An examination of selected rural public transportation systems in Florida with implications for the future

Rural public transportation services have typically been outgrowths of social service agencies' programs and are relatively recent developments that currently face traumatic changes due to new federal policies. The new federal budget cuts and policies entail fewer available federal dollars and greater reliance on the private sector in service delivery. To assess the potential implications for rural public transportation services of these new policies and program changes, three systems in Florida were studied through numerous interviews and analysis of historical, current, and projected ridership and funding data, organizational arrangements, community relationships, agency attitudes, and other related factors.

Based upon this research, it appears probable that many rural public transportation systems will cease functioning or substantially cut services if the new federal policies and funding recommendations are implemented. The only chances of such service changes not developing involve substantial state and local support to fill the gap that will surely develop.

The most significant implication that can be drawn from this study is that at least some rural social service agency clients may not receive needed services. Without the public transportation systems, at least some clients may not reach the "social safety net" of programs outlined by President Reagan to meet the needs of disadvantaged persons. One cannot expect the private sector to fill the void that the cuts in federal funding and changes in policies will create. Volunteers will be able to help in filling this gap, but they will not be enough.

Several other important conclusions of the study relate to planning, the role of local governments, and coordination of services. Planning needs to be reoriented back to local problem solving. Too much of today's rural public transportation planning is not related to solving local problems—only to obtaining more federal funding. A critical need exists to closely link rural public transportation to local governments. Effective coordination of existing services and resources can ease the burdens which the changes in federal funding and policies will create.