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Regional trip‑exchange pilot reports technical progress but lost expected Stage 2 DOT funding
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Summary
DRCOG reported that the Trip Exchange hub pilot integrated four providers across six counties, completed 36 of 56 trip requests, and that a planned Stage 2 DOT implementation grant was canceled; staff are seeking alternate funding and proposed a short extension to use remaining Stage 1 funds.
DRCOG staff updated TAC on the Bridal Alliance Stage 1 trip‑exchange pilot, which tested a regional trip coordination hub to reduce trip denials for older adults and other clients who travel across county lines for services.
Mallory Miller said the Stage 1 pilot ran for a limited period and integrated four providers (including RTD FlexRide, VM Mobility services, and the Area Agency on Aging’s voucher program) across six counties. The pilot logged 56 trip requests, 36 completed trips and 20 client‑requested cancellations; 19 unique clients participated. “We ended up having 56 trip requests, of which 36 were completed,” Miller said.
The pilot tested multiple integration methods (direct API, middleware translation, and CSV import/export) and identified key lessons: software‑vendor reluctance to adopt common transactional data specifications, the need for marketing to recruit clients, and the potential benefit of funding incentives to encourage provider participation. Miller said the anticipated Stage 2 DOT grant (up to $15 million over three years) was canceled; DRCOG has prepared alternative funding options and applied for a project extension to continue testing cross‑county trips.
What’s next: If the extension is approved by DOT, staff will extend the project through June 30 to use remaining Stage 1 budget and pursue testing trips between subregions; staff will continue stakeholder coordination and seek other funding avenues.
