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SamTrans > News Archive > New SamTrans Paratransit Buses Hit the Streets
New SamTrans Paratransit Buses Hit the Streets
SamTrans paratransit passengers are riding in style thanks to 10 new Redi-Wheels
buses. The $86,000 buses, which replace similar 1997 vehicles, were purchased with a
combination of federal funds and local sales taxes.
The buses are referred to in the industry as “cut-aways” because the passenger area of
the bus is cut away from the chassis in order for the manufacturer to build a
customized vehicle. The El Dorado Aerotech buses were made according to SamTrans’
specifications.
The small buses can carry up to three standard wheelchairs and seven passengers. They
also can accommodate large mobility devices such as scooters.
SamTrans staff met with members of the San Mateo County Paratransit Coordinating
Council in the design phase of the purchasing process. “We discussed the different
features that were available and talked about what they liked in the existing
vehicles,” said Tina Dubost, accessibility coordinator. Staff also solicited input
from operators and maintenance employees before arriving at the final design.
Dubost reports that over the last 10 years, the PCC has become an important part of
the design process for all the district’s paratransit vehicles. “They have made a
number of relatively simple suggestions that really have made a difference for our
riders,” said Dubost. “For example, they suggested putting bright yellow padding on
our grab bars. This is not an expensive change, but it has made it easier for people
to move through the buses.”
Paratransit is for persons with disabilities who cannot independently use regular
SamTrans bus service. Every day, more than 1,000 San Mateo County residents use
SamTrans paratransit services. For bus and paratransit information, call SamTrans at
1-800-660-4287. People with hearing impairments may call TDD 650-508-6448.
4/8/05
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