PARATRANSIT CENTRAL

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.

May 16, 2012

MV, First Transit win Sun Metro contracts

The total estimated cost for both contracts is $43.4 million. The contracts are for five-year terms,...

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May 15, 2012

METRO publisher promoted to VP

Frank Di Giacomo’s new title is part of the changes brought on by METRO parent Bobit Business Media’s...

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May 15, 2012

APTA, BAF: Pass fully-funded transportation bill

Groups released a study predicting that record numbers of Americans will turn to public transportation...

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May 15, 2012

2012 APTA Bus & Paratransit show highlights: Part 1

Days one and two packed with the International Bus Roadeo, Bus Display and informational sessions....

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Flint MTA Switches to Propane for Savings, Eco-Benefits

In 2011, Livonia, Mich.-based manufacturer of propane autogas fuel systems ROUSH CleanTech and its in-state neighbor the Flint Mass Transportation Authority (MTA) unveiled the agency's first propane autogas paratransit vehicle at the BusCon Expo in Chicago.

Melaniphy Eager to ‘Learn Something New Every Day’ as APTA Chief

New president/CEO discusses plans to meet with a broad cross-section of APTA members, including visits to facilities, bus garages, rail yards and factory floors. Meeting with members’ local and national stakeholder partners, such as regional FTA and FRA offices and other policy and regulatory partners, is also on his agenda.

Q'Straint debuts Quantum self-securement system

Fresh off the release of the Q'POD at 2008's APTA EXPO, Q'Straint unveiled the Quantum system at this year's EXPO.

2011- Women In Transportation: Judie Smith

Title: Regional VP of Southern California Organization: MV Transportation City: Los Angeles

PRODUCTS

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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Wheelchair Lift

The Mirage wheelchair lift has a low profile, cassette-type design, offering reliable operation with minimal intrusion in the luggage bay. The BayLift allows mid-ship or rear coach installation for layout flexibility. Both models feature a patented threshold warning system and are FMVSS compliant.

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DEPARTMENTS

House, Senate advance authorization bills, expose vast chasm

In early February, House T&I Chairman John L. Mica (R-FL) and members of the committee held a press conference to unveil its five-year, $260 billion transportation authorization proposal.

Mich. transit’s ‘buddy system’ gives senior, disabled riders guidance

Monroe, Mich.-based Lake Erie Transit (LET) rolled out a "buddy system" in October to help seniors and new riders acclimate to using the transit system. The program is similar to travel training, but with more personal service, Mark Jagodzinski, LET's GM, said.

BART launches mobile seat lab to elicit customer feedback

The mobile seat lab took several months to create and contains four stations, each equipped with several different seats.

RIPTA to bring accessible taxicabs to area

Originally planning to begin the program in September, RIPTA had settled on buying Chrysler minivans. However, because RIPTA plans to buy 10 vans, the vehicles must pass Altoona testing; a process which the vans previously selected had not gone through.

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