OBJECTIVE The objective of this research is to develop guidelines and resources for transit agencies to evaluate the effectiveness of ambassador programs and mental health outreach or crisis response initiatives. RESEARCH PLAN The TCRP is seeking proposals on how best to achieve the research objective. Proposers are expected to present a research plan that can realistically be accomplished within the constraints of available funds and contract time. Proposals must present the proposers' current thinking in sufficient detail to demonstrate their understanding of the issues and the soundness of their approach to meeting the research objective. The research shall (at a minimum): Describe and compare the different types of ambassador, mental health outreach, and crisis response programs (functions, staffing, capabilities, funding, etc.). Create a definition and common language guide for describing the programs and the people they serve. Identify best practices, resources, and lessons learned for the ambassador, mental health outreach, and crisis response programs (including funding opportunities). Provide practical recommendations for evaluating the programs’ abilities to reduce the effects of homelessness, antisocial behaviors, substance use, and mental health conditions on their transit systems, increase ridership, improve operations, and enhance public safety and its perception. Provide a matrix or other tools to measure program benefits and/or return on investment (ROI), including performance metrics and targets. Proposers should include recommendations for a project approach and deliverables that will support the development of standards that transit agencies can use to successfully evaluate their programs. These recommendations should identify innovative research methods (focus groups, stakeholder interviews, etc.) and present the information (case studies, creation of evaluation frameworks, checklists, online resources, fact sheets, etc.).
