739-2          TRANSPORTATION

Lack of transportation is one of the most common barriers to employment.  The most frequently authorized transportation services are bus passes and gasoline allowances.  

Transportation service can cover part or all of the costs of local travel by personal vehicle, public transportation, car pool, or for-hire vehicle when needed by the participant to travel to and from any assigned activity.  For-hire vehicles include taxis and private carriers, and cars driven by others who require payment in return for the ride.  Use prudent judgement when authorizing use of for-hire vehicles, to assure that the provider's charges remain reasonable.

Consider the cost of bringing dependent children to and from a child care provider when determining a participant's transportation needs.  When participants living in different households use a car pool to travel to activities, authorize each participant to receive their share of the car pool's cost.

When more than one household member participates in a required activity, each can receive a transportation payment.  However, shared rides among household members to the same activity reduces their combined travel costs.

Depending on local resources and needs, the office manager may elect alternative means of purchasing services for participants.  Contracts or grants may offer a solution in serving difficult areas.  This options must be explored with the regional manager.