PARATRANSIT CENTRAL

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The Paratransit Industry Channel touches on issues important to paratransit providers, including recruiting and retention, funding, and utilizing technology to enhance customer service, efficiency and cost savings. Articles focus on safety and security considerations for serving passengers with specialized transportation needs. Examine how the latest wheelchair access and restraint systems, advances in on-line scheduling and automatic vehicle location (AVL) technologies are being used in the paratransit industry to meet safety regulations, reduce operating costs, and improve customer satisfaction.

March 16, 2010

Transit leaders urge Congress to move quickly on legislation

Since the last federal surface transportation act expired last fall, Congress has been granting...

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March 15, 2010

Mineta Institute publishes emergency management handbook

Specific guidance and management techniques are provided to aid emergency planning staff to create...

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March 11, 2010

APTA leg. meeting to discuss safety, jobs

The 600-plus public transit leaders will spend Tuesday and Wednesday visiting their congressional...

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March 11, 2010

Kentucky launches travel management center

Riders will be able to access the center by phone or Internet to make or alter travel plans, track...

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Striking a Delicate Balance Between Demand and Funds

Paratransit operators are once again feeling the budget pinch, with more riders boarding and funding vanishing. More providers are relying on scheduling software and the Internet to accommodate customers. New survey questions provide information on productivity, billing and denial reporting.

Specialized Services Expand Mobility to Communities

Disabled individuals and those who live by infrequent bus lines benefit from Denver Regional Transportation District's expanded transit options.

Making it a Lil' Easier to Navigate the 'Big Easy'

Post-Katrina's Lower 9th Ward has finally begun to pick up the pieces and found a way to transport its slowly re-growing population using a flexible-route, on-demand neighborhood circulator that combines elements of fixed route, flex route, paratransit and neighborhood circulators.

Seating Options for Today's Passenger Transportation Systems

The latest industry models combine cutting-edge technology with modern design to enhance numerous vehicle interiors. Current features include three-point seat belts, “back-to-back” configurations, and anti-microbial/anti-bacterial vinyl and stainless steel structures.

PRODUCTS

Two-camera observation monitor

The Voyager AOM562A, a 5.6-inch, heavy-duty color LCD two-camera observation monitor, aids drivers in backing up, changing lanes, merging into traffic and making wide right turns. Strategically sized to fit in vehicles that have limited dash room, it includes and unobtrusive LCD screen. With two camera inputs and a built-in speaker, the monitor can be paired with any combination of two Voyager rear- or side-vision observation cameras. Features easy-to-use front controls and injection-molded plastic housing for durability and weather resistance.

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Automatic Tire Chain System

Without having to stop the vehicle, the Onspot Automatic Tire Chain System offers the traction of a single set of conventional snow chains at the flip of a dashboard switch. An electric switch mounted in the cab provides 12 volts to an air solenoid mounted in the vehicle's frame rail. Designed for ice, packed snow and up to six inches of snow, the chain system eliminates wheel well damage from broken conventional chains. Other benefits include more hauling force, faster acceleration and a reduced stopping distance. DOT-approved in all 50 states.

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DEPARTMENTS

Central Arkansas weathers recession with budgeting, stimulus funding

Using $5.4 million in stimulus funding it received, the Central Arkansas Transit system purchased four paratransit vehicles and eight fixed-route buses. As a result, Executive Director Betty Wineland said that for the first time in more than 33 years, the agency will have no buses in its fleet that exceed the recommended 12-year retirement age.

A Call to Action for Transit

$1 billion of stimulus investment in transportation infrastructure supports 28,000 jobs. $12 billion in new transit funding would create more than 330,000 new jobs.

Technology's impact has multiple dimensions and challenges

As we look to expand the industry and procure new equipment to meet the growing demand for public transportation, governments and agencies must fund the talent side of our growing need.

Travel Software to Aid Disabled Riders

To use the Travel Assistance Device, riders simply plan their trip online and follow the visual and verbal instructions on their cell phone.