Where are the gaps in public transit and human services transportation? Who are the transportation providers in a particular county? How can transportation providers work together to increase service and reduce costs? Answers to these questions and many more may be found in coordinated transportation plans, formally referred to as locally developed, coordinated public transit-human services transportation plans.

Most metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) in Ohio have produced coordinated transportation plans that include all of the counties in their respective planning areas. Other groups have produced coordinated transportation plans covering counties not located within an MPO planning area. As of mid-2011, coordinated transportation plans covered 73 of Ohio's 88 counties.

Federal law requires that projects selected for assistance under three programs—Elderly Individuals and Individuals with Disabilities (Section 5310), Job Access and Reverse Commute (JARC), and New Freedom—be derived from a coordinated transportation plan. Plans must be developed through a process that includes representatives of public, private, and nonprofit transportation and human services providers and participation by the public. FTA's circulars for these programs include guidance on developing and adopting coordinated transportation plans. Plans should be updated every four to five years.

Rural transit providers are expected to be participants in the local planning process, and the inclusion of rural intercity mobility needs and intercity bus operators in the planning process in rural areas is encouraged.

ODOT staff are available to attend coordinated transportation plan kickoff meetings. While ODOT has no formal role in plan approval or adoption, staff are available to review draft plans for adherence to FTA guidelines.

Below is a list of coordinated transportation plans in Ohio. ODOT relies on and appreciates the assistance of local governments and agencies in keeping the list up-to-date.