Paratransit

Two Maui Bus buses engaged in paratransit services. One is picking up a person who uses a wheelchair, while another is discharging another person using a mobility scooter.

Paratransit (the term used in North America) or intermediate public transport (also known by other names such as community transport (UK)), is a type of transportation services that supplement fixed-route mass transit by providing individualized rides without fixed routes or timetables.[1] Paratransit services may vary considerably on the degree of flexibility they provide their customers. At their simplest they may consist of a taxi or small bus that will run along a more or less defined route and then stop to pick up or discharge passengers on request. At the other end of the spectrum—fully demand-responsive transport—the most flexible paratransit systems offer on-demand call-up door-to-door service from any origin to any destination in a service area. In addition to public transit agencies, paratransit services may be operated by community groups or not-for-profit organizations, and for-profit private companies or operators.

The concept of intermediate public transport (IPT) or paratransit, exhibits considerable variation between developed and developing nations. In developed countries, it is typically a flexible, demand-responsive form of public transportation designed to provide point-to-point service. These systems are generally well-structured and organized. On the other hand, in developing countries, IPT often operates as an informal, cost-effective alternative to formal transportation modes. It tends to be unorganized and subject to minimal government regulation, serving as a prevalent form of spontaneous public transport that facilitates quick and convenient travel.[2]

The importance of IPT may extends beyond mobility, as it can also contribute to the economic well-being of those who operate these services. In some cases, drivers of vehicles such as tempos and autorickshaws can earn a substantial daily income, which supports their livelihoods.[3]

Typically, minibuses are used to provide paratransit service in USA. Most paratransit vehicles are equipped with wheelchair lifts or ramps to facilitate access.[4]

In the United States, private transportation companies often provide paratransit service in cities and metropolitan areas under contract to local public transportation agencies.

  1. ^ Merriam Webster dictionary Retrieved 2019-10-10
  2. ^ Jaiswal, Aishwarya; Manoj, M.; Tiwari, Geetam (2022-12-01). "A review of studies on service quality of intermediate public transport". IATSS Research. 46 (4): 537–546. doi:10.1016/j.iatssr.2022.09.002. ISSN 0386-1112.
  3. ^ Mall-1, Chauhan-2, Ghosh-3, Jain-4, Udit Narayan-1, Samradh Singh-2 Nilanshu-3 Himani-4 (April 2023). "How Does Intermediate Public Transport (IPT) System Operate in Lucknow?".{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  4. ^ "NEMT Vehicle and Business Requirements". RouteGenie. Retrieved 2023-10-09.