Lehigh Times

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and the state’s Department of Human Services (DHS) were awarded $750,000 in Federal Transit Administration grant money that will be used to expand the Find My Ride (FMR) online program.

Gov. Tom Wolf called the online tool a “one-stop-shop” for human services transportation access, a recent press release from the governor’s office said. The commonwealth received funding the the FTA Innovative Coordinated Access and Mobility (ICAM) Pilot Program and was one of 17 states receiving funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). The FMR Apply program will streamline applications for the five major statewide transportation assistance programs, including the Senior Shared Ride program, the Medical Assistance Transportation Program (MATP), ADA complementary paratransit, the Persons with Disabilities program, and the Free Transit program. The program allows for third parties like family members and health care providers to apply on behalf of a rider as well.

“Since taking office I have committed to expanding access to health care to ensure that Pennsylvanians have the opportunity to lead healthier lives,” Wolf said in the release. “This grant through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law builds upon my commitment and will help some of the commonwealth’s most vulnerable citizens get to and from their health care appointments by reducing transportation barriers they would experience otherwise.”

The funds will go toward upgrades for the FMR by allowing consumers to request fixed route and mileage reimbursement that will be directly deposited into a bank account. Funds will also go toward creating an interface between FMR and the DHS’s PROMISe system that will allow MATP administrators to verify eligibility easily, give MATP administrators the ability to issue fixed-route tickets and passes to a mobile ticketing app, and give health care providers a way to verify that a visit occurred.

“DHS is committed to do everything we can to make sure people have the assistance and resources they need to be able to live safely with dignity and independence in their communities,” Acting DHS Secretary Meg Snead said in the release. “The Find My Ride tool is one way we can make this possible, and we’re grateful for these funds to help support these efforts. Nobody should let a lack of transportation keep you from getting to a doctor’s appointment or filling your prescription, so I encourage anyone who might need assistance with transportation to reach out today.”

The program was also praised by PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian, who said she was thankful for the funds. She added that public transportation is vital because it is something residents statewide depend on each day.

“Often, the folks who rely most heavily on the human services transportation system are the most vulnerable among us, and I’m proud that Find My Ride has made it easier than ever to access these services,” Gramian said in the release. “We’re grateful that these funds will help us make it even better, for both the people who help administer these critical programs as well as those who rely on them.”