Contact: Kevin Elwood
Strategic Information Spc.
Greensboro Transit Authority 
(336) 412-6309

GTA's SCAT Service Integrates Sedans Into Fleet for Client Transport

GREENSBORO -- Greensboro Transit Authority’s Specialized Community Area Transportation (SCAT) service, in an effort to provide more efficient paratransit services, has acquired four automobiles to transport riders with disabilities. 

The four-door sedans being phased into regular service allow SCAT to provide transportation services with a minimum number of clients on a trip. The sedans will be used during all normal SCAT operating hours for ambulatory clients who are able to fasten their seatbelts. Each sedan is driven by a fully trained GTA operator and is able to transport up to four clients, eliminating the required use of the SCAT vans with a maximum capacity of 18 people. 

The scheduling and dispatching of the sedans mirrors the larger SCAT van, providing door-to-door service to persons with disabilities who are not able to access the GTA fixed route transportation service. Using a lighter, more gas-efficient vehicle, however, allows SCAT to save money on fuel and maintenance, lowering the cost of transport.

“Our SCAT van fleet meets our needs for carrying multiple clients to destinations around the city” says Libby James, Public Transportation Manager. “However, due to the unique scheduling needs of paratransit clients, there have been periods of only one or two people in a vehicle. Instead of dispatching virtually empty vans during those times, the sedans will allow us to transport smaller client groups while minimizing the cost associated with the larger van use.”

The sedans are being provided at no cost by Veolia Transportation, GTA’s contractor for transit operations and maintenance. Through the partnership, GTA is responsible solely for the fuel and maintenance costs. If the service is successful, GTA plans to use grant funds to purchase permanently-owned vehicles. 

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