The HSTP adopted by the RTA Board on October 4, 2007 identifies and recommends regional and local strategies that encourage the most effective use of available community transportation services to enhance mobility for the region’s older adults, persons with disabilities and persons with low incomes. The HSTP was developed with the cooperation and input of a Project Advisory Committee (PAC).  The PAC is comprised of representatives from the CTA, Metra, Pace, the seven counties of northeastern Illinois, CMAP, IDOT, and organizations representing those with low incomes, individuals with disabilities, and older adults of the region.  The PAC reviewed interim products, assisted with outreach efforts and endorsed the HSTP. 

The HSTP covers the seven counties of Cook, DuPage, Lake, Kane, Kendall, McHenry, and Will, and builds upon the existing coordination plans in the region that have been developed, or are in the process of being developed. The HSTP, in concert with the federally required competitive selection process, serves as the foundation for developing the annual JARC and New Freedom Program of Projects (POP). The call for this year’s round of projects requires applicants to address the broad based needs and strategies identified in the plan as part of their project proposals.  Prospective applicants may find that Chapter 2–Overview of the Study Area, Available Services and Needs Assessment and Chapter 3–Strategies to Address Service Redundancies, Service Gaps, and Unmet Needs are particularly helpful when developing project proposals.

The HSTP meets two primary goals: 1) Maintains the region’s eligibility to receive JARC and New Freedom federal funding and 2) Serves as a regional resource that supports and encourages local coordination efforts. The HSTP provides:

• A transportation needs assessment for persons with disabilities, older adults and persons with low incomes in the study area;
• A menu of locally appropriate coordination and mobility strategies to address the unmet needs of those three target populations; and
• A revamped process whereby project proposals requesting FTA Section 5316 and 5317 funding are elicited, evaluated, and (for those selected) funded.