Passenger Bus, Rail and Motorcoach Industry News

The New Freedom Program grant from the New York State Department of Transportation will enable Community Action of Orleans and Genesee County to offer free transportation to people with disabilities and elderly residents of Genesee County with proper medical documentation.

Will continue operation of the Access Services Northern Region paratransit contract based in Van Nuys, Calif. Access oversees curb to curb ADA paratransit service on behalf of its 43 Los Angeles County fixed-route member agencies. MV has been an Access transportation provider since 1999.

The Velocity Xpress system enables drivers to unlock rear restraints for 15 seconds enabling quicker wheelchair securement and better positioning. The remote release minimizes bending by driver/operators, reducing back injuries and improving securement.

Transit agency leaders answered this question and whether their systems are seeing an overall boost in ridership this year.

Sioux Area Metro's advisory board recommended limiting the service’s coverage area during peak travel times, as well as not accepting any new subscribers to the service if they live outside of three-quarters of a mile from a fixed route.

Grievances included low pay, severe discipline, and denied requests for bathroom breaks.

Rides for Ridgefield, a new town transportation alliance, will begin service on May 1. The program will provide area seniors and those with mobility disabilities with a single source for ride information and transportation counseling.

Shasta Senior Nutrition Programs debuted its new “44 Express” route. The idea for the service came from town residents, who said better transportation is needed for their area since the Redding Area Bus Authority doesn’t make trips there.

They blocked a street outside the State House, demanding more funding to avoid future fare increases on senior citizens and disabled riders. Four were arrested. The move follows Gov. Deval Patrick administration doubling fares for door-to-door paratransit service last year.

The van and two new buses come equipped with wheelchair lifts to accommodate disabled passengers and additional seating. The buses have 6.8 liter gasoline engines for better mileage. Each features a seat that converts and accommodates a baby car seat.