DART First State paratransit fare increases will take place over a three years instead of two years. The public said in hearings that the fare hikes were too high and happening too quickly, and paratransit providers said that any change this fiscal year would create budget challenges.
Delaware Transit Corp., which operates DART First State, wants to double most bus and paratransit fares over two years, expand bus routes and implement a new model of paratransit.
The paratransit program, which cost $15 million to run in 2000, now costs $50 million — a 233% increase.
Lauren Skiver achieved goals when she was tapped as the CEO for the Delaware Transit Corp., operating the DART First State statewide transit system, a mid-size property with 500 revenue vehicles, which also runs contracted commuter rail through SEPTA.
Lauren Skiver is a 16-year veteran of the transit industry. She currently serves as the CEO of the State of Delaware Transit Corp. (DART), headquartered in Wilmington, Del.
Richard Paprcka most recently served as NJ Transit's director, maintenance, Northern Division Bus Operations.
The transit agency will receive 54 MCI Commuter Coaches. Delaware Express took delivery of a new 2013 J4500, wrapping up a four-coach order.
On hand to present the awards was past President of the MSBMA and President of Champion Bus John Resnik. Chicago area-based Pace Suburban Bus was the top agency, with more than 1,400 vehicles.
Waldorf, Md.-based Keller Transportation Inc. added a customized J4500 and Houston-based Continental Bus Lines put its third J4500 coach into service.
Standard features on the model include a smooth wide-ride suspension, Electronic Stability Control, a SmartWave tire pressure monitoring and Amerex fire suppression system. Delaware Express also added a custom galley for snack and beverage service.