Guidebook for Attracting Paratransit Patrons to Fixed-route Services

Book excerpt: Paratransit services are more expensive to provide on a per-trip basis than fixed-route transit, so operating efficiencies could be achieved by attracting some paratransit riders to fixed route. The Guidebook identifies the characteristics and preferences of four distinct market segments: people with disabilities who use fixed-route transit; people with disabilities who use paratransit; others who currently use paratransit; and people with disabilities who normally do not use transit. The Guidebook also provides step-by-step procedures for estimating demand, locating bus stops, training drivers, providing travel training for patrons, marketing services, and evaluating successes.