Challenges and Visions for the Future Among Paratransit Providers

Area of Science:

• Transportation research
• Public transit management
• Mobility services

Background:

• Paratransit provides essential transportation for disadvantaged groups.
• Transportation network companies (TNCs) are reshaping demand-responsive transit.
• Research on paratransit manager perspectives in this evolving landscape is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore paratransit managers' views on market changes.
• To identify needed resources and supports for adaptation.
• To understand challenges and opportunities in paratransit service delivery.

Main Methods:

• Conducted 16 in-depth, semistructured interviews with paratransit managers.
• Utilized NVivo software for iterative coding of transcripts.
• Employed inductive and deductive approaches to theme generation.

Main Results:

• Key challenges identified: insufficient funding, severe driver shortages, regulatory obstacles.
• Managers expressed desires for service expansion and modernization.
• Perceptions of evolving market expectations were explored.

Conclusions:

• Findings offer insights for policy and practice improvements in paratransit.
• Solutions can enhance services for older adults and transportation-disadvantaged individuals.
• Addressing manager-identified needs is crucial for paratransit adaptation.