On-demand wheelchair accessible vehicle services launch in San Diego County – 10News.com

Report on the RideFACTNOW Initiative: Advancing Sustainable Development Goals in San Diego County

1.0 Project Overview

For the second consecutive year, the non-profit organization Facilitating Access to Coordinated Transportation (FACT Inc.) will operate RideFACTNOW, an on-demand transportation service in San Diego County. The program is designed to enhance specialized mobility for the region’s growing senior population and persons with disabilities. The service provides same-day, wheelchair-accessible vehicles within the hour, directly addressing critical needs for independence and quality of life. As stated by FACT’s Board Chair, Susan Hafner, the objective is to help individuals avoid isolation and maintain independence, reinforcing that mobility is fundamental to connection and opportunity.

2.0 Strategic Partnerships and Funding Allocation

The continuation of this service is made possible through a multi-sector collaboration, a key tenet of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), involving FACT Inc., the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG), and Caltrans. The initiative is supported by significant financial commitments:

1. A $2.3 million grant awarded by SANDAG through its Access for All Grant Program (AFA) Cycle 2.
2. Over $770,000 allocated by Caltrans via its Federal Transit Administration program for the acquisition of a new fleet of wheelchair-accessible vehicles.

3.0 Contribution to Global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The RideFACTNOW program directly supports the achievement of several key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being: By providing reliable transportation, the service ensures that seniors and individuals with disabilities can access medical appointments and community activities, thereby reducing social isolation and promoting crucial mental and physical well-being.
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities: The initiative actively reduces mobility-related inequalities by offering specialized, on-demand services to vulnerable populations. This grants them the independence and opportunity for full participation in society, directly addressing disparities in access.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: In alignment with Target 11.2, which calls for safe, affordable, and accessible transport systems for all, the program contributes to creating a more inclusive and sustainable urban environment in San Diego County, ensuring that vulnerable residents are not left behind.

4.0 Service Details and Access

RideFACTNOW provides on-demand, same-day service with wheelchair-accessible vehicles available within the hour of a request. This operational model is designed to maximize convenience and reliability for its users. To schedule a ride and utilize this service, individuals can call (888) 924-3228.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article highlights issues and initiatives that are directly connected to the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

  This goal is central to the article, which focuses on providing specialized transportation for seniors and persons with disabilities. The RideFACTNOW service aims to reduce the mobility gap and social inequalities faced by these groups, ensuring they have better access to their communities and essential services.

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

  The initiative described is a local transportation solution within San Diego County. It directly contributes to making the urban environment more inclusive and accessible for all residents, particularly those in vulnerable situations, which is a key aspect of creating sustainable communities.

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being

  The article explicitly states that the service helps individuals “avoid isolation, maintain independence, and enjoy a higher quality of life.” By facilitating mobility, the program directly addresses social determinants of health, such as social connection and independence, which are crucial for mental and physical well-being.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the services and goals described in the article, the following specific SDG targets can be identified:

• Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social inclusion of all

  The article’s focus on FACT Inc.’s mission to help “persons with disabilities avoid isolation, maintain independence, and enjoy a higher quality of life” directly aligns with this target. The RideFACTNOW service is a tool for empowering and promoting the social inclusion of seniors and people with disabilities by providing them with the mobility needed to participate in society.

• Target 11.2: Provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all

  This target is addressed by the core function of the RideFACTNOW program. The article describes it as an “on-demand wheelchair-accessible vehicle service” specifically designed to “improve specialized mobility” for seniors and persons with disabilities. This initiative is a direct effort to expand accessible transport systems for vulnerable populations within San Diego County.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article mentions and implies several indicators that can be used to measure progress:

• Indicator for Target 11.2: Provision of accessible transportation services

  The existence and operation of the “on-demand wheelchair-accessible vehicle services” is a direct indicator of progress. The article implies scale and improvement through specific details that can be measured:

  • Funding allocated: The article quantifies the investment in this service, mentioning a “$2.3 million” award from SANDAG and “more than $770,000” from Caltrans. These figures serve as indicators of the commitment and scale of the program.
  • Fleet size and capability: The grant from Caltrans is for a “new fleet of wheelchair accessible vehicles,” indicating an expansion of capacity and modernization of the service. The number of vehicles in this fleet would be a concrete metric.
  • Service availability: The description of “same-day service within the hour” is a performance indicator measuring the accessibility and convenience of the transport system for its target users.

• Indicator for Target 10.2: Social inclusion and quality of life

  While not providing quantitative data, the article implies qualitative indicators related to the impact on users’ lives. The stated outcomes of the service—helping users “avoid isolation, maintain independence, and enjoy a higher quality of life”—can be measured through user surveys, interviews, or studies assessing the social and psychological benefits for the senior and disabled population in San Diego.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: 10news.com