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TDA 4.5 Document E(a) Page 6 core services (DTR) to be able to maintain a consistent level of transportation services for Pleasanton's aging and disabled residents. Although DTR service continues to be a popular and cost effective, same -day alternative for many riders, funding this program is an unmet need. Service reductions for DTR such as days and hours of operations will be considered by staff for the coming fiscal year should Gap Grant funding not be received. Service changes cannot keep up with the growing need for region -wide paratransit services, especially medical appointments. This need continues to increase as hospitals consolidate, doctors specialize, and there are limited HMO affiliates. With the continuing economic challenges, there will be an increasing need to try and help seniors subsidize their trips. Increased requests for the City of Pleasanton's Fee Assistance Program will continue to occur. With limited general fund support, this program will not be able to keep up with the demand for financial need and thus low- income seniors will not be able to afford to use the PPS program. Limited availability of MTC TDA 4.5 transportation funds and Measure B pass - through dollars creates challenges in trying to meet the demand for paratransit services. Staff will have to carefully evaluate the limited resources and make decisions on how to best allocate these dollars. Marketing and Outreach Marketing for the Pleasanton Paratransit Service is completed through the City of Pleasanton Community Services Department. Pleasanton Paratransit is promoted in the Activities Guide, produced and distributed to all Pleasanton residents (28,000 households). Program brochures are distributed to local stores, medical offices, the library, schools, service centers, etc. One -page PPS and DTR flyers have been created as inexpensive marketing tools to use in mass mailings and distribution. The Pleasanton Paratransit Service Riders' Guide is mailed to all existing clients. It is also distributed to all new clients, local businesses, medical offices, the library, and senior housing complexes. The PPS Task Force rneets quarterly and represents PPS users and social service agencies that are served by the program. This committee serves as a sounding board for new ideas and also seeks consumer input. As an advocacy group, the committee members actively complete outreach for this service.