Apr 21, 2016
CLEVELAND -- See the next generation of Paratransit vehicles from 8:30-9:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 26, 2016, in front of the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) Main Office, 1240 W. Sixth St. An RTA Board meeting begins at 9 a.m. that day.
Paratransit operates 80 vehicles that carry about 700,000 persons each year. An additional 40 vehicles are operated through subcontracts. The new vehicles replace those that have outlived their useful life. They will be placed into service on Friday, April 29.
"To provide safe, reliable and cost-effective service, Paratransit coaches must be replaced on a regular cycle," said Joe Calabrese, CEO and General Manager. "These 20 new dedicated mobility access vehicles are smaller than others in our fleet. They will provide a more comfortable ride, and be more economical to operate, helping us to provide better service, while being more cost-effective."
The new vehicles are 17 feet 8 inches long and carry 3 passengers and 1 wheelchair. They have power wheelchair ramps and four-unit camera systems. Older vehicles in RTA's fleet are 24 feet long.
The vehicles were purchased in October 2015 through ODOT's Cooperative Purchasing Program. They cost $59,657 each. Approximately 80 percent of the $1.2 million total price was paid with federal funds. Manufactured in Indiana, they are sold by the Transportation Equipment Sales Corp. of Oregon, OH.
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