DEPARTMENT: Transportation
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
title
Authorization To Amend Budget To Transfer Funds From Transportation Capital Improvement Program Transit Set Aside To Social Services Jail Transportation Project
end
PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Authorize budget amendment to transfer $145,000 of funding from the Transportation Capital Improvement Program Transit Set Aside (ST00005) to the Community Services Jail Transportation Project.
SUMMARY
The Jail Transportation Pilot began in 2018 to address the critical need for transportation services for recently released inmates from the Dakota County Jail. It was created to fill a gap in available transportation resources in Hastings, ensuring that individuals released from jail had a reliable and safe means of getting to their next destination. The pilot was implemented and refined through three phases from 2018 to 2023:
* Phase I: Transit Link (April 2018-Sept. 2019): Through a partnership with the Metropolitan Council, Transit Link made several scheduled pickups each weekday at the Dakota County Jail. GoTo cards were distributed to individuals, allowing them to access the Transit Link service for transportation to their destinations. This initiative was funded by Dakota County Community Corrections.
* Phase II: DakotaLink (Sept. 2019-March 2021): Dakota County Community Services Administration contracted with the Hastings Bus Company to provide transportation for individuals traveling to and from court in Hastings, as well as for recently released individuals needing a ride home.
* Phase III: Lyft (March 2021-Sept. 2023): Dakota County Social Services partnered with a call center to handle ride requests and with Lyft to offer rideshare services for individuals recently released from jail. The call center was funded through the Minnesota Department of Transportation 5310 Grant, while the rides were supported by the Community Services Budget Incentive Plan funding.
The Jail Transportation Program was e...
Click here for full text