How To Coordinate

Transportation coordination is a cooperative arrangement between transportation providers and organizations needing transportation services. Coordination is a key factor in providing a comprehensive transportation network.

Although the process of coordination varies depending on the agencies, providers, and circumstances involved, following are some basic steps for getting started.

• First, identify the needs, and unmet needs, in the community. Then identify those organizations in your area that provide or need transportation service and contact them with your ideas for coordination.
• When you’ve found a partner or partners, you’ll need to determine a course of action (and possible alternatives). This will include planning tasks and activities, assigning clear roles and responsibilities, anticipating potential problems, identifying effort needed, and estimating costs.
• Finally, put together a framework for action, including a timetable with key milestones. A signed document contract between both parties is essential for establishing ground rules and costs associated with the partnership.
• Remember that throughout the coordination process, communication among partners is vital.