It is important to understand the underlying focus points of the Rural Health Transformation Program in order to successfully apply for funding. For example, partnerships with influential agencies is essential. Read on to learn helpful tips for writing your application and for developing an implementation plan.
Strategic Partnership Alignment
Rural health is moving toward “hub-and-spoke” models and “medical neighborhoods” which means transportation providers can no longer operate as standalone service vendors. Transit providers must move from being passive service offerers to active clinical partners. The strategies listed below show how transit agencies can become embedded partners in clinical care.
- Strategy: Integration into Clinical Workflows
Action: Partner with local Health Information Exchanges (HIEs) to allow transit scheduling software to “talk” to medical appointment systems.
Example: In Iowa, the Heart of Iowa Regional Transit Agency (HIRTA) implemented interoperability between medical platforms and dispatch software, allowing doctors to book a patient’s ride at the same time they book the follow-up appointment.
Strategy: The “Mobile Health Hub” Concept
Action: Transition transit centers or large vehicles into “Care Access Points.”
Example: Using RHT funds, some agencies are equipping transit hubs with high-speed Wi-Fi and private “Telehealth Pods” for patients who lack internet access at home.
Strategy: Joint Workforce Development
Action: Cross-train drivers as Community Health Workers (CHWs) or Peer Support Specialists.
Example: A rural provider in Mississippi (DJ Transit) launched a campaign where drivers are trained to recognize basic health “red flags” and social needs, reporting back to a clinical care coordinator.
Implementation Strategies
Once funding is secured, the next step is demonstrating that your agency can deliver reliable, high‑impact services aligned with RHTP goals. Implementation is where transportation providers prove their value as part of the rural health infrastructure. The approaches below help you stand up services quickly, integrate with healthcare partners, and show measurable outcomes that strengthen your position for future RHTP allocations.
I. Focus on “Micro-Mobility” and On-Demand Transit
Rural regions need flexible, responsive service models. Shifting from fixed routes to microtransit allows providers to reach more people with fewer resources while aligning directly with RHT’s focus on access to care.
- Implementation: Use RHT “Catalyst Funds” (states can use up to 10% of their RHT award for innovation) to purchase on-demand scheduling AI.
- Success Story: Giles Health and Family Center in Virginia successfully expanded NEMT (Non-Emergency Medical Transportation) by introducing an app-based on-demand service for employment and healthcare, reducing “no-show” rates by 30%.
II. Leverage “Treat-in-Place” and Mobile Integrated Health (MIH) Models
Rural communities need care that comes to the patient. Integrating transit with MIH and community paramedicine programs allows providers to deliver clinical services in the home while using transit agencies’ strengths in fleet management, routing, and logistics.
Implementation: Partner with MIH or community paramedicine programs.
Example: Instead of a van taking a patient to a clinic, the “transit” is a mobile clinic vehicle. Transit agencies provide the fleet management and logistics, while the health system provides the clinical staff.
III. Use Data as a Currency
RHTP funding is tied to measurable health outcomes. Tracking and reporting data that reflects access to care – not just trip volume – positions transportation providers as essential partners in improving rural health system performance.
Implementation: Track and report “Social Return on Investment” (SROI).
Example: Don’t just report “trips taken.” Report “Number of maternal health appointments attended” or “Reductions in ER visits for chronic heart failure patients.” This data is what unlocks RHT performance-based funding in years 2–5 of the program.
Additional Resources
- CTAA Rural Health Transformation Program Transportation Access Summary– This document summarizes the transportation‑related strategies states reported in their Rural Health Transformation Program applications, highlighting common themes such as NEMT expansion, ride coordination, public transit gaps, and mobility challenges.
- Federal Fund Braiding Guide – The guide explains when Federal funds from one program can legally be used to meet the local match requirement of another program, outlining statutory rules, agency determinations, and practical steps for grantees and Federal agencies to coordinate transportation funding.