PAST ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS OF PARATRANSIT: A DISCUSSION

The major topics discussed with respect to paratransit include the following: The three most significant accomplishments to data regarding paratransit, APTA's view of paratransit and the potential for public and private cooperation; the role of ITA in paratransit; the role of the federal government in paratransit; and, the three most important short- term objectives with respect to paratransit, and how to achieve them. The major accomplishment of paratransit is the identification of the wide range of available services that fall between the driver and his private automobile and buses. As a result of the government and academic's interest in taxicabs, the ITA has become more active in determining its role vis a vis the federal government. Paratransit has demonstrated that the present transportation system must be considered a multidimensional system in which services are going to be better tailored to individual needs. UMTA, in cooperation with APTA should share in a definitive program of planning for paratransit, striving for efficiency and implementing paratransit in ways which would compliment the existing transportation system. UMTA is seen as facilitating innovation at both the local and state levels of government. Through research and demonstration programs UMTA has been able to examine the various aspects of paratransit services as well as the delivery and integration of these services. Also, UMTA must assure that there be equity in the distribution of services within the urban area. In the short-run, each urban area should seek to establish effective coordination of its transit services, including the many facets of paratransit; UMTA must assure that there are effective laws to protect existing institutions that are providing transportation; and lastly, the existence of privately owned paratransit services and the removal of regulations that prevent those privately owned paratransit services from functioning on a shared-ride basis must be recognized.

Media Info

  • Media Type: Digital/other
  • Features: References;
  • Pagination: pp 122-130
  • Monograph Title: Demand-responsive transportation systems and other paratransit services
  • Serial:

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00156125
  • Record Type: Publication
  • ISBN: 0309025834
  • Files: TRIS, TRB
  • Created Date: Aug 4 1981 12:00AM