City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: SEPTEMBER 4, 2025
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
THROUGH: JAMES F. PARAJON, CITY MANAGER
FROM: MICHAEL MOON, INTERIM DIRECTOR, TRANSPORTATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
DOCKET TITLE:
Title
Consideration of a Resolution to Support an Application to the Enhanced Mobility of Seniors & Individuals with Disabilities Program.
BODY
ISSUE: Should the City seek grant funding from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) for FY 2027-2028 funding to implement a travel training program that equips older adults and individuals with disabilities to independently use fixed-route public transit, reducing reliance on ADA paratransit services and advancing equity and inclusion in City mobility programs?
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council:
1. Adopt the resolution (Attachment 1) to approve an application to the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG) for Enhanced Mobility of Seniors & Individuals with Disabilities - Section 5310 Program funding for up to $250,000; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to submit the proposal to MWCOG and enter into any necessary agreements with MWCOG to accept the funds.
BACKGROUND: The FTA's Enhanced Mobility of Seniors & Individuals with Disabilities program provides funding to address the mobility needs of older adults and individuals with disabilities when existing transportation options are insufficient or inappropriate. The National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board (TPB), with MWCOG acting as administrative agent, is the designated recipient for this program in the Washington, DC-VA-MD Urbanized Area. In June, the Council approved a resolution authorizing staff to apply for this funding to purchase new paratransit vehicles. Unfortunately, after attending the grant information session in July, staff determined that the specific vehicles needed for the City's paratransit program are not eligible. However, the City still plans to purchase the appropriate vehicles through available alternate funding sources.
This funding is available for other uses, including travel training which is something the City and the region has identified as a strategy to support travel options. Developing a travel training program is a specific action in the "Supporting Travel Options" chapter of the Alexandria Mobility Plan (page 11). Additionally, the 2023 Coordinated Human Service Transportation Plan Update, approved by the Transportation Planning Board, identifies travel training programs as a priority strategy to improve mobility, reduce paratransit dependence, and promote equitable access by teaching individuals to safely navigate fixed-route transit services.
DISCUSSION: The City proposes launching a Travel Training Program to offer individualized and small-group instruction for older adults and individuals with disabilities, coordinated with existing programs across various departments that support these populations. Participants will learn how to:
* Plan trips using fixed-route buses;
* Understand and pay fares;
* Safely board, ride, and exit buses using accessibility features;
* Navigate transfers and emergencies with confidence.
Paratransit, while vital, is a separate and specialized service that often limits spontaneity and integration with the broader community. Transitioning riders who are able to use fixed-route services fosters inclusion and independence, ensuring individuals with disabilities are active participants in the same transit network as other residents. Travel training helps eliminate barriers that can isolate paratransit users and creates a more equitable mobility system by giving everyone equal access to the city's public transit infrastructure.
Paratransit trips are significantly more expensive than fixed-route trips due to their door-to-door nature and higher labor costs. By shifting even a small percentage of riders to fixed-route service:
* Cost savings: Fewer paratransit trips directly reduce contracted service costs.
* Operational relief: Reduced demand frees capacity for riders who cannot transition off paratransit.
* Long-term sustainability: Skills gained through training reduce ongoing reliance on specialized service.
Similar travel training programs nationally, including WMATA's, have demonstrated measurable reductions in paratransit demand and improved quality of life for participants. This program would be funded for up to two years in FY 2027 and FY 2028. Staff anticipate that the proposed funding will enable travel training for interested paratransit clients, residents at senior centers or senior living facilities, and residents participating in relevant DCHS programs.
As part of the FY 2026 budget process, the Council placed a portion of the paratransit budget into a contingency fund and directed staff to identify cost saving measures for this program prior to release of the funding. This is one of several strategies identified, which will be discussed in further detail at a later Council meeting.
FISCAL IMPACT: The City is applying for up to $250,000 in funding, which includes a required 50% local match ($125,000) to be funded by the City using GO Alex Funds. Based on conservative estimates, if 50 riders transition just one trip per week from paratransit to fixed-route service, the City could save approximately $150,000 annually in operating costs, quickly offsetting the local match and creating ongoing cost avoidance.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Resolution
STAFF:
Emily A. Baker, P.E., Deputy City Manager
Hillary Orr, Deputy Director, T&ES
Katye North, Division Chief, Mobility Services, T&ES
Owen Albrecht, Paratransit Program Manager, T&ES