PARATRANSIT WATCH

Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) / Ambulette Service Providers

2009-04-12T18:17:00.013-06:00

Links to providers of non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) / Ambulette Services. See also: NEMT Info

National

- American Medical Response - National company owned by EMS Corporation.

- Ameritrans - Specializes in long distance NEMT trips.

-American Red Cross - Some local chapters offer volunteer NEMT services. A database can be found here.

- LifeStar Companies - Group of companies includes: LifeStar Response, Care Ambulance, & Access OnTime.

- LogistiCare - NEMT broker partnered with 1100 local providers in 36 states + DC.

- Med Coach LLC - Nation long-distance NEMT.

- Med Transport Center - National long distance provider.

- National Medical Transport - Operating in 48 states.

- Rural/Metro Corporation - Operating in approximately 400 communities throughout the U.S.

- RxMedCo - Operating in all 50 states.

- Safe Ride Services - Operating in Florida, Illinois, New York, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, Arizona, and Washington State. A division of FirstGroup PLC

- TransCare - Operating in New York and other areas of NE.

Alabama

- Lawhorn Transit Service - Ozark and Dothan areas.

- Trans City Cab - Huntsville, Madison, Athens, Decatur, Hazel Green, Madison/Limestone County, Redstone.

Arizona

- AAA MedEx - State wide. Division of Yellow Cab Tucson.

- Garibay's Medical Transport - Phoenix and West Valley Area.

- Latrikunda Transport Services - Tucson

- Rural/Metro - State wide.

- Safe Ride Services - Phoenix

Arkansas

- LogistiCare - 22 counties in the Northwest, North Central, and Central parts of state.

- National Medical Transport - National company operating in Arkansas

California

- A&R Medical Transportation - State wide.

- AAA Medical Transportation - Santa Clara County.

- AFL Medical Transport - Southern California.

- Allied Medical Transportation (AMT) - Division of King-American Ambulance Company serving San Francisco, Marin, Alameda, and San Mateo Counties.

- CAL-MED Medical Transportation - California, as well as Las Vegas, Nevada.

- Caramedix Inc. - Los Angeles and Orange Counties.

- Case Management Transportation - Yuba/Sutter County and area.

- City Ambulance - Humboldt County.

- City of San Juan Capistrano - Public service for seniors within Orange County.

- Direct Line - Sacramento and Northern California.

- EcoRide Transportation - San Francisco Bay Area; as well as Portland, Oregon.

- Firstcall Plus - Santa Clara County.

- Fresno NEMT - Fresno.

- LogistiCare - Brokers a network of 5o transportation providers..

- Memorial Medical Transport - Los Angeles and Orange Counties.

- Pioneer Medical Transportation - Los Angeles, Burbank, San Fernando Valley, and West Hollywood.

- Premier Medical Transportation - Riverside and San Bernardino Counties.

- UBF Transport Services - Santa Clara County and area.

- US Transcare - Orange County.

- Vantage Transports - San Joaquin Valley, Stockton, Merced, Bay Area, San Jose, Sacramento; and Stanislaus, Solano, Somoma, and Contra Costa Counties.

- World Trans - Los Angeles and Ventura Counties.

Colorado

- LogistiCare - Denver Metro Area.

Connecticut

- LogistiCare - Brokers a network of more than 40 transportation providers.

Delaware

- LogistiCare - Brokers a network of more than 50 transportation providers.

District of Columbia

- Access-Ride - DC Metro Area and Maryland.

- Falcon Transport - Washington Metro Area and Maryland, and Virginia.

- Home Life Help Services - Washington/Baltimore Metro Area and Maryland.

- Washington D.C. Mobility - D.C., Maryland, and Northern Virginia.

Florida

- Access Transport - Jacksonville and Orlando.

- Doctors Transport Service - Sarasota.

- LogistiCare - Brokers a network of small independent providers.

- One2One Trransportation - Fort Lauderdale.

- Rapid Medical Transportation - Miami-Dade, and Broward Counties.

- TLC - Collier and Lee Counties.

Georgia

- LogistiCare - Brokers a network of more than 117 transportation providers.

- Magnolia Transportation - Putnam, Monroe, Jones, Baldwin, Crawford, Bibb, Twiggs, Wilkinson, Peach, Houston, and Pulaski Counties.

- Med Care Transport - Walton, Gwinnett, Rockdale, Newton, and Clarke Counties.

- Our Family Transportation Services - Atlanta and area.

Idaho

- Hearts TO-GO - Division of Hearts For Hospice providing service in Idaho and Utah.

Louisiana

- RR Transportation Services - Parishes of Lafayette, Iberia, Vermillion, and Acadia; as well as areas of Texas.

- Sabine Council On Aging (SCOA) - Local agency providing a variety of services, including NEMT to the elderly in Sabine Parish.

Maryland

- Access-Ride - Maryland; as well as DC Metro Area, and Virginia.

- Falcon Transport - Maryland and D.C.

- Home Life Help Services - Baltimore/Washington Metro Area and Maryland.

- Washington D.C. Mobility - Maryland, D.C., and Northern Virginia.

Michigan

- Care Transport - Ann Arbor and area.

- Loving Touch Transportation - Macomb, Oakland and surrounding areas.

- People Helping One Another (PHOA) - Non-profit organization provides free NEMT in Tri-County area for the disadvantaged.

- Transport Care Services - Oakland County.

Minnesota

- Allina Medical Transportation - Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area.

Mississippi

- LogistiCare - State coverage through contract with Medicaid.

Nevada

- CAL-MED Medical Transportation - Las Vegas, as well as California.

- LogistiCare - Brokers a network of more than 50 transportation providers.

New York

- Dawson Taxi - Long Island

- Rainbow Transportation Services - Buffalo.

- Safe & Direct Transportation Services - South side of NYC.

- Transportation Matters - Eastern Long Island.

North Carolina

- Care First Medical Transport - Pitt County

- Pender EMS & Rescue - Pender County.

Ohio

- Cleveland Services - Cleveland.

- LifeCare Medical Services - Butler, Franklin, Hamilton, Medina, Stark, Summit, and Union Counties.

- Patriot EMS - Lawrence County, Ironton and Tri-State Region.

- Smith Ambulance - Stark, Summit, Wayne, Holmes, Tuscarawas, and Mahoning Counties.

- Valley Transport - Montgomery County.

Oklahoma

- LogitiCare - Brokers a network of about 39 transportation providers.

Oregon

- AJ Medical Transportation - State wide.

- EcoRide Transportation - Portland; as well as San Francisco, California.

Pennsylvania

- City-Ambulance - Philadelphia and area.

- Guardian Angel Ambulance - Holmstead and area.

- LogistiCare - Manages the Philadelphia Medical Assistance Transportation Program.

- Posten Transportation - Northeastern Pennsylvania and area.

South Carolina

- LogistiCare - Manages 4 of 6 regions of NEMT for the state.

Tennessee

- J & J Transport - Clarksville.

Texas

- Medicab Transport Services - The following counties around the Houston Metro Area: Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Colorado, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Liberty, Matagorda, Montgomery, Walker, Waller, & Wharton.

- RR Transportation Services - Harris, Fort Bend, Liberty, Montgomery, and Trinity Counties; as well as areas of Louisiana.

Utah

- Dixie Ambulance Service - Southern Utah.

- Hearts TO-GO - Division of Hearts For Hospice providing service in Utah and Idaho.

Virginia

- Access-Ride - Virginia; as well as Maryland, and DC Metro Area.

- Angel Marie Transportation - Hampton, Newport News, Hampton Roads, and Richmond Virginia.

- Family Medical Transport - Hampton Roads Peninsula.

- LogistiCare - Manages a network of more than 290 transportation providers.

- Washington D.C. Mobility - Northern Virginia, Maryland, and D.C.

Washington

- Grape Line - Walla Walla/ Tri-Cities region.

- NOAH - Vancouver, Washington.

- Starline Transportation - Seattle area.

Wisconsin

- Pine Creek Transportation - Buffalo, Clark, Eau Claire, Jackson, Monroe, La-Crosse, and Trempealeau Counties.

Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) / Ambulette Services Resources

2009-02-22T17:23:00.014-07:00

Links to various sites related to the Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) / Ambulette Services Industry. See also: NEMT Providers

1-800-Ambulance - National non-emergency ambulance database.

Access2Care - AMR's NEMT Management Services Program. Offers both Vendor and Client services.

Ambulettes.net - Database of cabulance, wheelchair, and NEMT companies throughout the U.S.

AMR's Disaster Response Team - Members assist communities across the continental United States in time of need. Companies that provide paratransit service are needed to supplement federal and military responses to disasters and other public emergencies. Free to join. Contact Troy Lambert at 228.897.6643.

CMS: Centers For Medicare & Medicaid Services - Federal Agency responsible for administering the Medicare, Medicaid, SCHIP (State Children's Health Insurance), and several other health related programs.

Cost Benefit Analysis of Providing Non-Emergency Medical Transportation - Detailed report prepared by the Transportation Research Board.

CTS (Coordinated Transportation Solutions) - Not-for-profit organization has successfully managed NEMT services, public and community transportation, and call centers throughout U.S. since 1997.

Designing and Operating Cost-Effective Medicaid Non-Emergency Transportation Programs - 1998 guidebook for state Medicaid agencies.

Express Medical Transporters - National provider of NEMT. Independently owned franchises.

Promotional video can be viewed here.

GCS MedTrans - Patient accounting, electronic billing, and scheduling program for NEMT companies.

HDA Insurance Brokerage - California offering coverage for NEMT.

How to Build a Million Dollar Medical Transportation Company - E-Course for starting up your own NEMT business. Related seminar, DVD's, dispatch software, and online support is also available.

ITS Applications for Coordinating and Improving Human Services Transportation - U.S Department of Transportation study into wide range of ITS applications including a NEMT provider: Wheels of Wellness (Coordination Through Brokerage).

LogistiCare - Largest NEMT broker. Partnered with a network of 1100 local providers in 36 states + DC. Owned by Providence Service Corp.

Medicaid Benefits Online Database - State by state database of NEMT benefits. Includes: co-payment requirements, prior approval requirements, coverage limitations, reimbursement methodology, and populations covered. Presented by the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation.

Medicaid Non-Emergency Medical Transportation: Three Case Studies - Detailed 2002 study by the National Consortium on the Coordination of Human Services Transportation of operations in Delaware, Utah, and New York.

Medicaid Transportation and Rural Transit: A Coordination Success Story - PowerPoint presentatio to the 17th National Rural Public & Intercity Transportation Conference, 2006.

Medicaid Webinar - Web based audio/visual seminar sponsored by the Community Transportation Association in two parts: Part 1 Playback + Part 1 Documents, Part 2 Playback + Part2 Documents.

NEMT for Pregnant Women - (2008) Prepared by Leslie Arnold and Jane Perkins. Transportation options available to help Medicaid-eligible pregnant women.

NEMT Reviews - 1999 State of Illinois analysis of discrepancies in billing by providers.

NEMT in Rural Areas - Case study of Placer County, California services.

NEMT: Issues of Statewide Planning Significance - 2005 presentation to the San Bernardino Associated Governments (SANBAG) Health Access Conference.

NEMT: Lessons from the Mountain State of West Virginia - 2005 PowerPoint presentation summarizing service in the state. HTML version available here.

NEMT Reviews - Detailed 1999 State of Illinois report on NEMT expenditures.

NEMT Study Report - 2008 analysis of Medicaid NEMT Program in Maryland.

NEMT Transportation Ministry - Article describes service provided by the United Methodist Church in Kentucky.

Non-Emergency Stretcher Transportation Workshop - 2 day workshop presented by the Center for Urban Transportation Research (University of South Florida).

Online Petition to Help Keep NEMT Going - Opposed to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid proposed rule CMS-2232-P, which states to eliminate NEMT as a benefit under Medicaid.

Placer Insurance Agency - NEMT Insurer.

Protocols for NEMT Providers - Prepared by CenCal Regional Health Authority (Santa Barbara)

Provider Workshop: Commercial NEMT - 2009 class materials for workshop developed by the Kansas Medical Assistance Program.

Taxicab, Limousine, & Paratransit Association - International trade association of and for the private passenger transportation industry, including NEMT providers.

Transit Agency Participation in Medicaid Transportation Programs - 2006 report by the Transit Cooperative Research Program.

Trapeze - NEMT reservations, scheduling and dispatching software.

Demand Responsive Transportation (DRT) Providers

2009-03-08T11:39:00.004-06:00

Links to providers of wheelchair accessible Demand Responsive Transportation (DRT) that serve the general public.

California - OmniLink - DRT system providing curb-to-curb wheelchair accessible service for the general public in the Yucaipa and Chino Hills in San Bernardino County.

East Sussex, U.K. - Rover 6 - Community based DRT wheelchair accessible service operated by the Westham and Pevensey Local Transportation Partnership in conjunction with Cuckmere Community Bus. A video showing the operations can be seen here.

Hampshire, U.K. - Cango - Flexible routes follow a general direction from a "timed" stop through a "roam zone" of "bookable" stops to another "timed" stop at the other end of the route. Wheelchair accessible.

Illinois - Demand Response - Door-to-door curb-to-curb service primarily for seniors and disabled, but available to all residents. Operated by McDonough County Public Transportation.

Lincolnshire, U.K. - CallConnect - Semi-flexible service that divert off the fixed route in response to passenger requests.

Massachusetts - Ring & Ride - Advance phone origin-to-destination wheelchair accessible services provided by the Merrimack Valley Regional Transit Authority (MVRTA).

Ohio - Geauga County Transit - Wheelchair accessible DRT that provides door-to-door service to all county residents visitors requiring service within this largely rural area of north-eastern Ohio.

Ohio - Licking County Transit - DRT service for residents living outside the cities of Newark and Heath. Not wheelchair accessible.

Ohio - Shelby Public Transit - DRT curb-to-curb public service in the City of Shelby and Shelby County area.

Tyne & Wear, U.K. - LinkUp - Operates when regular services are not operating. You can only travel within local service area, but connects with regular fixed-routes.

Virginia - JAUNT - Wheelchair accessible DRT for Charlottesville and surrounding area since 1975.

Virginia - OmniLink - Local weekday DRT wheelchair accessible service operated by the Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission.

Wiltshire, U.K. - Connect2Wiltshire - Formerly known as the Wigglybus, offers door-to-door DRT on a core route that deviates for pick-ups into rural settlements. Low-floor buses.

Taxis

2009-03-08T17:20:00.006-06:00

Links to reports, manufacturers, organizations, and services relating to wheelchair accessible taxis.

1-800-Taxicab - National (U.S.) Taxi Directory. Includes paratransit services directory.

International Association of Transportation Regulators - Taxi Industry regulators association.

MetroKing Motors - Wheelchair accessible taxi manufacturer based in New York.

MV-1 - Purpose built wheelchair accessible taxi manufacturer headquartered in Miami. Formerly known as the Standard Taxi.

My Taxi Story - Las Vegans with disabilities offer stories about experiences with taxis in Las Vegas.

National Review of Taxi, Hackney, & Limousine Services Standards - Concerning accessibility in Ireland's Taxi Industry.

Taxibus - A public transportation alternative for districts of Montreal where it could not be possible to establish a regular bus service. Operated by STM.

Taxicab, Limousine, & Paratransit Association - International trade association includes 1,100 companies.

TAXI.IE - Ireland's Online Taxi Industry Magazine.

Taxi Service and Limousines - Summary of ADA requirements affecting taxi industry.

Toolkit for Integrating Non-Dedicated Vehicles in Paratransit Service - 2007 study of incorporation of "non-dedicated vehicles", primarily taxis, in paratransit service.

Towards an Accessible Taxi Service for All - Study into accessibility in Ireland's taxi industry.

TX4 (Black Cab) - British purpose-built wheelchair accessible taxi manufacturer. The also have a North American Division.

Wheelchair Accessible Taxi Inquiry Report - Australian Human Rights Commission report into state of industry across Australia.

Summer Update: Bus Manufacturers

2009-06-21T10:19:00.006-06:00

BUS MANUFACTURERS - Probably the best site to go to for paratransit statistics is the American Public Transportation Association (APTA). One of the things they keep track of are the types of buses that providers are buying. Here (with some revision due to recent industry consolidation) are the most popular manufacturers:

And if you want to see what goes into manufacturing a bus, then check out this video from Quebec's Giradin Minibus:

History

2009-03-25T18:57:00.007-06:00

Links to sites describing transportation forerunners, and pioneering work of individuals and groups that laid a foundation for the paratransit services and policy of today.

Indiana University Sheet Music Collection - Copies of seven vaudeville era songs with Jitneys as their subject matter. A 1915 recording of one: Gasoline Gus & His Jitney Bus can be heard through the Internet Archive.

List of References on the Jitneys and Jitney Regulation - 1915 document by the Bureau of Railway Economics.

Museum of disAbility History - The "online wing" bricks and mortar museum located in Williamsville, NY. It is a project of People Inc.

On Schedule: Recollections of a Planning and Scheduling Manager at the Alameda-Contra Transit District - 2003 oral history transcript by Donald S. Larson.

Paratransit: An Instructional Module - 1985 guide for class taught at West Virginia University, Transportation Education Project, by Anthony Scalici.

Tim Nugent and University of Illinois Wheelchair Athletics - 8 min. video describing Professor Nugent's pioneering work at the University of Illinois which, besides athletics; also included campus accessibility: first university to introduce curb cuts (1950), first buses equipped with wheelchair lifts (1952), and first architectural accessibility standards (1961).

Walter Callow Wheelchair Bus - Halifax, Nova Scotia accessible bus service founded in 1948 by Walter Callow. Although, left paralyzed and blind after a flight training crash in 1917, he remained active in life and business. Beginning in 1945, he supervised the conversion of a bus for those in wheelchairs (especially veterans), and established a non-profit corporation to organize and perpetuate it's use.

April Update: Smart Para-Transit

2009-03-29T17:36:00.015-06:00

SMART PARA-TRANSIT - Among the recent additions to the directory are two items that describe how a workable demand response transport (DRT) system could be implemented effectively and affordably using existing technology. In Using Information Technology to Achieve a Breakthrough in Transportation in New York City, LimeWire founder, Mark Gorton explains how such a system (which he calls Smart Para-Transit) could work in New York. While the video below: Transit On Demand (Have Cell Will Travel), produced by Peak Moment Television, serves as a good introduction to the concept.

June Update: MV-1 Taxi

2009-05-10T05:03:00.006-06:00

MV-1 TAXI - What was once the Standard Taxi is now the MV-1. Like it's predecessor, it is built to meet or exceed ADA guidelines for accessibility, with room for up to 2 wheelchairs. Probably the biggest design change, apart from the new look, is the introduction of an optional compressed natural gas powertrain system.

The following video features T. Boone Pickens, one of the MV-1's backers and a proponent of natural gas use.

October Update: Lift Restraint Belts

2009-09-13T11:27:00.005-06:00

LIFT RESTRAINT BELTS - Manufacturers such as Braun and Ricon offer a wide selection of commercial lifts designed for use in a variety of settings. Some of these lifts have a restraint belt (such as the Ricon S-Series at left) while others (such as the Braun Millennium shown in the video below) do not. Those that don't can be retrofitted using the Access-AriZe Belt, a new product developed to improve safety on such lifts. Watch the following promotional video to learn more.

Media

2006-12-31T11:17:00.006-07:00

Links to various audio or video resources online.

Access to Buses, Trains, Vans & Taxicabs for People With Disabilities - Video of workshop covering the legal requirements for a variety of types of transportation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), with an emphasis on public transportation.

ADA Paratransit in the Real World - Workshop covering the legal requirements for "origin-to-destination" paratransit service under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), including eligibility issues (applications, recertification and "functional assessments").

Community In Action - 10 min. instructional video describing San Francisco's MUNI Paratransit system.

Crashworthiness and Impact Analysis - Florida State University Radio, 2:15 min. audio version of the SFU article: Engineering Lab Helping Ensure Safety of Florida’s Minibuses.

Department of Transportation Proposed ADA Changes - 20 min. 2006 podcast produced by the Southwest ADA Center featuring Marilyn Golden discussing impact of DOT proposals including those to ADA paratransit.

In Touch With The MTA - A series of videos and audio programs produced by Maryland Transit Authority including a 15 min. audio discussion of ADA compliance.

Manchester Dial-A-Ride - Promotional video discribing Manchester Connecticut's Saturday Dial-A-Ride service. Posted on YouTube.

Paratransit Education & Advocacy Collaborative (PEAC) - 3 podcasts available as mp3s: ADA Paratransit 101 and ADA Paratransit 102 (Basic Eligibility), and ADA Paratransit 103 (Self Advocacy Tools). There are also PowerPoint presentations that accompany each of these available here.

Paratransit Inc. - Mobility Training Video for Sacramento County.

Paratransit Song - Sung to the tune of Clementine. Part of the entertainment at the National Federation of the Blind's 2007 Convention. Can be heard here.

Possible Changes to Paratransit System - KELO-TV Sioux Falls, South Dakota News Report, March 2007. A follow-up story was done after a public meeting: Meeting Addresses Paratransit Changes

Q'Straint - Video loop of wheelchir crash test for securement system.

Saturday Morning Special (mp3) - 2 hour talk radio program broadcast March 3, 2004 in Santa Cruz, California on KSCO. The show, hosted by Michael Zwerling, features Sam Storey (Community Bridges - the non-profit community organization that runs the local paratransit service: Lift Line), Bryant Baehr (Santa Cruz Metro), and Mike Bradshaw (Center Coast Center for Independent Living).

Sure-Lok - 20 min. instrutional video and book for drivers. Can be viewed online.

Telargo Fleet and Workforce Management Services - Promotional Video posted on YouTube.

Unraveling the Mysteries of Paratransit - 1/2 hour podcast (mp3) produced by Disability Nation featuring Marilyn Golden, a policy analyst with Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund, a leading national civil rights and policy center. A transcript is available here.

Veolia Transportation - Promotional Video of Seattle, Washington Company. Posted on YouTube.

March Update: Managing Costs

2009-03-01T11:22:00.006-07:00

MANAGING COSTS - New this month to the directory are three comprehensive studies published in 2008 that are well worth a look during these troubled economic times:

1. Policies & Practices for Effectively & Efficiently Meeting ADA Paratransit Demand

2. Creative Ways to Manage Paratransit Costs

3. Paratransit Providers Tap Technology to Meet Increasing Demand

And finally, the following video shows an example of a wheelchair accessible community (shopping) shuttle in Las Vegas that serves the seniors community. This service helps reduce the demand for paratransit service for these routine trips, while providing a flexible transportation option.

May Update: Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Business Opportunities

2009-04-26T18:01:00.010-06:00

NON-EMERGENCY MEDICAL TRANSPORTATION BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES - Two recent additions to the directory offer their prospective clients help and support in starting up their own NEMT business:

1. How To Build A Million Dollar Medical Transportation Company is an ebook, seminar, DVD, and online support network that guides entrepreneurs towards establishing a successful company.

2. Express Medical Transporters is a national provider of NEMT that offers franchises. Their program is described in the following video:

Now you have the opportunity to realize this potential ...
Uploaded by scotteagle

November Update: Partnerships for Wellness Conference

2009-10-11T10:42:00.012-06:00

PARTNERSHIPS FOR WELLNESS CONFERENCE - As part of this year's Community Transportation Association EXPO in Providence R.I.; the Partnerships for Wellness Conference brought together transportation professionals, health care advocates, and researchers to discuss current challenges facing the delivery of non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT). Videos, transcripts, and other materials from the Wellness Conference are now online. There is a lot of interesting, informed, and relevant presentations and discussion that delve into such topics as funding, integration of services, and specialized care for older adults and children.

The following video is part of one of these presentations. It describes the experience in Allegheny County, PA of blending ADA Paratransit and Medicaid NEMT services.

Advocacy

2006-12-31T10:47:00.004-07:00

Links to various paratransit advocacy groups and organizations.

ADA Watch - A project of the National Coalition for Disability Rights (NCDR), a nonprofit alliance of hundreds of disability, civil rights, and social justice organizations united to defend and strengthen disability rights.

Advocacy Incorporated - Advocacy, Inc. adheres to these guiding principles in all activities to protect and advance the rights of Texans with disabilities.

Broward County Paratransit Consumer Blog - Broward County (Florida) Paratransit Consumer-Run Discussion About Transportation.

DC ParaTransit Info -Blog created by Pat and Kathi Spray to to document the state of MetroAccess, the Washington D.C. paratransit service, as well as provide an online resource for users of paratransit services as to available alternatives.

Disabled Riders Coalition - Coalition of individuals and organizations dedicated to promoting accessible public transportation throughout the New York Metropolitan area.

Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund (DREDF) - A leading national civil rights law and policy center directed by individuals with disabilities and parents who have children with disabilities.

Easter Seals Project ACTION - Accessible Community Transportation.

Equip For Equality - Transportation Rights for Persons with Disabilities in Illinois.

Illinois Legal Advocate - Training and Support Website for Legal Aid Advocates, Includes resources for disability and paratransit issues.

Irish Wheelchair Association - National organization involved in wide range of services, advocacy, and education.

Mobility International USA (MIUSA) - Empowering people with disabilities around the world to achieve their human rights through international exchange and international development.

National Alliance of Public Transportation Advocates - NAPTA is a national organization representing local transit coalitions who support increasing federal investment in public transportation.

National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) - Organization advances independent living and the rights of people with disabilities through consumer-driven advocacy.

National Disability Rights Network - U.S. federally mandated nonprofit organization provides training and technical assistance, legal support, and legislative advocacy for individuals with a wide range of disabilities.

Paratransit Texas - Texas paratransit education and advocacy collaborative.

RIDE - Boston Paratransit Advocacy Project.

RUTA Montreal - Represents special needs people in order to ensure their access to public transportation in Montreal.

Sacramento Mobility Coalition - The Sacramento Mobility Coalition works to keep public transit system accessible to older residents and people with disabilities.

Transport For All - UK advocacy magazine for mobility rights in London.

Transportation Advocacy Project - Accessible, Affordable, Available, Transportation for People with Disabilities in Pennsylvania.

Articles

2006-12-31T10:54:00.004-07:00

Links to various articles about paratransit from online magazines.

Accessible Transit: A Two-Way Street - 2006 article by Brianna Hammer for NewMedia Journalism.

Accessible Transportation That’s Affordable? - By Rosemary Musachio for Audacity Magazine.

ADA Paratransit Eligibility: How To Make Your Case - Illinois Legal Advocate.

As Unpleasant a Ride as Possible - by Mary Johnson, Ragged Edge Online. Paratransit in Louisville.

Balancing act: Stabilizing Paratransit Costs - 2002 article by Donna Rogers for American City & Country Magazine.

Dial-a-Ride: In Crisis?, Dial-a-Ride Complaints, Dial-a-Ride: Enough is Enough! & Dial-A-Ride Update- A series of articles concerning London's paratransit system from Transport For All Magazine (UK).

Eligibility For Paratransit Services - Washington (State) Protection and Advocacy System.

Full Access Transit the Goal in T.O. - Toronto Transit Accessibility Issues.

Getting There From Here - Quest Magazine's readers' opinions of public transportation systems travel the road from 'nightmare' to 'pretty decent'.

GIS and Paratransit - Map-Based Solutions Respond with Efficiency to Paratransit Operations Demands.

In Transit: Public Transit Move Toward Accessibility - Canadian paratransit issues.

Mobility for All: Getting on Board - by Tom Rickert for the Independent Living Institute. Overview of all types of accessibility for public transportation.

Operators Squeezed By Lean Finances - 2005 survey of 40 paratransit operators in the U.S and Canada conducted by Metro Magazine. 4 page pdf document.

Paratransit - Main Wikipedia article with links to related articles and sites.

Paratransit Functional Assessment in Utah - Article from The Memphis Center for Independent Living Journal by Tim Wheat describing Salt Lake's paratransit eligibility assessment practice and their possible application for Memphis.

Paratransit Workers: Going the Extra Mile - Amalgamated Transit Union, pdf document (full In Transit Journal, July/August 2006)

Putting the Brakes on Paratransit Operator Losses - Insurance Journal 2006, Insurance industry perspective on paratransit finances.

The Re-Certification Game - by Larry Biondi, Ragged Edge Online. The FTA's flawed criteria to become paratransit eligible.

What Is Paratransit? - National Limb Loss Information Fact Sheet.

What Is Paratransit Service And How Can I Get It? - Advocacy Incorporated Handout Materials.

Wheel-Trans Eligibility - Toronto Paratransit.

Consulting

2007-07-01T17:40:00.004-06:00

Links to transportation consultants that specialize in paratransit.

Adams Consulting - Paratransit Operational Performance Reviews and ADA Compliance.

Avail Technologies - Has helped numerous paratransit operators assess their operational needs and to select the right mix of new technologies and changes to operational procedures that maximized operational effectiveness.

Bionetics - Offers wide range of consulting services for paratransit industry needs.

C.A.R.E. Evaluators - Specializing in providing health and wellness related evaluations (eg. ADA paratransit eligibility) and services for public and private organizations.

Contrans - Customized training and consulting services for transportation industries who serve the disabled.

Delta Services Group - Planning, analysis, design, accessibility & ADA compliance, management & operations systems consulting.

Destiny Group - Transportation planning, design, and management for small rural and urban transit needs, including paratransit.

Douglas J. Cross - Transportation consulting including transit accessibility and paratransit policy and operations.

ENTRA Consultants - Specializes in integrating transportation and land use planning to achieve sustainable development and social and environmental objectives.

J.M Rubino Consulting - Experts in the field of Passenger Ground Transportation: including paratransit, transportation brokers, and non-emergency medical transportation. Specialties include all aspects of company operations: growth and development, marketing and PR, call center operation, driver training and retention, and fleet management.

KFH Group - Transportation consulting, including paratransit planning and ADA compliance.

McDonald Transit Associates - Independently owned firm offering management, planning, and operation services for bus, rail, and paratransit systems.

Nelson-Nygaard Consulting Associates - Transportation specialists in accessible and specialized transportation, transit service, and more.

Robert Carlson Consulting (Modal Choice) - Accessibility, paratransit, & driver training consulting.

Total Contract Solutions (TCS) - Provides consulting, contracting and training solutions for passenger ground transportation, including ADA paratransit.

Transit Access - Americans with Disabilities Act consulting, training, & service monitoring.

Transportation Alternatives (TA) - Passenger transportation consultancy engaged in: planning, design, evaluation, marketing, management and operation of transit, paratransit, school bus, special education, hybrid and intermodal systems and services.

Organizations

2006-12-31T11:14:00.005-07:00

Links to national organizations that work to promote and protect their own particular interests in the paratransit industry.

Adaptive Driving Alliance - A nationwide group of vehicle modification dealers who provide van conversions, hand controls, wheelchair lifts, scooter lifts, tie downs, conversion van rentals, paratransit and other adaptive equipment for disabled drivers and passengers.

Amalgamated Transit Union - The ATU is the largest labor organization representing transit workers (including paratransit) in the United States and Canada.

AMR's Disaster Response Team - Members assist communities across the continental United States in time of need. Companies that provide paratransit services are needed to supplement federal and military responses to disasters and other public emergencies. Free to join. Contact Troy Lambert at 228.897.6643.

drtbus - U.K. site dedicated to raising awareness and exchanging information from different demand responsive transportation schemes across the world.

APTA - American Public Transportation Association, Annual Bus and Paratransit Conference.

APRIL - Association of Programs for Rural Independent Living.

BusCon - America's biggest bus industry convention.

Canadian Urban Transit Association - (CUTA)

Community Transport Association (CTA) - Promotes excellence through providing training, publications, advice, events and project support on voluntary, community and local accessible transport. (UK)

CTAA - Community Transportation Association of America.

TLPA - Taxi, Limousine, and Paratransit Association.

Transport Workers Union of America - The TWU was founded in 1934 in New York City, then expanded to represent transit employees (including paratransit) in other cities, primarily in the eastern U.S.

United We Ride - Interagency Federal national initiative that supports States and their localities in developing coordinated human service delivery systems.

xTransit - Explores various forms smaller flexible forms of public transportation like paratransit. Focus program of the New Mobility Agenda and The Commons: Open Society Sustainability Initiative.

Databases

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Links to national transit directories and databases in the the United States, Canada, and United Kingdom.

Access to Travel - Transport Canada website providing information on accessible transportation and travel across Canada.

Ambulettes.net - Database of cabulance, wheelchair, and non-emergency medical transportation companies throughout the U.S.

American Public Transportation Association - APTA's directory of large U.S bus systems (200 buses or more). See also: International Transportation Links.

ADA Paratransit Services in America - Database of paratransit maintained by Easter Seals Project ACTION

Directgov - Travel planner on U.K Government website.

National Accessible Travelers Database - Easter Seals project that assists travelers with disabilities seeking accessibility in transportation at destinations across the U.S.

National Paratransit Directory - 1-800-TAXICAB's directory of accessible services in United States.

National Transit Database - Federal Transit Administration's (FTA's) primary national database for statistics on the transit industry.

Paratransit Listserv - Florida communication service provided by the Florida Paratransit Maintenance Training & Technical Assistance Program that allows agencies to monitor and exchange bus maintenance information with each other concerning issues, solutions, bulletins, etc.

Public Transportation - Large, consumer orientated database of various modes of public transportation in United States. Site maintained by American Public Transportation Association.
Travel Search - Public transport information for the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland) & the Irish Republic.

Policy

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Links to various government and paratransit policy related sites.

ADA Technical Assistance Program - Sponsored by the U.S. Dept. of Education, it offer quick answers and technical assistance through regional centers.

Americans with Disabilities Act - ADA (1990) is a civil rights act, ensuring the rights of individuals with disabilities. Among those is the right to accessible public transit.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): A NARIC Resource Guide - The low-down of the ADA in plain language.

ADA Document Portal - Large ADA database includes transportation section.

ADA Accessibility Guidelines for Transportation Vehicles - Specifications for public transportation in U.S. including bus and van systems.

Disability and Business Technical Assistance Centers (DBTAC) - National network of ADA Centers. Includes information on transportation.

Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) - The U.K.'s national disabilities rights legislation.

DisabilityInfo.gov - U.S. federal government one-stop web site for disability resources.

Disability-Related Policy in Canada - Canada lacks a comprehensive federal disabilities legislation like ADA in the U.S. This website is run by the Disability and Information Technologies Research Alliance.

Federal Transit Administration - (FTA) Part of the US Dept. of Transportation .

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, - NHTSA is the federal government agency with the authority to regulate the manufacture of automotive adaptive equipment and modified vehicles used by persons with disabilities.

The Transportation Research Board - (TRB) is a division of the National Research Council, which serves as an independent adviser to the federal government and others on scientific and technical questions of national importance. (USA)

United States Access Board - A Federal Agency Committed to Accessable Design.

United We Ride - Federal Interagency Coordinating Council on Access and Mobility (USA)

WC19 - Voluntary national industry standards for wheelchairs used as seats in motor vehicles developed by the Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Wheelchair Transportation Safety (RERC WTS).

Vehicle Modifications

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Links to companies that manufacture and/or sell equipment for bus modification, such as ramps, wheelchair tie-down systems, and flip-up seats.

Access-AriZe Belt - Lifts that do not have a passenger restraint belt can be retrofitted to have one using this product.

Atlantic Turtle Top - UFL (Under Floor Lift) Series or Hideaway Lift.

C.E. White Co. - ADA Para-Transit Fold-Away Seat with Integrated Q-Straint & ADA Para-Transit Fold-Away Seating.

Q-Straint - Wheelchair and occupant securement systems.

Sure-Lok - Wheelchair tie-down system.

Braun - Wheelchair lifts and ramps for transportation.

EZ Lock - Wheelchair Docking System.

Freedman Seating Co. - Large variety of seating for buses, including flip-up for paratransit. Based in Chicago, IL.

Maxon Mobility - Wheelchair lift manufacturer.

Ricon - Wheelchair lifts and ramps.

Scheduling & Dispatch

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Links to companies that have developed software for paratransit scheduling, dispatching, and information management.

ArcLogistics - Routing and scheduling GIS based application for fleets including paratransit.

Cingular Wireless - Wireless Network applied to Paratransit Scheduling, Dispatch, and Communications.

CTS Software - In the industry since early 1980's and provide scheduling, reporting, and billing software; including "Trip Master" Para-Transit Management Software.

Dial-a-Ride-Online - Online web based route management solution providing total flexibility as to where, when & by whom it is used.

Easy Rides - (Mobilitat) Comprehensive paratransit software with GIS and AVL.

Ecolane - Demand Response Transportation Software. You can find out more from my posting for Oct. 10, 2007: Automated Scheduling.

GIRO/ACCES - Automated scheduling designed to meet the needs of large paratransit organizations with centralized call-taking centers.

GreyHawk Paratransit MDT System - The system uses computer technology in the vehicle to step the driver through the completion of each trip on the route and simultaneously transmit the results of the trip back to dispatch.

IE Logistics (Infinite Enterprises) - Logistics and transportation solutions for variety of transportation needs including paratransit.

Logical Transport - U.K. provider of scheduling software and consultancy services.

LogicTree - Paratransit Solutions - Speech-enabled booking system for transit and transportation agency call centers.

Mentor Engineering - Mobile data system for demand response scheduling and dispatching, including paratransit.

Mobisoft - Finnish software company specialising in automated dispatching and wireless data transfer applications for passenger transport.

NaviTrans Navigator - Formally, Laidlaw's In-House Scheduling and Information Management System. Bought out by RouteMatch in 2007

Ontira Communications Ltd. - Handyline: Ontira's Demand Response Booking System.

ParaPlan - EnGraph Software's scheduling and dispatching software for the Paratransit industry. Developer has related blog posting: Computer Tools For The Visually Impaired.

ParaRoute and ParaLogic - Real-time and batch paratransit software from RouteLogic.

ParaSysInfo - Designs software products that enhances the most popular scheduling software in use throughout U.S. and Europe.

Paratransit Software Tools - Vehicle routing, scheduling, and trip planning.

PiMobilePT - On demand para transit software management. GPS bases scheduling and dispatching sytem.

Ride Express - Scheduling Software for Community Transportation.

RouteMatch - Transportation management logistics in the transportation industry, including scheduling and management software.

Trapeze - Automated scheduling and dispatch software for various kinds of transportation including: public (fixed route and demand response), ride-share, school buses, and affordable community transportation.

Research

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Links to studies and reports that focus on paratransit.

ADA Complementary Paratransit: A Decade of Innovation - 2002 report by Easter Seals Project ACTION on first 10 years of ADA and a look forward to future challenges, including the need for National (U.S.) Paratransit Database.

ADA Paratransit Eligibility Certification Practices - 1998 study documents the range by the different eligibility certification models and offers information about their overall effectiveness.

Computer-Aided Scheduling & Dispatch in Demand-Responsive Transit Services - 2005 study explores the experiences of selected transit agencies, four contract service providers, and four software vendors focusing on current practices.

Creative Ways to Manage Paratransit Costs - 2008 report prepared for the Florida Department of Transportation by the Center for Urban Transportation Research (University of South Florida).

Current State of Transportation for People with Disabilities in the United States - 2005 report prepared for the National Council on Disability by Marilyn Golden and Richard Weiner.

Effect of Education Programs on Paratransit Demand of People with Disabilities - 1998 by Steven Stern, James Fitzgerald and Donna Shaunesey.

Demand Responsive/ADA: Traveler Response to Transportation System Changes - Transit Cooperative Research Program, Report 95 Chapter 6, Frank Spielberg and Richard H. Pratt.

Demand Response Statistics - Up to date and extensive stats provided by the APTA (American Public Transportation Association).

Embracing Paratransit Transportation - Paper explores paratransit as a community responsibility rather than solely ADA. Prepared for Sound Transit (Washington State's Central Puget Sound Area Transit).

Evaluation of Seat Belt Anchorage Strength of a Prototype Wheelchair Integrated Occupant Restraint System - University of Pittsburgh

Evaluating the Impact of ITS on Personalized Public Transit - Study from the California Path Program (U of C at Berkeley) about using Intelligent Transportation Systems.

How to Plan and Run Flexible and Demand Responsive Transport Guidance - Detailed report prepared for the Scottish Government recommending how future DRT schemes could be developed in Scotland.

Freedom To Travel - Detailed Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics, summarizes the results of a 2002 survey on access to transportation for persons with disabilities.

Good Practice Guide for DRT Services Using Telematics - The basics of demand responsive transportation.

Guide for Acquiring Demand Responsive Transit Software and Technology - 2000 checklist of things to consider when acquiring new scheduling software.

Implementation of the ADA: Challenges, Best Practices, & New Opportunities for Success - 2007 study prepared for the National Council on Disability. Includes section on paratransit.

Integration of Paratransit and Fixed-Route Transit Services - 2008 study explores the experiences of transit agencies that have attempted to depart from the traditional binary model of fixed-route and paratransit service by seeking out ways to integrate their services.

Innovative Practices in Paratransit Services - 2002 report prepared for Easter Seals Project ACTION. Based on survey and site visits, report is wide ranging and in depth.

Innovative Suburb-to-Suburb Transit Practices - 1995 report comparing fourteen suburb-to-suburb transit operations including paratransit services. Transportation Research Board.

ITS Applications for Coordinating and Improving Human Services Transportation - U.S. Department of Transportation study into uses of ITS in variety of modes of accessible transport.

Laboratory Testing Program for F.E. Crash Analysis of Paratransit Buses - 2007 report into bus crashworthiness testing based on research carried out by Jerry W. Wekezer at Florida State University's Crashworthiness & Impact Analysis Laboratory.

Mobile Data Terminals - 2007 study explores the state-of-the-practice of MDT's and examines the capability of mobile data computers offered by technology vendors to the industry.

Operational Experiences with Flexible Transit Services - 2004 study examines hybrid services that fall between the two traditional service models of DRT and fixed-route.

Organizational Structures for Brokerage of Paratransit Services (2005) - by Anthony M. Pagano and Paul Metaxatos, Urban Transportation Center, University of Illinois at Chicago.

Paratransit Contracting and Service Delivery Methods - 1998 study focuses on the state of practice in paratransit contracting and service delivery methods to comply with ADA provisions.

Paratransit Coordination Study (2003) - Technical Memorandum prepared by the Kane County (Illinois) Division of Transportation.

Paratransit In America: Redefining Mass Transportation (1997) by Robert Cervero - 320 pages, not available on line.

Paratransit Manager's Skills, Qualifications, and Needs - 2007 study examines current requirements for management and actual experiences of current managers in their positions.

Paratransit Scheduler - Interesting study of East Bay Paratransit by Morgan Ames of Berkeley.

Perfect Accessible Minibus? (Capturing this Elusive Beast) - 2007 study by Enne de Boer, John Taylor, Otto Cazemier, and Rolf Kuhlmann.

Policies & Practices for Effectively & Efficiently Meeting ADA Paratransit Demand - 2008 study by the Transit Cooperative Research Program.

Practices in No-Show & Late Cancellation Policies for ADA Paratransit - 2005 study examines current and innovative practices of U.S. transit agencies in development and implementation of policy.

Principles of Paratransit Design - Summary of study comparing paratransit in Boston and Tulsa by Transportation Alternatives, a transportation consultancy.

Quantifying the Technical Efficiency of Canadian Paratransit Systems Using Data Envelopment Analysis Method - (2005) By Jingtao Yang. A thesis presented to the University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.

Moving Backwards: Canada's State of Transportation Accessibility in an International Context - Report prepared for The Council of Canadians With Disabilities. Interesting comparison of national transportation accessibility policy and implementation in Europe, Australia, United States, and Canada.

Preliminary Evaluation of Wheelchair Occupant Restraint System Usage in Motor Vehicles - 2002 report published in the Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development.

Recent Developments in Telematics-Based Demand Responsive Transportion - Report comparing various DRT Systems in U.K. and Europe.

Shuttle Services: Shuttle Buses, Jitneys and Free Transit Zones - Victoria (British Columbia)Transport Policy Institute transportation encyclopedia entry.

Shuttle Vans: The Overlooked Transit Alternative - 1994 article for the Reason Foundation by Robert W. Poole, Jr., and Michael Griffin.

State of the Art of Paratransit - by R. Lave & R. Mathias of the Transportation Research Board Committee on Paratransit. Good basic description of industry.

Synthesis of Securement Device Options and Strategies - 2002 report by the National Center for Transit Research, Florida.

Trends in Paratransit Technologies - 2004 report prepared by Trapese Software Group.

Transportation: Disadvantaged Populations - 2003 report to Congress.

Traveler Response to Innovative Personalized Demand-Responsive Transit in the San Fransisco Bay Area - Prepared by the California Path Program (U of C at Berkeley)

Universal Securement/Restraint System for Wheeled Mobility Aids on Public Transportation Vehicles (Oregon State University Securement System) - Easter Seals Project ACTION

Wheelchair Access: Improvements, Standards, and Challenges & Wheelchair Marking and Tether Straps - Reports on wheelchair access and securement prepared by Douglas J. Cross Transportation Consulting.

Bus Manufacturers

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Links to companies that manufacture or convert buses and vans for paratransit use.

Accessible Vans & Mobility - Retail and Commercial Van Conversions, Eastern Seaboard.

Advanced Vehicle Builders - U.K. manufacturer of minibuses.

Amcar Motors - Florida manufacturer of private and commercial mini-van conversions. Their multi-purpose commercial designs have flexible seating arrangements and can accommodate one or two wheelchairs.

Atlantic Turtle Top - South Gafton, MA., Specialty vehicles custom designed including various paratransit options.

ARBOC Mobility - Indiana manufacturer of small low-floor wheelchair accessible bus built on GM chassis.

Autobus Thomas - Quebec based school, commercial, and paratransit bus manufacturer.

Autovan - National U.S. digital dealership of minivan conversions.

Azure Dynamics - Works in the development and production of hybrid electric and electric components and powertrain systems for commercial vehicles, including shuttle buses.

Barnett Mobility - Wheelchair accessible taxis, paratransit buses, and mini-vans.

Blue Bird - Large manufacturer school buses, commercial buses, recreational vehicles and wheelchair accessible.

Braun Mobility - Private and Commercial Van Conversion Division of Braun Corporation. Across North America + International Divisions. Scott Bourdon Studios has an interesting 360 Degree Virtual Tour of a Braun Paratransit Van Conversion. *needs iPIX plug-in to work with some browsers.

Coach & Equipment - Based in New York, established 1895.

Champion Bus Inc. - A division of Thor Industries.

Collins Bus Corp . - Manufacturer of small school buses. Also ownes Mid Bus and Corbeil Bus.

ElDorada National - A division of Thor Industries.

Girardin Minibus - Quebec based school bus manufacturer with commercial (paratransit) division.

Goshen Coach - Indiana manufacturer of a wide variety of buses.

Ford - Ford's specialty fleet services.

IC Corporation - Manufacturer of a variety of commercial vehicles including the LC Series low floor 'kneeling' bus designed to meet ADA standards. Also available as 3200 Integrated Mobility by International Trucks. Both companies are owned by Navistar.

Major Vehicle Exchange - Buy or sell reconditioned shuttle, church, and mobility buses.

Mobility Works - Ohio based private and commercial van conversion company.

New England Wheels - Massachusetts based, wide variety of accessible van and bus conversions.

Nor-Cal Mobility - Sacramento private and commercial van conversions.

Optare - U.K. manufacturer of a wide range of buses and coaches including the award winning low-floor Solo model used for DRT.

Red Kite - U.K.'s largest supplier of small school buses.

Specifications for Paratransit Buses and Modified Vanes - State of California Website.

Sonny Merryman - Virginia commercial and school bus manufacturer.

Standard Taxi - Innovative new purpose built accessible taxi design.

Starcraft Bus - Indiana manufacturer paratransit and low-floor entry buses.

StarTrans - Supreme Corporation's bus division. Includes a variety of paratransit models. Manufacturing locations in Goshen, Indiana, and the in Moreno Valley, California.

Thomas Built Buses - Large North Carolina school bus manufacturer, produces over 15,000 per year, sometimes used for paratransit use.

Transit Plus - Large Variety of Personal and Commercial Bus Conversions, Florida Based.

Turtle Top - Indiana based manufacturer of wide range of bus types.

United Access - Paratransit and Commercial Accessible Vans, Based in St. Louis.

U.S. Bus Corporation - Specializes in small school buses.

Viewpoint Mobility - Personal and Commercial Mini-Van Conversions, Available across U.S.

Ward Transportation Services - Conway, Arkansas based school and commercial bus manufacturer. Associated with Diamond State Bus Company, also of Conway.

Wolfington - Manufactures variety of buses.

World Trans - Specialized in small bus market.

Williams Bus - Manufacturers specialty buses.

Frequently Asked Questions

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What is Demand Responsive Transport ? - An advanced, user-orientated form of public transport characterized by flexible routing and schedualing of small/medium vehicles operating in shared-ride mode between pick-up and drop-off locations according to passenger needs. Wikipedia

What is Paratransit (also para-transit) - A term originally coined by Ron Kirby and Kisten Bhat of the Urban Institute in their 1974 report: Para-transit: Neglected Options for Urban Mobility (ISBN: 0877661219). It was used as general term to describe the various forms of flexible (or demand response) passenger transportation that do not follow fixed routes or schedules; such as shared taxis, car pools, dial-a-ride, jitneys, and (*see below) specialized transportation for people with disabilities. Wikipedia

* This term has become increasingly associated with one particular form of demand response transportation: specialized transportation for people with disabilities. To avoid confusion I too use the term 'paratransit' in this it's most commonly used form.

What is Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) - A form of medical transportation which is provided in non-emergency situations to people who require special medical attention. Ambulances, helicopters, and other emergency transport vehicles may be used in NEMT, but the goal of the transport is to get the patient from one location to another while offering medical support, rather than to offer field treatment and rapid transport to a medical facility. People that use NEMT are medically stable, but still need medical support. WiseGeek

Private Paratransit Providers

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Links to some of the bigger private companies that are contracted to provide paratransit service.

First Transit Inc. - Currently manage over 21 contracts providing over two million trips on an annual basis in rural and urban settings. First Transit provides a wide option of related services for their paratransit operations customers, including management, reservations, scheduling, dispatch, and vehicle maintenance.

McDonald Transit - Currently serves 30 public agencies across America.

MV Transit - MV has provided Paratransit services since company's founding in 1975, predating the ADA. Operations range from countywide ADA paratransit services to door-through-door, stair-assist ADA paratransit services, as well as operating reservation and dispatch call centers.

National Paratransit Directory - Data base of smaller independent operators (most associated with taxi industry) across U.S.

Professional Transit Management - PTM provides transit management services to 17 public transit systems in 12 states throughout the U.S.

Veolia Transportation - Veolia Transportation operates paratransit service in 25 cities.