Regional Transportation Information Clearinghouse

Reach a Ride is a gateway website and information hotline furnished by the National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board (TPB) that provides information on transportation options for people with special transportation needs throughout the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia. To access the site, go to www.reacharide.org or call toll-free at 1-855-732-2427.

Changes to JARC and New Freedom Programs

A new transportation authorization called Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21) went into effect on October 1, 2012. The new law creates significant changes to the JARC and New Freedom programs. The JARC program was eliminated, and job access and reverse commute activities were made eligible expenses under the Section 5307 (Urbanized Area Formula) grants, which go to transit agencies in urbanized areas. MAP-21 combines the New Freedom program with the Section 5310 (Elderly & Disabled) program to create a new Section 5310 "Enhanced Mobility" program.

The 2013 Solicitation is anticipated to be the final solicitation for JARC and New Freedom funds under SAFETEA-LU. A solicitation under the Enhanced Mobility is anticipated to occur in the Fall of 2013 after a Designated Recipient for the Washington DC-VA-MD Urbanized Area funds has been identified. Additional updates will be provided here.