SRC-SLL H.C.R. 79 75(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.C.R. 79
By: Van de Putte (Madla)
Jurisprudence
5-5-97
Engrossed


DIGEST 

Currently, transportation for clients of government services in Texas are
provided through 43 separate programs in 19 state and federal agencies,
causing significant duplication of effort as well as complicating
individual access to services.  Community transportation brokerages,
established to administer all regional transportation services through one
local broker, provide more efficient and effective service to many
communities across the United States at a lower cost than traditional
methods.  Brokerages have the potential to meet the public transit
requirements of both urban and rural populations as well as the agencies
serving Texas by maximizing available resources, simplifying
administration and client tracking, establishing common rate components
for transit services, and assisting in targeting and addressing barriers
to use by specific client groups.  Several agencies are currently working
on a brokerage program for Texas.  This resolution will express support
and encouragement to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, the
Texas Department of Transportation, and the Agency Transportation
Coordinating Council in the development of the Community Transportation
Coordination Pilot Programs and require a report to the 76th Legislature
on those pilot programs. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.C.R. 79 submits the following resolutions:

To express the legislature's support of the ongoing Community
Transportation Coordination Pilot Programs and encourage the Texas Health
and Human Services Commission, the Texas Department of Transportation, and
the Agency Transportation Coordinating Council to further their efforts to
maximize and coordinate available transportation funding and services
through the existing network of general public transportation providers in
the state and by developing a method for providing client transportation
services in those areas of the state not currently served by public
transportation. 

To require that the results of the pilot programs and other
coordination-related activities facilitated by the Health and Human
Services Commission, the Texas Department of Transportation, the Agency
Transportation Coordinating Council, and participating public transit
systems be reported to the 76th Texas Legislature when it convenes in
January 1999. 

To require the secretary of state to forward an official copy of this
resolution to the commissioner of health and human services, the Texas
Transportation Commission, and the members of the Agency Transportation
Coordinating Council.