To complete a planning feasibility study to understand the best way to operate a semi-fixed route routine service from areas of persistent poverty in the four-county region to non-emergency medical…

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) awarded $350,000 under the Metropolitan Transportation Planning and State and Non-Metropolitan Planning and Research program (CFDA 20.505) to the Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG) on August 29, 2025, for a planning feasibility study concluding December 31, 2026. The award supports comprehensive planning activities to develop standardized semi-fixed routes and schedules for a free shuttle service connecting residents of areas of persistent poverty in a four-county region to non-emergency medical facilities. The study will inform operational requirements and service design to ensure consistent access to medical care for low-income residents and patient advocates.

SACOG is the direct grant recipient, with Paratransit Inc. serving as the subrecipient responsible for executing all project activities through federally compliant procurement processes. The planning study represents a competitive investment under the Areas of Persistent Poverty Program, which prioritizes transit service expansion and improvement in economically disadvantaged areas. Deliverables will include feasibility analysis and operational planning documentation that establishes the foundation for implementing a sustainable shuttle service to enhance healthcare accessibility for vulnerable populations.

Activities

Funds will be used to implement a planning study to understand the feasibility to operate semi-fixed route for routine service from areas of persistent poverty in the four-county regional to non-emergency medical facilities.

Expected outcomes

This planning study will create standardized routes and schedules that could be used to operate a free shuttle residents in areas of persistent poverty communities and their advocates to access non-emergency medical care.

Intended beneficiaries

Residents of areas of persistent poverty to plan for the operation of a shuttle that would allow for consistency in access to and receiving non-emergency medical care and also allow for the patients advocate to also use the service.

Subrecipient activities

Paratransit INC. Was awarded these areas of persistent poverty grant funds and for the project and will complete all activities listed along with their federally compliant procured consultants. Sacog is applying for the funds as a direct recipient on paratransit INC.S behalf.