DART Celebrates 50 Years of Paratransit in Delaware
The Delaware Administration for Specialized Transportation celebrated the 50th anniversary of their first paratransit trip, becoming the nation’s first state or regional provider of specialized transportation services.
The Delaware Transit Corporation recently celebrated 50 years of paratransit service through what was eventually branded as their DART program.
PHOTO: DTC
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Secretary of Transportation Nicole Majeski and Delaware Transit Corp. (DTC) CEO John Sisson were joined by state and local officials, DTC employees, and special guests as DTC proudly celebrated 50 years of providing Paratransit service to the residents and businesses of Delaware.
The Delaware Administration for Specialized Transportation (DAST) was formed by state legislation in the early part of 1974, and on December 1, 1974, provided its first paratransit trip, becoming the nation's first state or regional provider of specialized transportation services.
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"For 50 years, paratransit service has afforded Delawareans who might otherwise have difficulty traveling the ability to work, go to school, and attend necessary medical appointments. This would not be possible without the work and care of the thousands of employees who have provided this service over the years," said Secretary of Transportation Nicole Majeski. "Today we celebrate 50 years of service and thank all those employees who have and continue to provide transportation to thousands of Delawareans."
DAST Turns 50
DAST took over service from the Delaware Interagency Motor Services (DIMS), a private non-profit, which had begun providing trips in 1972. DIMS was not able to financially sustain service and transferred about 20 vehicles and an estimated 10,000 monthly trips to DAST.
In 1994, the General Assembly created the Delaware Transit Corp. (DTC) to manage and operate DAST, as well as other services under the DART name.
“Over the past five decades, Paratransit service has continually expanded and improved to meet the evolving needs of Delaware residents and communities,” said Sisson. “Today, DART operates 278 Paratransit vehicles, providing over 74,000 trips per month across the state. Our long history of providing reliable transportation in Delaware, as well as our ongoing efforts to enhance service through innovations, community partnerships, and customer service have allowed us to provide mobility options to Delawareans."
As DTC commemorates the anniversary of this essential service, the organization remains committed to upholding the highest standards and ensuring all Delawareans have access to transportation that supports independence and quality of life.
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The Delaware Transit Corporation, a subsidiary of the Delaware Department of Transportation, operates DART First State.
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