Since the advent of welfare reform, NOACA has supported Welfare-to-Work transportation initiatives in two of its counties: Cuyahoga and Lorain. This support has taken the form of financial contributions, staff time, and expertise.

NOACA staff have worked closely with officials from Lorain County Transit, Lorain County Human Services and the Lorain County business community to explore transportation solutions for low-income workers. In July 2001 the NOACA Governing Board approved $235,000 in funding for Lorain County Welfare-to-Work transportation. These funds were used to boost Lorain County Transit's Dial-a-Ride program and hire transportation coordinators to assist workers who need a ride to work. The NOACA Board also approved $300,000 for FY 2003 to support LCT’s work access programs.

In Cuyahoga County, a working group comprising representatives from social services organizations, the Cuyahoga County Planning Commission, the Greater Cleveland RTA and NOACA have been working for over four years on Welfare-to-Work transportation issues. The NOACA Governing Board supported their efforts with $1.3 million in NOACA-controlled funding for fiscal years 2000 - 2002. The Cuyahoga County Welfare-to-Work Transportation Working Group created a Work Access Vanpool Program that transports workers from the urban core to jobs in the distant suburbs. The Work Access Vanpool Program serves nearly 400 registered clients and numerous employers every month. The NOACA Governing Board also continues to support this and other work access programs in Cuyahoga County. Some $1.3 million was allocated for FY 2003.