Transportation Pilot Needs Analysis of North San Diego County
San Diego County Behavioral Health Department (2009)

The County of San Diego, Health and Human Services Agency, Behavioral Health Services was concerned about the mobility needs and concerns of its consumers. Individuals with behavioral health issues have unique problems in navigating public transit. These may include higher levels of anxiety about missing buses or getting lost and difficulties navigating a complex system. They share with the general public a strong desire for independent travel and the problems of car ownership on limited incomes.

This North San Diego area pilot study involved site visits with 15 County behavioral health programs to document existing transportation services for approximately 2,700 enrolled consumers.  The Agency records transit line-item expenditures of approximately $220,000 for the North County.  Fieldwork determined that the primary expense item was to buy-down public transit bus passes for these low-income consumers.  Operational costs for a small fleet of 11 vehicles, usually one or two vehicles per agency, were significantly smaller than anticipated.

Consumer focus group discussions, four held in two areas of the county with seniors and with non-senior adults, found considerable enthusiasm for mobility management, information tools, and volunteerism among and between consumers to increase public transit ridership and mobility choices.  Transit travel buddies, rideshare opportunities and volunteer drivers with modest mileage reimbursement were among the consumer-oriented options identified.

Direction to the Agency prioritized strengthened communication with the public transit services system through improved information, including with the countywide CTSA [Consolidated Transportation Services Agency] and North County Transit District.  Other recommendations focused on consumer programs to use the abilities and knowledge transit-using clients in aiding other consumers.  Four goal areas and eight programming strategies, including costs and implementation issues, provided guidance for Agency next steps.