NY Transp L § 73-E (2021)
2021 New York Laws TRA - Transportation Article 2-F - New York State Rural Public Transportation Coordination Assistance Program 73-E - Rural Public Transportation Coordination Assistance Program.

§ 73-e. Rural  public  transportation coordination assistance program.   1. Program established. There  is  hereby  established  a  rural  public   transportation coordination assistance program which shall:a.  enhance  the  access  of  people in rural counties to health care,   shopping, education, employment, public services and recreation services   and opportunities;b. assist in the establishment, maintenance, development,  improvement   and use of public transportation services in rural counties;c.  encourage  and facilitate the most efficient and economical use of   all  federal,  state  and  local  funds  used   to   provide   passenger   transportation   in  rural  counties  through  the  establishment  of  a   coordinated public transportation service in each county;  and  seek  to   increase  the  productivity of existing programs used for transportation   by increasing the hours of vehicle operation and by  expanding  services   and  service  eligibility  in  such manner as to transport more persons,   especially those in need of transportation  but  who  do  not  typically   receive transportation services;d.  provide for the participation of public and private for profit and   not-for-profit transportation providers, school districts and volunteers   in coordinated public transportation services in rural counties  to  the   maximum extent feasible.2.   Eligible  expenses  and  services.    The  department  shall,  in   consultation with the interagency coordinating committee on rural public   transportation, define and determine the categories or types of expenses   or services that will  be  eligible  for  financial  assistance.  Public   transportation  services funded under this article should be designed to   maximize usage by the  public,  including  transportation  disadvantaged   persons.  Rail,  air, water, freight, emergency medical, charter or tour   transportation services shall not be eligible for assistance provided by   this article. No payment of  financial  assistance  under  this  section   shall  be  made  for  any  expenses  incurred  by  a rural county or its   subcontractors prior to the date it receives  written  notice  from  the   commissioner that it shall be awarded a grant under this article.3.  Technical  assistance and transportation management services.  The   department may, at  the  request  of  a  services  coordinator,  provide   technical  transportation  assistance  to  said  coordinator to help the   coordinator comply with program standards and guidelines issued  by  the   commissioner.    Additionally,  the  department  may  arrange to sponsor   training programs which will enable services coordinators to perform the   duties required by this article.  The  department  may  furnish  to  and   periodically  update  for  services coordinators information relating to   existing rural transportation services in the  state.  Such  information   may include but not be limited to:a.  a  brief  description  of  the  nature and scope of existing rural   public transportation services, including a  listing  of  transportation   providers and services coordinators;b.   the   identification   of  unique  operating  circumstances,  and   innovative management or transportation services delivery techniques.4. Transportation services coordination between counties and  regions.   The  department  may  identify  and  attempt  to  coordinate  the use of   transportation services outside of individual rural counties and between   counties in order to enable persons to be transported outside  a  county   and  or outside a region and the department may identify and promote the   intercounty use of transportation facilities.5. Coordination of federal, state, local and private aid; report.  The   department may compile and maintain current information on available and   pending  federal,  state,  local  and  private aid affecting coordinated   public transportation services in rural counties.   The  department  may    request and shall be entitled to receive information from state or local   agencies  regarding  the amount of federal, state and local aid received   by public and private nonprofit organizations providing  or  contracting   for  transportation  services  and  the  purpose  for  which  the aid is   received. The commissioner may, in  consultation  with  the  interagency   coordinating committee on rural public transportation, use the following   criteria  to recommend policies to the governor and the legislature that   would or could promote compliance with the purposes of this subdivision:a. elimination of duplicative and  inefficient  administrative  costs,   policies and management;b.  greater  utilization  of  resources  for  providing  effective and   efficient transportation services;c. elimination of duplicative and inefficient transportation services;d. development of transportation services which meet the needs of  the   general   public   and   insure   services  adequate  to  the  needs  of   transportation disadvantaged persons;e.  protection  of   the   rights   of   privately   operated   public   transportation providers;f.  coordination  of  transportation services providers, in order that   individual providers, when participating  within  a  coordinated  public   transportation   services   program,  together  provide  an  integrated,   comprehensive service;g. management of equipment and facilities purchased with public  funds   in  order  that  efficient  and  routine  maintenance and replacement is   accomplished.