| Abstract |
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) funded the Agricultural Industries Transportation Services Statewide Needs Assessment Study to determine the existence and extent of the unmet transportation needs among the states agricultural worker population. Additionally, Caltrans wanted a review of a pilot agricultural worker transportation program in four (4) Central Valley counties (Kings, Tulare, Fresno, and Kern). The objective of the study was to build upon the limited information compiled on this community, and to recommend strategies to address the outstanding issues surrounding transportation. In order to achieve the stated goals, the consultant team engaged in several data collection activities which included focus groups and community forums with farmworkers and their families conducted throughout the states major growing regions, telephone and personal interviews with major stakeholder representatives, and mail surveys to the states licensed farm labor contractors. To illustrate the location of farmworker housing, transit routes, and major agricultural regions in relation to each other, Geographic Information System (GIS) maps were developed. Results of the study indicate that there are several transportation and related improvements needed to create sufficient opportunities for farmworkers to avail themselves of safe, affordable, and dependable transportation. Further, fundamental changes in access to vehicle insurance, the introduction of vanpools, modification of federal rules, and greater enforcement of vehicle safety laws will improve the existing situation for the target group of this study. The report includes 17 recommendations for Caltrans to consider for further review, and implementation. The report also recommends further review of both the AITS Pilot Program, and the Farmworker Driver Safety Program, which were being implemented at the publishing of this report. Both programs represent significant efforts to address access to transportation and vehicle safety issues, and a comprehensive evaluation is warranted. Appendices listed in table of contents but not included. Graphs, tables, 132 p. |
TRT
