5 Things To Know About Paratransit Services

5 Things To Know About Paratransit Services

slider-1-1

The need for paratransit services is on the rise, but there is still a small percentage of Americans that aren’t familiar with the term paratransit. and an even smaller one that knows what it truly means. In case you are not familiar with paratransit services, we are sharing 5 things to know!

 

1. Paratransit services offer specialized transportation to people who qualify and live in an area with public transit. These services have flexible schedules and routes to better serve the individual needs of their riders.   

2. The demand for paratransit services is on the rise. In 2016, the U.S. Census Bureau reported that there were almost 40 million Americans with a disability. The reported that the number of Americans ages 65 and older will more than double from 46 million in 2016 to more than 98 million by 2060. Of those with a disability, the most common types of disability involve difficulties with walking or independent living.

3. According to the American Public Transportation Association, at least 75% of paratransit vehicles are operated by private contractors. Of those vehicles, 80% of are owned by local government, transit agencies. Many positions are filled by private contractors and can include drivers, call center operators, dispatchers, and even fleet maintenance technicians.

4. The Americans with Disabilities Act requires paratransit services only for people who are not able to use the fixed route services due to disability. For that reason, eligibility is determined based how the person’s ability to use fixed route services. The ADA established three categories to determine eligibility.

Eligibility Categories (personal eligibility):

  • A person who cannot use the transit system independently.
  • A person that requires an accessible vehicle when one is not available.
  • A person who cannot reach the transit stop due to disability. 

5. The ADA also has guidelines on the eligibility of the trips that the rider will be taking. For this reason, the transit industry has developed different types of eligibility.

Eligibility Types (trip eligibility):

  • Unconditional eligibility (all trips) - this rider is unable to use the fixed route service under any conditions.
  • Conditional eligibility (some trips) — this rider can use the fixed route service specific situations.
  • Temporary eligibility (defined period of time) — this rider only requires Paratransit for a limited period of time.    

 

As you can see, Paratransit services are a major part of public transportation for millions of Americans and that demand will continue to increase. If you’re a transportation company looking to add paratransit services, a locality hoping to expand services, or you’re someone who is ready to start a business that provides a valuable service to the public, we can help. We have will If you are looking to start or grow your paratransit business, we are here to help.

 

Find out how JC Paratransit Solutions can be your perfect paratransit partner, email or call us at (888) 474-1235.

JC Paratransit Outlined Logo

We provide clients with high-end vehicles designed to support and accommodate their special needs. In addition, we provide several amenities to the ambulance and paratransit industry which include medical equipment, consulting services, and customized software. 

Subscribe Today!


Stay up to date on all of our new products, upcoming events, and promotions!