Paducah Area Transit System (PATS) is proud to be only one of 8 transits in the nation chosen to take part in Phase One of the United States Department of Transportation’s Mobility Services for All Americans (MSAA) Initiative.

The MSAA Grant is very important to PATS because of the volume of people in our region who desperately need transportation assistance.  Seeking transportation assistance now can lead one through a maze of 62 Federal Programs, which provide services to the transportation disadvantaged.  PATS wants to simplify the process for these people, and make it easier for them to get where they need to go, whether it be for medical attention, jobs, food or other needs.

The goal of MSAA is simple:  To use the latest technology (Intelligent Transportation Systems) and coordination of services in an effort to make transportation easier and more efficient for everyone, especially the transportation disadvantaged.

Later in  2008, 2, possibly 3 of the 8 will be chosen by the United States Department of Transportation to implement their plans on making transportation services more efficient through technology and coordination between agencies and services.

PATS’ Technical Advisory Committee has been working hard, gathering ideas and offering input on how this can be accomplished through the establishment of a “One-Stop” Calling Center which could handle the informational, referral and scheduling of transportation for individuals.  The “One Stop” Calling Center would be the only number people would need to find out if they’re eligible for transportation assistance from any one of a number of agencies or services.  Trip reservations and scheduling would also be handled by this calling center.

In conjunction with our MSAA effort,  we're partnering with the United Way of Paducah and McCracken County to bring 2-1-1 service to Western Kentucky. The one-stop calling center will also be the 2-1-1 destination calling center for anyone needing information. Many local organizations and companies have come together, donating time and supplies to make 2-1-1 a reality in the Purchase Area. Right now, 2-1-1 service is available to 75 percent of the country, but not Western Kentucky. 2-1-1 is an easy to remember number which connects people to important community services and volunteers, from food banks or rent assistance, to crisis intervention and counseling, to support programs for the elderly, disabled or children, and much, much more.

PATS’ Technical Advisory Committee consists of a broad spectrum of government, transportation and service agencies, including representatives of Senator Mitch McConnell, Representative Ed Whitfield, Paducah Area Transit System, Murray-Calloway County Transit System, Fulton County Transit Authority, Heartland Cares, Senior Citizens Center, Paducah Housing Authority, Easter Seals Western Kentucky, J U Kevil Memorial Foundation, RouteMatch, St. Nicholas Family Clinic and the United Way.