Client Story
Location
Industry
Need
Project
Transportation Study Findings for Rural Community
The Challenge
Grant County, Indiana, is a car-dependent community with limited public transportation. The residents rely heavily on personal vehicles, although one in 10 residents does not own a vehicle.
Quality transportation is vital to economic growth, social mobility, and overall community well-being. Efficient and reliable transportation systems connect individuals to job opportunities and enhance access to essential services, such as health care and education.
Carey Services is a community-based nonprofit dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities turn abilities into opportunities in the Grant County area.
Individuals with disabilities are underemployed in Grant County. In 2024, only one out of four workforce-age individuals with a disability in the county were employed, compared to two-thirds of individuals without a disability. Local employers cite transportation as a top barrier to hiring and retaining workers.
Lack of accessible transportation accommodations is a barrier for individuals with disabilities and residents who do not own a car.
The Solution
Expanding and improving transportation options in Grant County is a critical component of the county’s strategic plan. Carey Services has a vital role in the existing transportation system.
Investing in public transportation creates jobs and helps businesses thrive, promoting economic stability for the whole community. In economic terms, investing in public transportation can generate a $5 return for every $1 invested.
Carey Services hired TCG to complete a research study to inform the development of transportation solutions to support their clients’ ability to work and be engaged in the community, as well as meet residents’ and employers’ transportation needs. The study examines the transportation landscape in Grant County and its impact on the workforce.
Recommendations in the report include:
- Expand and improve transportation options.
- Increase funding and support for transportation services.
- Secure more staff and enhance training for drivers and staff.
This study underscores Carey Services’ commitment to community mobility and inclusion, reinforcing its role as a trusted provider of safe, accessible, and equitable transportation. The findings identify strategic areas for growth—such as expanded evening services and enhanced community partnerships—ensuring that individuals across Grant County continue to thrive.
Our Role
The study examines the transportation landscape in Grant County and its impact on the workforce. TCG completed the study by collecting publicly available data and community feedback. TCG also gathered research on best practices and public funding to inform recommendations regarding potential transportation solutions.
- TCG gathered community data to assess transportation needs, gaps, and opportunities in Grant County, using publicly available data sources.
- TCG conducted benchmarking research and aspirational communities with attractive models of public transportation in rural communities.
- TCG gathered feedback from over 70 community members through surveys, focus groups, and key informant interviews. These included Carey Services staff members, caregivers of individuals with disabilities, community partners, employers, and organizations that serve individuals with disabilities.
- TCG compiled, synthesized, and shared initial findings from the transportation study with the Carey Services team.
- TCG compiled the data and feedback to create a comprehensive transportation study.
- TCG collaborated with the Carey Services team to present the findings and recommendations of the transportation study to local community leaders.
The Outcomes
Carey Services and Grant County are now equipped with the data and solutions to meet the transportation needs of residents and employers. Ongoing community engagement will invite partners to continue the conversation around transportation expansion and improvement in Grant County.
- Data Tools, such as questions for surveys and interviews, can be used or modified in the future to understand the changing community needs.
- The Final Report will help key partners and stakeholders to further understand community needs and explore the feasibility of recommendations for implementation.
“This report reinforces what we’ve believed for years—that reliable, accessible transit empowers individuals and communities. These findings will help us build an even more responsive system, guiding people to opportunity and independence,” said James Allbaugh, President and CEO of Carey Services.
