PROBLEMS AND OBSTACLES FACING PARATRANSIT OPERATORS IN A SMALL URBAN AREA. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The concept of paratransit has been studied and in many instances implemented as a service to either feed the existing mass transit systems or to supplement that service. In addition, paratransit services have been demonstrated in some communities to be viable solutions to the transportation problem of the mobility disadvantaged segment of the populace. The role which paratransit can potentially serve in increasing mobility and meeting other national goals related to transportation deserves careful study and thorough analysis. In this report, problems and obstacles which may lessen that role potential are studied. This report includes a case study profile of the paratransit systems that are operating in Huntsville, Alabama. This case study involved the following activities: 1) identifying and classifying the types of paratransit systems which are operating locally; 2) qualifying the extent, nature, and source of problems associated with this type of service; 3) developing alternative strategies which will remove or lessen the impact of these problems; and 4) recommending problem solutions and policy guides which would increase the utility of this type of service. A profile of each paratransit system reveals the legal and regulatory framework in which paratransit systems currently operate. Further analysis also indicates the barriers or problems inherent in the requirements of these statutes. As indicated in the report, regulatory changes in some areas may provide a less restrictive environment for the operation of paratransit services and therefore increase their role and productivity.

• Corporate Authors:

  Alabama A&M University, Normal

  Department of Community Planning and Urban Studies
  Normal, AL  United States  35762

  Urban Mass Transportation Administration

  400 7th Street, SW
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Jordan, C W
• Publication Date: 1982-7

Media Info

• Pagination: 10 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Aged; Institutional issues; Legal factors; Paratransit services; Persons with disabilities; Productivity; Regulations; Small cities
• Geographic Terms: Alabama
• Old TRIS Terms: Government regulations
• Subject Areas: Law; Public Transportation; Society;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00373811
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: UMTA-AL-11-0002-83-1Final Rpt.
• Contract Numbers: AL-11-0002
• Files: TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: Aug 30 2003 12:00AM