User-side transportation subsidies : the Evansville, Indiana, transportation remuneration and incentive program

Many elderly and handicapped Individuals, due to economic or physical constraints, do not have access to an automobile. For these individuals who cannot utilize the automobile, public transportation is the obvious alternative; however, transit also presents difficulties to the elderly and handicapped. The alternative to public transportation is the door-to-door service provided by specially equipped vans or taxis. The problem with these services is the cost.

User-side subsidies are being increasingly used to provide transportation at a reduced cost to special target groups such as the elderly, handicapped or individuals with low incomes. The user-side subsidy concept works on the premise that providers are only reimbursed for trips actually taken.

Most user-side subsidy programs provide transportation subsidies to individuals only for use on the taxi. This thesis documents and evaluates certain aspects of the Transportation Remuneration and Incentive Program (TRIP) of Evansville, Indiana, which provides sub sidies to individuals in order that they can utilize a wide variety of transportation modes. This work documents the Evansville TRIP from the administrative standpoint, and also profiles the TRIP clients and eligible transportation carriers.