East Central Transit Action Group: EZTAGThe East Central Transit Action Group (EXTAG) is a collaboration of the three public transit systems (Meridian Transit System, Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians - Choctaw Transit and East Central Planning and Development District) in the region and other interested stakeholders. It is the mission of EZTAG to enhance and improve the quality of life to East Central Mississippi by providing mobility through coordinated safe, affordable and accessible transportation. The purpose of the EZTAG Regional Coordinated Group is to provide an assessment of the regional transportation needs, identify transportation gaps and develop transportation alternatives and recommendations to address identified unmet transportation needs and gaps in the East Central region of the state. The EZTAG Coordinated Regional Planning Group is actively working to overcome the needs and gaps identified in the plan through broad-based collaboration throughout the region. The gaps and needs that have been identified include but are not limited to: • Increased participation with local transit agencies, healthcare organizations, local officials and human service organization, etc. • Broader sources of funding. • Expanded and increased services and service options. • Resource sharing including vehicles, bulk purchases, etc. • Routing software to coordinate schedules, routes, trips and drivers. • Increased awareness and promotion. • Increase participation in the regional meeting. The following initiatives taken by the EZTAG regional group are steps toward overcoming the gaps and needs of services by: 1) developing routes that go beyond original service areas into Newton, Clarke, Lauderdale and Neshoba counties; 2) identifying service providers that will extend service hours to encompass holidays, nights and weekends whereas Choctaw Transit expanding its services to 24/7, adding a commuter and fixed route into Meridian and Meridian Transit adding weekend services (in areas where the need is identified); 3) developing a regional logo and brochure; 4) identifying and developing transportation options for the disability community by creating a preliminary listing of the area's disability advocates and groups to seek collaborative efforts and formalize agreements with. Future goals for the EZTAG Regional Group include: • Become a 501{C}{3} Tax Exempt organization • MPTA Annual Conference in Meridian November 2009 • Community Transit Awareness Day to educate public about public transportation • Work with state elected officials and CTAA (to make coordination more effective) • Regional meetings centered around citizens of the general public • Identify more sustainable sources of funding • Access software systems that link transit providers in the region • Network with other agencies (private and public) to coordinate services (one call center) • Become a formal committee or advisory body
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