Information AboutParatransit |
| CATEGORIES ABOUT PARATRANSIT | |
| accessible transit services | |
| transportation | |
| assistive technology | |
| SHOPPER'S DELIGHT | |
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There are many examples of paratransit systems operated by governmental or non-for-profit community agencies, as well as by private paratransit companies. Laidlaw International, Inc. is the largest provider of contract paratransit services in the United States and Canada . In Hong Kong , Rehabus service is provided by the Hong Kong Society For Rehabilitation . Before passage of the Americans With Disabilities Act Of 1990 (ADA), many fixed route bus systems were not interested in paratransit services and in buying buses accessible to people using Wheelchair s. The ADA requires new transit buses be accessible to people using wheelchairs (by lift or ramp) and have at least two spaces to secure wheelchairs in each bus. Paratransit service grew in the United States following the ''Americans with Disabilities Act'' which required complementary paratransit be provided alongside most Public Transit services in the United States which receive funding from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). ADA complementary paratransit service is for people who are unable to ride buses by virtue of a disabling condition. Following the implementation of ADA paratransit service, there is growing interest in service strategies that offer effective and efficient flexible services. Transit operators increasingly need to serve markets for which conventional fixed route bus and rail modes are too expensive, inefficient, or inflexible. Many operators are finding that flexible services have an important role to play in serving low-density areas, dispersed trip patterns, and travel by seniors and people with disabilities. However, the expense of serving geographically dispersed areas means that paratransit is often unable to meet the travel demand of persons unable to drive, leading many paratransit providers to require pickup appointments weeks in advance. Flexible services are represented by a wide variety of innovative services now in use at transit systems in North America and Europe. Intelligent transportation systems technologies, primarily GPS , mobile data terminals, digital mobile radios and cell phones, and dispatching and call reservation software, are used to help implement flexible services and to improve the operations of paratransit services. Most vehicles used in paratransit are specially equipped with Wheelchair lifts or ramps to facilitate access. This service allows many people with disabilities to have jobs by providing transportation to and from their workplaces. SEE ALSO EXTERNAL LINKS
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