Unless you are in the transit or medical sector, you might not have heard about paratransit transportation. Paratransit is simply transportation with an important twist. NDIS Cairns specialists tell us that it is a service specially designed to transport those individuals who are unable to use public transport due to disability. Governments often provide this transportation, or subsidies organizations that do, as apart of health care schemes.
Paratransit transportation offers journeys that serve their location which are flexible in terms of both schedules and routes, which is brilliant for those with specific needs who need specialized journeys.
It is essential for those who are unable to access regular public transport to assist them in carrying on with their day to day lives and activities, retaining their independence.
This piece will discuss some of the things you may not know about paratransit transportation!
Eligibility for Paratransit Transportation is Decided by The Service Itself
Often in situations where a person with a disability needs extra help with transportation it is arranged by the national system. However, when it comes to paratransit transportation, eligibility is actually determined by the company themselves.
Those who are eligible are as follows:
– A person who cannot use public transport without assistance
– A person with a disability who is unable to reach a transit stop
– A person with a disability who requires an accessible vehicle where one is not available.
This will then determine who can have full or part-time access to trips.
A person can qualify for unconditional eligibility (the use of all trips), conditional (the use of some trips), and temporary eligibility (trips for a short period of time).
You Can Only Access Paratransit Transportation Where There is Public Transport
In an ideal world, paratransit transportation would exist in as many areas as possible to give the option of transport to those who will need the service the most. However, paratransit transportation is only available in those areas which have public transport already – that being said, it is an excellent addition to transport that is available for those who need it. Non-profit or organized communities may run similar services to more rural areas or areas without public transport.
Paratransit Transportation Helps the Elderly Keep Their Independence
One of the main functions for paratransit transportation is to help those who need it to remain independent for as long as they can. This is not only extremely important to their physical and mental health, but it can also help them visit friends and family regularly.
Paratransit Transportation Began in the 1970s
Considering how specialist the service is, paratransit transportation has been around for a long while after first trialing in the 1970s in America. This was in response to the demand for flexible transportation for those who have mobility issues or disabilities, which operated for the poorer parts of the country.
The Expectation of Paratransit Transportation
Initially, paratransit transportation was not expected to be used quite as much as it was and was designed only to operate on a small-scale making travel affordable for those who needed specialist routes. However, the service became hugely popular and saw disabled people who were able to use fixed routes using paratransit transportation instead.
