UTA, in partnership with the University of Utah, Via Transportation, Inc., and Township + Range, conducted the Paratransit Forward study, which studied existing Paratransit Service to assess and improve the customer experience.
The study was funded in large part by the Areas of Persistent Poverty Grant from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) which is awarded to projects that assist Areas of Persistent Poverty, or areas that had poverty rates of 20% or higher during the last 30 year period. Matching funds were provided by study partners, The University of Utah and Via Transportation, Inc.
The study involved community outreach with current and potential Paratransit customers, stakeholder engagement with organizations and community leaders, a paratransit gap analysis to identify areas for improvement, evaluation of strategies to improve paratransit service, electrification feasibility research, and a final report and presentation as deliverables. The final report outlines costs, benefits, and considerations for various options for improving UTA’s paratransit service. Many of the options explored in the study would expand Paratransit beyond what is outlined in the ADA. The report serves as a resource for UTA leadership to consider what opportunities there are to better serve Paratransit riders.
The study performed analysis of six scenarios as conceptual options for paratransit:
- Legacy Service Continuation
- Expanding Paratransit Service Coverage
- Comingling Paratransit with UTA On Demand Services
- Adjusting Fares for Off-Peak Periods
- Expanding Eligibility Centers
- Rider App and Web Portal