Metro Magazine

AUG 2014

Magazine serving the bus and rail transit & motorcoach operations since 1904

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14 < m ETRO m AGAZINE AUGUST 2014 metro-magazine.com Sixty-six percent of operators cited an increase in rides delivered, with an average of 13% reported. More than one-half tap travel training programs to help alleviate demand on fxed-route, while only 16% use taxis to supplement feets. BY JANNA STARCIC, Executive Editor For its 11th annual paratransit survey, which provides a brief overview of the industry's trends, METRO Magazine re- ceived responses from 149 paratransit providers from 37 states in the U.S. and one system in Canada. Respondents an- swered 32 questions about issues relat- ed to providing service, including what their greatest challenges and concerns are, as well as ridership and feet data. FLEETS There are a total of 12,028 vehicles represented in this year's survey results, with the smallest feet coming in at one vehicle and the largest comprised of 6,000. The average fleet size is 151 ve- hicles, and the median is 30. Fifty-four percent of respondents reported having mid- to full-sized vehicles (more than Ridership Sees Steady Increase, Travel Training on the Rise 25-feet in length) in their fleets. Vehi- cles less than 25-feet in length account- ed for 15% of the fleet makeup. While buses still had the largest piece of the overall fleet pie at 69%, this appears to be a downward trend continuing from last year. Vans accounted for 23% of the fleet breakdown, a signifcant drop from last year's 43%. Taxis, which accounted for 8%, showed no change. Also staying consistent, are the number of vehicles listed as being wheelchair accessible, with 91% reporting. Visit metro-magazine.com, to see a photo gallery of fleet vehicles from this year's participants. RIDERSHIP Operators transported a total of 14.8 million riders in 2013. Sixty-six percent of operators cited an increase in their 2013 ridership numbers, averaging 13%, while 33% responded with decreases, which averaged 5.5%. Te largest rider- ship increase reported was 60%. TAXI SERVICE Only 16% of survey respondents re- ported using taxis to supplement their fleets. Of that portion, nearly one-half reported the service was helpful in ac- commodating riders that didn't qualify for paratransit, but have special needs. Tese carriers also shared benefts such as lower operating capital costs and fex- ibility. "Taxis can save money during periods of low demand and can help serve 'peak of the peak' trips. It is important to 2014 Paratransit Survey: Olympia, Wash.-based Intercity Transit's Dial A Lift paratransit service. FLEET NUMBERS- PARATRANSIT VEHICLE TYPES Buses 69% 0 20 40 60 80 100 Taxis/Sedans 8% Vans 23%

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