Washington Region Access to Jobs program
An employment transportation solution program
The Washington Region Access to Jobs program is bridging the transportation gaps for employees and employers.
Overview
Program goals
The Washington Region Access to Jobs program is designed to fill gaps in the region's employment-related transportation services. Bridging these gaps connects workers to jobs by eliminating obstacles to preparing for, obtaining and retaining jobs. It is also designed to increase collaboration between local stakeholders. (List of Access to Jobs partners)
The program offers transportation to job opportunities beyond the reach of many workers, especially those making the transition from public assistance to jobs and economic self-sufficiency. It offers:
- Information to connect trainees and workers to their jobs,
- Affordability through the use of networks and subsidy resources to reduce fares subsidies, and
- Accessibility through special transportation services to outlying corridors where there are high concentrations of jobs
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority recognizes the strong need for a regional Job Access and Reverse Commute program in order to fill gaps where existing public transportation cannot always transport low-income people and wlefare recipients from their homes to the entry-level jobs they would likely fill. To that end, the Authority, in collaboration with its local program partners has submitted applications to the United States Department of Transportation's Federal Transit Administration for Job Access and Reverse Commute funds.
WMATA's regional Job Access and Reverse Commute Program addresses the region's employment related transportation problems. The Authority uses Federal and local funds to address unmet transportation needs for low-income and welfare recipients as delineated below.
Operation of a "one stop" employment trips information, referral
and dispatching center
Employment services agencies call the center to get information for
their clients about available transportation services. In addition,
the existing WMATA's Automated Trip Information System (ATIS) can be
utilized to generate information on transportation services provided
by public agencies throughout the Washington, DC, region.
Employment services transportation awareness, outreach, and orientation
A three-member staff promotes the region's existing transportation resources to enable more new workers to access the most affordable and convenient transportation services. They conduct "Employment Service Transportation Awareness, Outreach, and Orientation" through initiatives that
include marketing, quarterly seminars and workshops. Additional information is provided through the production and dissemination of regional maps. This initiative is designed to provide information to workers about the best transportation resources available in the Washington region to facilitate commuting by reducing multiple transfers, long distances and trip chaining.
Trip Brokerage Services
WMATA provides "Trip Brokerage Services" to bridge the gap between existing transportation networks and job sites. WMATA acts as the trip broker to provide various modes of service for the clients of its partners. WMATA has entered into contracts with various service providers to transport workers on a demand responsive basis to places and during times when services are unavailable.
Supplement Existing Transportation Networks to Fill Gaps
This component utilizes one of the program partners, and other contractors to help defray the cost for additional weekday and weekend service. Additional vehicles are used to address increased demands for specialized routes and schedules.
This component of the program also pays for some of the client trips that are brokered through the trip brokerage program.
Enhancing Reverse Commute and Suburban Access
This is a continuation of the recently instituted service between the Franconia-Springfield Metrorail station and Potomac Mills by Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission (PRTC). A total of 24 trips are provided daily by PRTC.
WMATA works with its current program partners to meet Federal Transit Administration's funding and programmatic requirements in order to continue providing the program. Additional partners may join this effort if they can generate additional matching funds. WMATA's past and present Job Access and Reverse Commute partners that have provided matching funds for the program are:
- D.C. Department of Employment Services
- Fairfax Department of Family Services
- Virginia Department of Family Services
- Potomac Rappahannock Transportation Commission
- Virginia Railway Express
The Washington region's Job Access and Reverse Commute Program provides a much needed service in a growing region where the demands for affordable and accessible transportation for job seekers continue to increase. The Job Access and Reverse Commute program addresses the need to eliminate transportation barriers for the working poor, and to enhance transportation options for all workers.
For more information, call 301-562-4604
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority Washington Region Access to Job Program
8405 Colesville Road
Silver Spring, Maryland 20910
