MV Transportation Inc. awarded a contract to operate the ACCESS paratransit service for the Calif.-based Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA).

Since 2009, MV has also operated a portion of the fixed-route service for OCTA.

Under the terms of the contract, MV will assume operations and maintenance of the ACCESS paratransit service on July 1, 2013 for a four-year base period with two, two-year renewal options. The service will be provided using a client-furnished fleet of 248 service vehicles, as well as a smaller fleet of taxicabs and accessible vehicles furnished and operated by MV's taxi partner, Yellow Cab of Greater Orange County.

MV will employ approximately 475 professional operators and staff to run the paratransit service.

MV brings to the contract technology tools that will integrate with OCTA's Trapeze scheduling system to enhance service delivery and help manage the anticipated future growth of the paratransit service. During the new contract term, MV also intends to participate in passenger outreach campaigns, community events and passenger advocacy committees in conjunction with the OCTA in an ongoing effort to identify ways to improve the rider experience.

In addition, MV will coordinate with OCTA to help manage ridership through productivity improvement and passenger education to facilitate passengers' transition from ACCESS to fixed route service, when able.