HARRISBURG, Dad. (WHTM) – Pennsylvania will expand access to its transportation utilities.
Governor Tom Wolf announced today that Pennsylvania’s Departments of Transportation (PennDOT) and Human Services (DHS) are: promised a $750,000 grant from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to expand the Find My Ride (FMR) online tool.
Pennsylvania was one of 17 states to receive funding through free trade agreements Innovative Coordinated Access and Mobility (ICAM) pilot program through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Apply FMR Developed in partnership with transit agencies, it streamlines the application process for the five largest transportation utilities in the state, including the Senior Shared Ride Programthe Medical Assistance Transport Program (MATP)ADA Complementary Paratransit, the Disability Program and the Free Transportation Program. In addition, FMR Apply allows third parties, such as a family member or healthcare provider, to request services on behalf of a rider.
The new FTA funds will enable the expansion of upgrades to FMR to simplify public access to the tool and streamline processes for healthcare providers and MATP administrators. Some examples of system improvements supported by these new grant funds include:
- Enable consumers to apply for fixed route assistance and mileage reimbursement directly through FMR and the option to have refunds transferred directly to their bank account;
- Creating an interface between FMR and DHS’ PROMISE system, allowing MATP administrators to automatically verify a consumer’s eligibility for MATP;
- Enable MATP administrators to issue fixed route tickets and pass them directly to a consumer’s mobile ticketing app; and
- Provide healthcare providers with a means to verify that a visit has taken place using the system.
DHS’s MATP program provides non-emergency medical transportation for Medicaid-eligible consumers who do not have access to transportation. MATP funds more than 4 million trips annually, and each province offers the type of transportation that is the least expensive while still meeting individual needs. Contact information specific to each MATP provider in the province can be found at: matp.pa.gov†
“Since taking office, I have made a commitment to expanding access to health care to ensure that the people of Pennsylvania have the opportunity to live healthier lives,” said Governor Wolf. “This grant through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law builds on my commitment and will help some of the Commonwealth’s most vulnerable citizens get to and from their healthcare appointments by reducing transportation barriers they would otherwise experience.”
“Public transportation is available in every county in Pennsylvania, and people depend on it every day,” said PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian. “Often the people most dependent on the transportation system for human services are the most vulnerable among us, and I’m proud that Find My Ride has made it easier than ever to access these services. We are grateful that these funds will help us make it even better, both for the people who help manage these critical programs and for those who rely on them.”
In addition to FMR Apply, FMR Educational Site provides information about the use of public transport and the types of public transport available.
More information about public transport and alternative transport options such as ridesharing, cycling and walking is available on the PennDOT website†