Potential Cost Savings from Taxi Paratransit Programs

This paper reports the findings of a study that examined the roles that taxis currently play in Federally-mandated paratransit services for persons with disabilities in the United States. For paratransit programs required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) [Federal Register, 1979], the use of taxis can be a key cost reduction strategy that transit agencies can employ. Exemplary taxi paratransit programs were identified; they demonstrate that taxi paratransit services can provide cost-effective and high quality services. Using available data and phone interviews, the advantages and disadvantages of using taxis in paratransit programs were documented. The findings demonstrate how taxis’ involvement in paratransit programs varies among 29 localities in the US. Next, case studies which included in-depth analyses, site visits, and focus group discussions with paratransit riders identified factors associated with successful taxi paratransit programs. This paper describes how exemplary taxi paratransit problems are effectively managed and illustrates how taxis can have a balanced role in paratransit programs. Ultimately, the findings show that taxi paratransit programs can benefit all stakeholders: transit agencies, taxi operators, taxi drivers, and paratransit riders.