Exploring the feasibility of a potential van sharing program for the Franklin County region.

The Franklin Regional Council of Governments (FRCOG) is exploring the feasibility of creating a van sharing program in Franklin County for social service agencies and their clients.  We are specifically surveying social service agencies in the region to determine: their willingness to participate in a program, what their needs would be, who they would be serving, and if they would have resources to contribute to a program.  (Note: the ability to financially contribute to a program is not a requirement for participation in a possible program as there may be grants or funding from other sources to cover some costs.)

Typically, van share programs are built around a few social service providers who have compatible transportation needs. For example, Agency A needs to take clients to a job training class at 8am and pick them up at 12 pm.  Agency B needs to transport children from school to an afterschool program at 3pm. Agency C needs to transport adults to a ESL class at 6pm.  An agreement is put in place at the beginning of the program specifying insurance requirements, drivers, annual fees, scheduling process, etc. There are many ways in which sharing agreements can be structured and funded.  

 For further information or questions, please contact Megan Rhodes, Senior Transportation Planner at mrhodes@frcog.org or (413)774-3167 x132. Thank you!

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* 1. What is the name and address of your agency?

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* 2. If your agency had access to a vehicle, where would you take it? Please provide specific locations (ex. name of school, Stop & Shop, Valley Medical Group...).

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* 3. If your agency had a vehicle, please tell us 1) when you would take it; 2) how often; 3) and who would ride it for each location identified in the previous question:

  Approx. Time of Day Weekdays or Weekends Frequency Who are the riders?
Location 1
Location 2
Location 3

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* 4. Would you be picking up your clients from a centralized location or from multiple locations? Please explain the locations of pick-ups (ex. from school building, from around Turners Falls, from throughout West County...).

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* 5. Is there anything else you would like us to know about your agency's/clients' transportation needs?

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* 6. Would your agency be interested in participating in a Van Share Program?

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* 7. If you are interested in potentially participating in a van share program, would your agency be able to contribute either financially or with in-kind resources?

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* 8. If you are interested in participating in a potential program or would like to be involved in the planning process, please provide your name and contact information. 

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