U.S. DOT and the Federal Transit Administration only if it is in a plan. If a transportation need is included in the transit plan for the region, that need may be considered for funding.
- Identify service gaps and the systems that are available to help. Identify the closest transit program that can help as well as the clear service gaps. Be sure to address special considerations like disabilities that may impact these needs. Special housing areas for those dealing with SUD will need direct routes to treatment and recovery centers.
- Consider whether plans or projects can be adapted to provide support. Coordinate with the transit program and stakeholders locally or at the State level to develop and amend a project to the State or local Coordinated Human Service and Transportation Plan.
- Know the costs and leverage resources. Work with the local transit to identify the costs for developing the mobility the clients need to be successful. Seek opportunities to leverage resources, engage with other programs, and find public and private stakeholders that share an interest in addressing SUD.
- Add access to transportation to the treatment and recovery plan. SUD programs do not always provide transportation as part of the clinic services. Yet, people seeking substance use services usually lack financial, personal, or physical resources to meet their mobility needs. Find ways to build access to transportation into treatment and recovery modalities