The Pulse of Paratransit

Senior Population Projections

How Can We Make It Fit Together?

Challenges:

•Maintaining Passengers/Hr.•Available vs. Usage •Individualism vs. Groups•Long Ride Times•Specialized Care (O2 & Diabetes)

•Weather•Program Requirements

• Same Day RSVP• Cancellations/NS

•Cost Effective

.

Transportation Needs/Wants:

•Evening •Weekend•Short Ride Times•Last Minutes Appointments •Multiple Stops in One Day•Low Cost of Service•Specialized Care•Personalized Assistance

rabbittransit’s FAQs

Why is there a 30-minute window for the pick-up time?

Why don’t I get dropped off right away after the bus picks me up?

Why was another passenger dropped off before me?

Why is my travel time different than the time I requested?

Regulatory/Law Challenges

DPW/MATP - Costs shifting Program Changes – Co-Pays

Urbanized Area Population Changes Capital Program – Loss of ACT 44

Increased Reporting & Compliance Req. Coordination – Centralized (PennDOT?)

oversight of all Community Transportation Regionalization – Friend or Foe?

Working Smarter…

GPS Tracking Capabilities Customer Service Resource Customer Concern Resolution

Mobile Data Terminals (MDT) Elimination of editing Dynamic scheduling Electronic Driver Communication Schedule Adherence Driver Aid

Interactive Voice Response - IVR

On-Time Performance

November 2011 84.90% December 2011 84.13%January 2012 86.50%

State Average

1.9

Solutions Web-based reservations and

Trip management New Phone Module IVR – 450+ Calls Modified Suggested Guidelines TPOM Advisory Group Mobility Manager Mentality KPIs & Measurement Ride-Sharing Database

Concept

“If we can’t give them

what they want, at least give them what we promise”

Solutions to Explore

• Modified Suggested Guidelines• Ride-Sharing Database Concept

Case Study

IT Network in Portland, Maine, charges different fares for shared ride service; Riders willing to wait longer, be flexible in pick-up times, and incur longer ride times are charged less. Riders who wish to travel immediately and alone are charged premium fares. More attractive to well-off retirees who have migrated to rural areas.

Fare Structure

2009 Survey:

Nearly 44% of riders willing to pay a higher fare for a higher level of service like shorter wait times.

Senior PWD ADA MATP

48% 38% 19% 27%

Note: Respondents have more than one funding source.

Case Study

CARTS, in Texas, developed a new rural hybrid service design called “fixed-schedule” service.

Seeking to reduce the role of paratransit. Service available in a designated

community to designated destinations on a fixed-schedule basis.

Passengers still picked up at the curb, but they must adhere to a schedule.

Summary

Service Standardization: One set of rules for all programs

Invest in and mandate the use of Technology

Be Mobility Managers: understand the problem/need – find solutions

? Land Use and Where People Choose to Live