Coordinated paratransit: An option for the Salt Lake Valley

This thesis introduces the idea of creating a Coordinated Paratransit System as an alternative transportation system for the Salt Lake Valley. A paratransit system is characterized as a more flexible and personalized service compared to the conventional systems operating on fixed-route and fixed-schedule bases. Paratransit systems vary either routes or schedules or both. They can be made available to the public on demand by subscription on a shared ride basis. In the Salt Lake Valley there are currently hundreds of small fleets operating under paratransit criteria. The effort of this research paper is to investigate the benefits and feasibility of coordinating the efforts of these smaller fleets and creating a Central and Coordinated Paratransit System that would operate in the Salt Lake Valley. This paper begins by defining the function and purpose of Paratransit Systems. The idea of a Coordinated Paratransit System is then introduced and reviewed as to whether or not it is a viable and beneficial transportation alternative for the Salt Lake Valley. Local agencies are identified which could participate under such a system and the possibility of using national models for this system is explored. This paper ends with a recommendation that a Coordinated Paratransit System would serve the needs of Salt Lake Valley's transportation demands and provides suggestions regarding the possible funding, technology, management characteristics and installation procedures such a system will require.