Transportation Network Helps Recipients Flee Welfare for Jobs

More Than 134 Find Local Transportation Connections for Work, Daycare or Job Training

PORTLAND, Maine (April 5, 2000) á A local transportation network is helping more and more Cumberland County residents move from welfare to work by providing transportation to their jobs, to job training and to daycare for their children.

Regional Transportation Program (RTP) is coordinating the program, which is funded in part through an "Access to Jobs" grant from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). The program began in October.

"Without transportation, participants in this program would not have access to jobs or education," said Jon McNulty, executive director of RTP. "So we're pleased to be a part of this effort to assist people who are trying to leave the welfare rolls for jobs."

The program was organized by the Greater Portland Council of Governments (GPCOG) and the CITE Transportation Subcommittee to meet the transportation needs of welfare recipients entering the workforce or attending training. Transportation is often cited as an essential support service required to make "welfare-to-work" a reality.

The coordinated transit effort marks the first time FTA funds have been used in conjunction with the Maine Department of Human Services' ASPIRE program.

Consumers enter the service through RTP's "Rider's Choice" program where area residents call one number, 774-2666, and are matched to the appropriate transportation mode.

Since the program began, McNulty said, 134 clients have been referred by ASPIRE to the Access to Jobs program for transportation to work or for related daycare and training.

The modes of transportation include RTP buses and vans, PROP volunteer drivers, METRO buses, the South Portland Bus Service and the GPCOG's RideShare program.

RTP has appointed Deborah L. Keene of Buxton as a full-time customer service assistant to coordinate referrals.

Established in 1976, RTP is a United Way agency located at 127 St. John Street in Portland. The agency traditionally provides rides to medical appointments and other necessary services to the elderly, the disabled and clients of social service agencies in Cumberland County.


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