Rolling Into the Future: How Delta Rides is Changing Transportation in the Delta

Darby Treat: Delta Rides Director & Regional Program Associate for Obesity Program

Program Overview

Delta Rides was born out of a simple yet powerful idea: the realization that many people in Phillips County and the surrounding areas faced significant barriers when it came to securing reliable transportation, especially for essential needs like food, healthcare, and employment. A lack of transportation was not just an inconvenience - it was a major factor in preventing residents from fully engaging with the services available to them. 

The Problem

• Transportation Barriers: A significant portion of the population struggled to access critical services, with residents often unable to reach medical appointments, grocery stores, or job opportunities.
• Limited Coverage: Existing transportation options were insufficient, leaving many people isolated or unable to access basic necessities.
• Health Impacts: The lack of reliable transportation had a direct impact on health, limiting access to healthcare and other services that could improve the quality of life.

Solution Development

Delta Rides sought to address these issues head-on by creating a reliable, affordable, and accessible public transportation service. But this wasn't just a top-down solution - it was crafted with the community's input. 

Research & Community Engagement:

1.  Through focus groups and individual interviews, community members were asked the pivotal question: "If you had a magic wand to fix transportation in Phillips County, what would it look like?"
2. The answer? Affordable, reliable and accessible transportation that everyone could count on. 

Grant Proposal & Design:

1. A grant request was submitted highlighting the transportation challenges in Phillips County and how the funding could provide much-needed relief. The request included a design for a public transportation system that would be accessible and sustainable for rural areas.
2. The grant was awarded to establish a public service that would cater to the needs of all residents, especially those in underserved areas.

Program Launch

Test Trials & Polling

1. Before launching, Delta Rides underwent extensive planning. Beginning with a year long worth of community based research to discuss problems, experiences, and their needs & shares. Prior to the launch of Delta Rides, the University of Arkansas Department of Agriculture (UADA) team completed three months of polling residents to ensure the service would meet their needs and expectations. This input helped to shape the routes, times, and overall design of the program.

Key Features of Delta Rides

Fixed Routes

• Monday & Wednesday: Service in Elaine (morning and afternoon)
• Tuesday & Thursday: Service in Marvell, Barton and Poplar Grove (morning and afternoon)

Support & Funding

Federal & State Grants

• Federal Transportation Administration (FTA) and the Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA) provided subgrants to help build rural transportation systems in underserved areas like Phillips County.
• Ready to Launch Grant - A $75,000 grant was secured for the pilot year, helping fund operations, staffing and service expansion. 

State Collaboration

• In partnership with the UADA Cooperative Extension Services, Delta Rides is the first and only extension offering this service in the country.  

Program Impact

Increased Connectedness

• Delta Rides has significantly improved access to services, leading to greater community engagement and stronger connections among residents.
• Residents now have a reliable way to get to healthcare appointments, grocery stores, and social events - fostering a more connected, engaged and healthy community.

Long-Term Goals

• As Darby Treat puts it, the ultimate goal is simple but profound: "To create a better quality of life for Phillips County residents."

By listening to the needs of the community and responding with a thoughtful, adaptable solution, Delta Rides has become a key resource in improving access to essential services, promoting health and connected the people of Phillips County. The program has the potential to serve as a model for rural transportation solutions across the country.