Meals on (Paratransit) Wheels

We’ve heard from our partner agencies that demand for paratransit services is down in light of the coronavirus pandemic. In some cases, monthly ridership is down by as much as two-thirds from typical months. This makes sense —Travel is down across the board, and public health officials are still advising residents to limit travel in many communities.

With demand down, we’ve also heard some really inspiring stories about how agencies are using their paratransit vehicles during this time.

In Fresno County, California, meal sites that would normally be open to seniors have shuttered in response to the coronavirus pandemic. The region’s paratransit provider, Fresno County Rural Transit Agency (FCRTA), partnered with rural cities to deliver meals to sheltered residents who would otherwise go to these meal sites.

FCRTA uses our paratransit dispatch software, Easy Rides, to manage delivering over 150 meals throughout the day. With Easy Rides, FCRTA is able to track and report the delivery of meals.

Images: Packaging and delivering meals (Source: FCRTA)

“We’re really proud to provide this essential service to Fresno County residents,” reflected Moses Stites, FCRTA General Manager. “If our seniors can’t travel to meals sites, it’s important that we’re able to deliver meals to them. That requires a lot of coordination, and GMV’s Easy Rides software has helped to make this a reality.”

In Montrose, Colorado, All Points Transit uses their paratransit vehicles and Easy Rides software to deliver groceries and care packages to area residents who are sheltering in place. The service is supported by a number of local foundations and donations from the public.

Images: All Points Transit delivers groceries in their community (Source: All Points Transit)

While demand for paratransit may be down, providers often have the infrastructure in place — including our technology — to provide other critical community services during this unusual and challenging time. At GMV, we’re proud to support these important services.