Sample Start-Up Budget
TRIP is a low cost, low maintenance program. Its operations require limited staff and infrastructure because it is not required to recruit for drivers, nor is it required to train or support drivers, or schedule and arrange for rides. Below is an estimated 1st year budget for a newly-organized TRIP program:
1 full-time staff position | 25,000 | Volunteer | In-Kind |
1 computer | 1,500 | 1,500 | In-Kind |
TRIP program package | 1,300 | 1,300 | 1,300 |
Supplies | 450 | 450 | In-Kind |
Postage | 250 | 250 | In-Kind |
Office space | 1,600 | 1,600 | In-Kind |
Utilities | 500 | 500 | In-Kind |
Telephone | 500 | 500 | In-Kind |
Accounting services | 600 | Volunteer | In-Kind |
Banking service costs | 200 | 200 | In-Kind |
Mileage reimbursements | 11,025 | 11,025 | 11,025 |
Total | 42,925 (1) | 17,325 (2) | 12,325 (3) |
(1) The low-cost, first year budget is based on the following travel assumptions: 35 passengers and volunteers they recruit themselves; 75 miles per passenger per month for 12 months; $.35 mileage rate: total mileage reimbursement cost is $11,025. (2) With volunteer staff and volunteered professional accounting service. (3) With everything other than the start-up and operation package and mileage reimbursements provided by an existing agency or organization. Even mileage reimbursement amounts can be adapted as necessary.
TRIP Riverside County California Actual Experience Data
First 8 months (1993)
Miles of service provided | 65,635 |
Budget | $26,524 |
Service area (sq. mi.) | 7,200 |
Number of rides | 2,791 |
Number of passengers | 96 |
Number of volunteer drivers | 114 |
Cost per 1-way trip | $9.50 |
2009 Program Performance
Miles of service provided | 1.4 million |
Budget | $496,095 |
Service area (sq. mi.) | 7,200 |
Number of rides | 98,100 |
Number of passengers | 583 |
Number of volunteer drivers | 625 |
Cost per 1-way trip | $4.96 |