We are pleased to announce the appointment of Linda Deavens as Executive Director of Paratransit, Inc. on January 1, 2008. Ms. Deavens was elected unanimously by the Paratransit Board of Directors and succeeds Bill Durant, one of the founders of the agency and longtime Executive Director, who retired after being with Paratransit, Inc. nearly 30 years. Mr. Durant highly recommended Ms. Deavens to Paratransit’s Board of Directors.

Ms. Deavens has long been a leader at Paratransit, Inc. with 28 years with the agency, most as deputy director. She has a number of plans for Paratransit’s future including improving productivity by reducing cancellation rates, getting city council members more involved in current transportation issues, and continuing to implement technological advances in the transportation system.

Deavens has advocated for the needs of the elderly and the disabled all over the United States participating in both the federal and state levels. For the past several years, she has served on the Board of Directors of CalACT, most recently as the Board President, where she has proven to be a reputable leader.

Congratulations Ms. Deavens and thank you Mr. Durant for your many years of leadership.

Paratransit, Incorporated announced the creation of a new subsidiary to compete in the fixed route bus and Paratransit contracting industry. Innovative Paradigms plans to target selected contracting opportunities where true contractor/transit agency partnerships can be created.

In addition to service contracting, Innovative Paradigms will build a consulting practice in transit and Paratransit management. From its headquarters in Sacramento, Innovative Paradigms expects to collaborate with carefully chosen transit agencies to share its highly successful approach to service delivery.

Visit their new website at innovativeparadigms.com.

Automated Telephone System

The Automated Telephone System is designed to give you quick and convenient self-service access to the Paratransit, Inc., information and services you need most. It will provide selected general information, as well as allow you to Schedule new rides and Confirm and Cancel existing rides. It will call you with a reminder for trips you have scheduled for the next day. Because this system is connected directly to our dispatching system, the Automated Telephone System will notify you that a vehicle is on its way to your pick-up location - and it will even provide you with the most current estimated arrival time.

The Automated Telephone System uses advanced technology that engages you in a "conversation" to determine what you need and it responds accordingly. Simply use the numeric keypad on any touch tone telephone to book, cancel, or find out about your rides. You can transfer to a Call Center Agent at any point during your Automated Telephone System call by pressing 0 (zero).

Getting Enrolled

To access the Automated Telephone System you will need a Personal Identification Number (ID). Contact a Customer Service Agent at (916) 429-2009 option 4 to get your ID and complete the enrollment process.

It's easy! You will be asked to provide phone numbers to be used by the Automated Telephone System so it can call you with ride times and arrival notifications, and a list of addresses to and from which you commonly travel. These addresses will be the only ones used by the Automated Telephone System when you use it to Schedule new rides. Our Customer Service Agents will be happy to update or add new addresses anytime upon your request.

View Automated Telephone System brochure

On Saturday March 1st and Sunday March 2nd a team of 3 drivers from Paratransit Inc. competed in the California Association for Coordinated Transportation's annual Bus Drivers Roadeo at Sunline Transportation in Thousand Palms, CA. This competition tested specific driving skills typical to what our drivers encounter in daily service. Competitors were scored for their smoothness of operation while performing this timed event and had to perform each maneuver with judges on board without hitting any barriers.

Paratransit’s representatives Mohammed Habib, Mohammed Jaman & Pablito Tesorio placed 1st in the team competition. In addition, Mohammed Jaman won first place statewide in the individual competition and was awarded a scholarship to attend the national championship sponsored by the Community Transportation Association of America to be held in May in New Orleans. Mohammed Habib came in fifth place statewide.

Congratulations gentlemen and good luck at the national competition.

You can now advertise your business or event on our Paratransit buses. Use this cost-effective means to reach thousands of consumers in the Sacramento area.

Our buses are in constant motion and cover a wide geographical area, including Sacramento, Roseville, Folsom, Elk Grove and the surrounding areas. Wherever our buses go, your add will go also.

For more information and to advertise on a Paratransit bus contact:

Media Trend Outdoor

Contact: Fred Heymann
Telephone: 916-488-8884
email: fred@mediatrendoutdoor.com

In February 2007, Paratransit and Hybrid Technologies entered into a joint venture agreement and produced the world’s first full lithium-powered PT Cruisers. These vehicles, developed by Hybrid Technologies, will be the first used commercially as taxicabs and will serve as support for the growing demand for clean and accessible vehicles. These vehicles do not emit greenhouse gas emissions and possess a range of 150 miles per battery and can be fully charged in 5 to 6 hours using a convertible 110-volt current.

Paratransit will operate these vehicles in the North Natomas area as well as for daily operations. Paratransit believes this is an opportunity to continue the excellent transportation service it provides for individuals with disabilities and seniors in the Sacramento area, while making a difference in air quality.

Paratransit is one of few organizations in California that offers a Mobility Training program. In mid 2006, Paratransit pursued an opportunity to expand mobility options in Spokane, Washington. Paratransit entered into a three-year contract with the Spokane Transit Authority to initiate a mobility-training program for Spokane, Washington.

To date, 96 individuals have received mobility training, with dozens of individuals awaiting training. The program began with one trainer/program manager and now has a staff of three to meet the increasing demand for mobility training. Paratransit trains about 15 individuals per month with training lasting between 2 to 5 days or until the individual acquires the necessary skills to use the public transportation system. Kevin Welch, Assistant Director of Mobility Options, oversees this program to ensure ongoing success.

We're continuing to work to make the Childcare Center a reality. Click the sketch at left to learn about this landmark project - and learn more about how you can help.

• Project details
• Link for secure online donations

George Rene Francis has lived through 19 presidents and seven American wars. He rode in the back of the bus and chauffeured a white doctor around New Orleans in a Studebaker and a Cadillac.

Mr. Francis has been a registered Paratransit client since 2002.

View the complete story at Sacbee.com.