In October 2019, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) announced nearly $105 million in grants for public transit. ODOT quadrupled the state investment into rural counties with this money allowing for expansion of services in three Ohio counties that previously did not have public transit service. The funding also allows the Rural Public Transit Systems to put resources toward improving healthcare initiatives and workforce development.

Carpenter Marty Transportation assisted the Ohio Valley Regional Development Commission (OVRDC) and Family Recovery Services Transportation (FRST) in Highland County in receiving more than $1 million for their new 5311 Rural Transit Program (RTP). Carpenter Marty Transportation’s feasibility study demonstrated the demand for more route options in Highland County and reviewed potential planning-level routes with the ownership group and others.

John Gallagher and the Carpenter Marty Transportation traffic team worked in coordination with the local transit agency on a rural public transit system feasibility and planning study for Highland County. The study area included the City of Hillsboro, the Village of Greenfield, and the residential area surrounding Rocky Fork Lake. Carpenter Marty Transportation’s recommendations following the study included the feasibility and sustainability of moving to, or adding, a 5311 system. Potential planning-level routes were also included and reviewed.

Carpenter Marty Transportation’s feasibility and planning study reviewed all available and relevant rural public transportation studies and ridership data that was available from Highland County and surrounding areas. A stakeholder group was formed, and meetings were held to obtain input and information from all involved. Carpenter Marty Transportation also conducted an origin-destination study using StreetLight data to determine existing heavy travel patterns. This data uses cell phone location services to show the amount of traffic that enters at a predetermined zone (origin) and exits at a separate predetermined zone (destination). Carpenter Marty Transportation staff organized and reviewed the data to determine the percentages of trips for each origin-destination pairing. This data was matched with census data on lack of vehicle ownership, disabilities, poverty, and other demographics. Heavy travel patterns from areas with low vehicle ownership, high handicap population, and impoverished areas helped indicate potential transit route needs or stop locations.

In addition, Carpenter Marty Transportation developed a survey which was distributed to members of the community by paper and several online sources. The questions were developed to further measure the public demand for a 5311 system and identify the extent of the desired system. Carpenter Marty Transportation compiled and analyzed more than 150 surveys received.

The Highland Area Rural Transportation System (HARTS) currently has a 5310 Enhanced Mobility for Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities system. With this program, HARTS is able to provide transportation to the elderly and disabled but not the general public. The grant funding awarded will allow for a change to the 5311 Formula Grants for Rural Areas system. This new system will allow for additional routes, services to the general public, and purchase of new vehicles to serve more individuals while also maintaining the existing program. This is the first time that public transportation services have been funded to this magnitude within the Highland/Adams County region.

The next step for this project will be a discussion between FRST, HARTS, local governments, businesses, and the general public for determination of the best places for stops, schedule, and many more details. The target date for services to begin is estimated to be March/April 2020.