Accessible Transit Services for All Populations

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is soliciting proposals that will examine ways to provide ADA complementary paratransit in a more efficient and cost-effective manner, while maintaining compliance with the DOT ADA regulations (49 CFR Parts 27, 37, and 38), and identify those factors that prevent persons with disabilities from using the regular accessible fixed-route system. FTA has budgeted up to $500,000 for this project. FTA will accept applications targeting the following activities: These factors can include the reliability and availability of an accessible fixed-route system and environmental barriers that prevent travel to and from boarding points. The research will analyze operational practices, and assess the cost savings and effectiveness of the practices and their relationship to increased fixed-route use by riders with disabilities. Practices assessed will include (1) implementing various types of paratransit eligibility processes, including conditional eligibility; (2) surveying and improving bus stops and path of travel to bus stops and stations; (3) incorporating travel training; (4) incorporating feeder service; and (5) assessing and ensuring fixed-route accessibility, including elevator and lift maintenance and stop announcements/route identification. Additional practices that promote the use of technology, examine scheduling and operating services, cost savings and enhanced mobility, and best practices or management of contracting services may be identified during the project.