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Traditional paratransit service: a lifeline, but limited.

Paratransit service is a critical service that connects people to their communities. While traditional next-day scheduling works well for many trips, sometimes life simply doesn't fit into a 24-hour booking window: medical appointments shift unexpectedly, friends call with last-minute invitations, and everyday errands arise. These are the moments when riders need options for the same kind of spontaneous travel that fixed-route passengers enjoy every day.

A better way to serve riders.

That's where same-day service comes in. By adding this option to existing ADA paratransit programs, agencies can dramatically improve the lives of their riders while creating new opportunities for revenue and efficiency.

When riders have more flexible options, they remain more connected to their communities. As one rider in Glendale, Arizona puts it: 

“I would be a shut-in if not for Dial A ride. You folks take me to doctor's appointments, educational events, social activities. Dial A Ride makes me grateful to be a Glendale resident.”

Generate more revenue, increase fleet efficiency.

For agencies, same-day service can also be a smart financial move. By offering same-day or on-demand options alongside traditional ADA service, agencies can generate additional revenue by adding more riders to vehicles that are already on the road.  Many agencies choose to charge a slightly higher fare for same-day trips, creating additional revenue opportunities. More booking options increases ridership, increasing fleet utilization. 

Choosing the right technology.

Agency leaders may worry that adding same-day service will strain their resources. However, with modern scheduling technology and smart operations management, it's possible to blend both service types efficiently. The key is having the right tools to automate routing and scheduling while maintaining service quality and compliance across multiple booking types.

Agencies should ask the following questions of potential technology providers: 

1. How does the system prioritize between pre-booked and same-day trips?
   Look for scheduling engines that balance both service types while maintaining ADA compliance.
   
   
2. Can dispatchers easily view and manage both types of trips in a single interface?
   You'll want a unified dashboard that clearly distinguishes between service types.
   
   
3. How does the scheduling engine handle last-minute changes?
   Real-time optimization is crucial for efficiently mixing both service types.
   
   
4. What controls are available for managing same-day eligibility and pricing?
   You'll need flexible tools to set service areas, hours, and fare structures.
   
   
5. Are riders able to book pre-scheduled rides and same-day rides from an app or web portal?
   Offering these tools reduces the burden on your booking agents.
   
   
6. What rider communication tools are included?
   Look for automatic notifications, real-time vehicle tracking, and clear messaging about service availability  (hours, zone, etc.). 

The right technology partner will help you introduce same-day service thoughtfully, with tools that protect compliance in your core ADA service while maximizing the benefits of increased flexibility. The goal is seamless integration that makes life easier for both riders and operations staff. 

“The level of convenience Via brings to our Transportation Disadvantaged riders far exceeds the previous standard. We've heard from many satisfied customers.”

— Seth Kling, Sarasota County Paratransit & Transit Services Manager

Get started 

So much of paratransit service management is about creating balance: between rider experience and service efficiency, on-time performance and labor costs. Same-day paratransit service represents an opportunity to modernize paratransit service in a way that benefits everyone - riders gain more freedom and flexibility, while agencies create new revenue streams and serve their communities better. 

Thinking about adding same-day booking to your paratransit service? Get in touch using the form below.