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9 <br />Recommendations for 2008-09: Promote the availability of new expanded Homestead <br />Exemption and Deferment Programs for low-income elderly and disabled. Research further <br />tax assistance strategies for elderly to aging in place. <br />Activities and Accomplishments 2008-09 <br />(To be Completed) <br />Recommendation for 2010: <br />(To be Completed} <br />Goal C; Transit/Mobiliiy: Enhance mobility options for all older adults regardless of <br />functionality, through amulti-module vision that is acceptable, efficient, effective and <br />affordable. <br />Objective C-1: Increase funding sources for expansion and/or enhancements of <br />new or existing transit services for older adults. <br />Lead Organization (s): Department on Aging- Public Transportation Div. with Board of <br />County Commissioners <br />Activities and Accomplishments: 2007-08 <br />1. A Cross Town Senior Shuttle application by Chapel Hill Transit and OPT for New Freedom <br />Funds was prepared, submitted, and funded in 2008. The proposed shuttle would pickup <br />seniors in high density areas and transport them directly to high demand service areas such as <br />the senior center, library, shopping centers, etc. This would be a third tier between bus <br />stop/transfer service which some seniors find difficult and the specialized, expensive EZ Rider <br />door-to-door pickup for certified handicapped seniors. This proposed route is still in the <br />planning stage. <br />2. During 2008, a TTA and OPT partnership promoted the use of the existing Hillsborough to <br />Chapel Hill 420 route with much success in increased. ridership. <br />Activities and Accomplishments: 2008-09 <br />1. Held three joint public meetings between Chapel Hill Transit and Orange Public Transit in <br />September, 2009 to get input from older adults and persons with disabilities about improving <br />service and about developing a new Chapel Hill route to high demand service locations. <br />2. Improve the 420 Route with OPT, covering mid-day and Chapel Hill Transit operating the peak <br />hours with large buses. This route has shown a 2.6% increase in ridership. <br />3. Redesigned OPT's Hillsborough, Efland and Cedar Grove senior routes to new Central Orange <br />Senior Center on Jan. 1, 2009 allowing improved connectors to medical trips, shopping trips, and <br />senior day trips. <br />4. Applied for ARRA (stimulus) funds by OPT and was awarded $447,600 for replacement buses. <br />Recommendation for 2010: <br />1. Research possibilities for additional transit funding from NCDOT, local business, future <br />stimulus funds, and municipalities in order to expand and improve services. <br />7 <br />