Due to budgetary constraints, the Reservations Call Center will be operating on a new, reduced schedule effective Monday February 15, 2010. Please note the new operating hours will be 08:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m. daily for booking rides. Clients can reach the Call Center at (916) 429-2744. All efforts will be made to respond to your queries during the operating hours provided.

For information about this change to the operating hours please contact a Customer Service Agent at (916) 429-2009.

We are asking for your help in cancelling all un-needed trips at least two hours in advance. You may cancel a trip by calling 429-2009.

Sacramento Regional Transit is sending out a letter to all active riders to inform them that they will begin enforcing the ADA paratransit No-Show/Late Cancellation policy.

A no show occurs when the paratransit vehicle arrives at your pick up location within the 30 minute pick up window, waits the required five minutes and you do not board the vehicle. It is very important that at the time of booking you provide us with a valid phone number to reach you if, upon arrival, the driver is unable to locate you.

A late cancellation occurs when you cancel a trip less than two hours before the scheduled trip. No-shows and late cancellations adversely impact service. All no-shows and cancellations will be monitored. The reason the ride was not cancelled in a timely manner will be recorded. Missed trips are considered excessive when an individual reserves seven (7) or more trips within any month and no-shows and/or late cancels forty (40) percent or more of those scheduled trips. This will be considered a pattern or practice of missed trips and a violation of the No-Show/Late Cancellation policy.

A pattern or practice involves intentional, repeated or regular actions, not isolated, accidental or singular incidents. Clients incurring excessive missed trips may be suspended and will have the right to appeal the decision.

Again, you may cancel a trip by calling (916) 429-2009. We appreciate your help in this matter.

The Sacramento Regional Transit District (RT) Board of Directors approved fare and service changes following a fare change public hearing held on June 22, 2009. The fare changes will be implemented effective September 1, 2009. The RT Board of Directors approved the fare increase for the Paratransit monthly pass from $100 to $125. The RT Board also approved the fare increase for a one-way trip from $4.50 to $5.00.

For information on other RT fare and service changes please visit www.sacrt.com

The Spokane Transit Authority (STA) recently extended their three year contract with Paratransit, Inc., for mobility training services to include a fourth year.

In three short years the mobility training team of Program Manager, Sean Powers, and mobility trainers Steve Prochnow and Janelle Wagenmen, have worked with staff in Sacramento to successfully build one of the top mobility training programs in the country.

Over the past three years the Spokane Mobility Training Program has successfully trained 314 individuals to safely and effectively access public transit in the Spokane area. Many program participants would have been using ADA paratransit service, or have no transportation at all, if it wasn’t for the training they received. Now participants have the freedom of traveling when they want and where they want on their own time schedule. To many of these successful trainees, it is often not about the destination, but more about the journey taken in getting there that makes a difference in their life.

Having mobility training on the menu of services offered by Spokane Transit assures the community that people with disabilities and seniors have good transportation options while maintaining reasonable costs for public transportation.

The mobility options staff and management of Paratransit is very excited about continuing our close working relationship with Spokane Transit. Without their continued support we could not have experienced the success or seen the positive impact that this program has had on the lives of people with disabilities and seniors in the Spokane area.

The skies were dark but the mood euphoric for Paratransit’s 30th anniversary party and celebration. On April 9th, 2009 our community, employees and public servants celebrated this milestone with food and fellowship at our Florin Road facility. Since 1978, Paratransit, Inc. has provided transportation and independence to the elderly and disabled communities throughout the greater Sacramento area. Tours of the facility, video presentation, lunch and guest speakers highlighted the event.

Linda Deavens, Paratransit CEO, kicked off the gala providing the crowd of nearly 350 people with a historical footprint of our birth and development. With great pride and appreciation she thanked those whose service to the organization was paramount in our accomplishments and evolution. “Today is all about people” Linda explained, “those who use our service, those who make it possible”, citing our passengers, Board of Directors, transit, agency and public service partnerships. She credited our “wonderful staff, whose attitudes are that of how they can make it happen”, with whatever task that is put before them.

Councilmember Lauren Hammond, Vice Mayor and the first African American woman to be elected to our City Council, was honored for her many contributions to our community. In 2005 Ms. Hammond joined the Paratransit Board providing us with her knowledge and expertise on transportation issues. She was also recognized for her service in the State Senate as their coordinator for the Americans for Disabilities Act.

In her speech, Ms. Hammond addressed “what an honor it was to be on the Paratransit Board of Directors”. She paid tribute to Paratransit as the “trailblazers” of the ADA transportation industry. She acknowledged Paratransit for persevering when “no one else was doing what they were doing and finding the way to do it themselves, making sure that everyone has the accessibility they deserve”. “The reality is, this is a necessary service”. “There are so many who can’t get around to do the things everyone else does, either by way of public transit or by their own means of transportation”. She commended Paratransit for their commitment to clean energy and ongoing improvements to provide for a sustainable environment. Ms. Hammond concluded stating “how extremely proud she was of Paratransit, as a neighbor, as a business, as a service, a commitment with a smile”. She thanked Bill Durant, Linda Deavens and Mary Steinert for “their continued commitment to the community”.

Councilmember Hammond recognized fellow community dignitaries in attendance, Larry Carr of SMUD’s Board of Directors, Supervisor Roger Dickinson and Stacey Smith of Senator Barbara Boxer’s office.

Linda Deavens introduced Councilmember and former Vice Mayor, Steve Cohn. Councilman Cohn’s vision is for Sacramento to be the most livable city in America, with excellent schools and libraries; abundant parks and open spaces; a dynamic Central City; vibrant with arts, sports and cultural attractions. Steve’s desire is for everything we would need to be within walking distance and if it wasn’t, it would be easily assessable by a prolific transportation network in which Paratransit plays a significant role. Councilmember Cohn provided some statistics creating visions of space travel, citing that in 2008, Paratransit provided close to 1,000,000 miles of transportation to our passengers. This is the equivalent of approximately 237 trips to the moon and back, difficult for many of us to comprehend. The crowd laughed when he stated “they are not doing this with two borrowed busses anymore” acknowledging where we started in 1978, the growth of our fleet, quality of our staff and accomplishments. He went on to state that “he hears that our customers feel like Paratransit is really part of the community”. “That it is not just a customer/business relationship, the relationship they have with their passengers is much greater than that”. Steve praised Linda Deavens, co-founders, Bill Durant and Phil McGuire, for their leadership being “creative in terms of how best to make this service available in a very efficient way”. He closed in extending his “congratulations”, followed by a round of “Happy Birthday” sung by those attending.

Co-founder and Paratransit’s first Executive Director, Phil McGuire, spoke of Paratransit’s early days. He remembered fondly, on July 20, 1978, personally walking Paratransit’s incorporation papers into the Secretary of State’s office. He proudly recognized some of Paratransit’s original employees and former co-workers, Bill Durant, Linda Deavens and Mary Steinert for their accomplishments and success.

Phil now heads up Paratransit’s Innovative Paradigms division. Innovative Paradigms is a consulting and operating business, “that takes the message and concepts developed at Paratransit, Inc.”, offering their services to a variety of transit agencies and non-profit organizations.

Deavens introduced long time friend and Paratransit partner, Regional Transit’s General Manager, Mike Wiley. Also recognized was Senator Dave Jones’ representative.

During her finale, Deavens paid tribute to co-founder and former Executive Director, Bill Durant. “Bill has been our leader for so long, teaching us to do the right thing”. “He taught us to understand what is important, what our values are and to live up to those values”. As Deavens donned Groucho Marx’ nose and glasses, the crowd roared with laughter, telling all that these glasses were Bill’s standard issue to Paratransit staff in his day. Bill joked; they were to remind us “not to take ourselves too seriously”. Something we should all remember to do. Bill humored the crowd while talking about the store clerk’s reaction, when he bought 300 pairs of these glasses telling her they were prescription glasses for perspective. Durant honored all of those he met, worked with, and laughingly, argued with, during his time with the organization. He talked warmly of those, along with him, who advocated for everyone to have equal transportation options, to be able to live as independently as possible, with dignity and to appreciate our differences.

Ms. Deavens recognized the twentieth anniversary of Non-Profits United Insurance Corp., formerly Paratransit Insurance Corp. Deavens stated that there was a time “we couldn’t buy insurance”. Paratransit, along with their sister organizations throughout California, formed a statewide association starting their own insurance company.

Community partner Jill Yungling, of Eskaton Adult Day Health Care, presented Ms. Deavens with a picture drawn by one of their participants and regular Paratransit rider, Larry Vance. She joked, “In the absence of any prompting”, Larry drew this picture of a bus with “Paratransit, A Special Company” illustrated on the side of it.

Special thanks were extended to the students at CSUS for producing the beautiful commemorative video for Paratransit. The staff and management at Paratransit extend their thanks to J.R.’s Bar-B-Que for providing a fabulous meal and KHITS 92.1 for the great music. A wonderful time was had by one and all. Our sincere appreciation and thanks to everyone that attended along with those who participated in creating and celebrating our special day with us.

The annual CalACT Driver Safety Roadeo took place on April 5, 2009 and was hosted proudly by Paratransit, Inc. Our sincere appreciation goes out to all of the transit districts, drivers, volunteers and community members who participated and helped to make this important event a huge success. It was a beautiful, fun filled day as we came together to recognize and celebrate all that our industry drivers provide to the disabled and elderly communities. Special thanks to our sponsor, Sure-Lok and hard working CalACT representatives for coordinating the event.

Ten transit districts representing cities throughout California and a total of twenty-eight drivers competed in the event. Drivers were required to exhibit their skills while performing fourteen different maneuvers throughout the obstacle course, many involving either time constraints or closest distance determination. It was an impressive group of drivers, displaying their many talents and abilities. We can rest assured that the passengers in these communities are being transported while in the safe and secure hands of these professional and skilled drivers.

Mohammad Jaman, Paul Fath and Hardev Rakka, our Paratransit team, took first place for the second year of back-to-back victories. Our very own driver, Mohammed Jaman, took first place for the second consecutive year, defending his state championship title. He is also the 2008 International Bus Roadeo champion. This is an astonishing accomplishment; Mohammad began driving for Paratransit in September 2003 and started competing just last year. He was followed by Paratransit teammates, Paul Fath in fourth place and Hardev Rakka placing fifth in the overall competition. Next month, Paratransit will be sending Mohammed to defend the International title at the 2009 Community Transportation Association of America Expo in Providence, Rhode Island. His teammates, Paul and Hardev will also be joining him to compete in this event.

Our staff at Paratransit would like to take this opportunity to honor and thank our Chief Executive Officer, Linda Deavens. Linda’s commitment and support to the industry and our organization inspires us to be "the best we can be". We are fortunate and grateful to follow her as she leads us by example. Her motivation instills in us her desire to continue to "raise the bar" as she demonstrates to us and our community what it is "to do the right thing".

With confirmed swine flu cases (also know as the H1N1 virus) in California, Paratransit has taken aggressive measures to prevent the spread of viruses. It is important that our riders and community understand our commitment to safety and public health issues. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in conjunction with state and local officials, are in California providing assistance and closely monitoring the ongoing swine flu situation. California has activated the Joint Emergency Operations Center (JEOC) of the Department of Public Health in coordination with the California Emergency Management Agency and expanded public health laboratory testing of potential flu specimens.

Paratransit is proactive in their ongoing “Emergency Preparedness” role. Our staff has been educated to recognize and report any information that may be vital in preventing the exposure of viruses to our passengers as well as each other. We encourage our employees and passengers to increase the use of hand sanitizers, gloves and dust masks. Our buses and facility are disinfected daily with particular attention paid to common areas such as seats, securements, hand rails and doors. If you are feeling ill, we ask that our passengers and employees, refrain from traveling or going to work due to the recent outbreak of the H1N1 virus.

Please do your part in taking precautionary measures to prevent the spread of bacteria:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. If you do not have tissue available, an alternative is to cough or sneeze into your elbow.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. It is recommended that you wash your hands for as long as it takes to sing “Happy Birthday”. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• If you become ill with flu-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, you may want to contact your health care provider, particularly if you are worried about your symptoms. Your health care provider will determine whether flu testing or treatment is needed.
• If you get sick, it is recommended that you stay home from work or school and limit your contact with others to keep from infecting them. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

For more information and the most up-to-date information, please visit:

• The California Department of Public Health: Swine Influenza (Flu) Public Hotline 1-888-865-0564
• Centers for Disease Control and Preventions: Swine Influenza (Flu)
• National Institutes of Health: Swine Flu
• PandemicFlu.gov
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
• World Health Organization: Swine Influenza
• California Departments of Food and Agriculture: Swine Influenza Virus (SIV) Update in California
• California Emergency Medical Services Authority: Swine Flu Guidance

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 Inc. was selected as the 2008 Senate District 6 Small Business of the Year and was honored at the 2008 California Small Business Day Luncheon on May 28th. The event was hosted by the California Small business Association and sponsored 31 small business organizations/chambers. The event was an opportunity where organizations and the State Legislature joined together to "Salute Small Business". Over seventy legislators had the honor of recognizing a small business from their district.

Paratransit Inc. was enthusiastically selected to receive this award by State Senator Darrell Steinberg. In a letter from Senator Steinberg to Paratransit, Inc. he notes:

"When asked to select a small business in my district for special recognition, it did not take long for me to settle on Paratransit, Inc. There are a number of reasons why."

"First, Paratransit Inc. has achieved Gold Star certification by the Sacramento Sustainable Business program, a program which assists business and public agencies to prevent pollution and conserve resources. It should be noted that Paratransit is one of only three businesses in the Sacramento area to achieve Gold Star level of environmental responsibility for its energy and water conservation, pollution prevention, commitment to recycling and green building strategies."

"Second, Paratransit’s mission to meet the transportation needs of individuals with disabilities and the elderly and promote their independence is a mission I share. In fact, promoting independence and inclusiveness for people with disabilities in housing, employment, and social activities is a passion that inspired me to seek public office in the first place. Paratransit has long been an ally in promoting the civil rights and independence of their clients and my constituents."

"And finally, Paratransit has been recognized amongst transit agencies, statewide and nationally, as a model of efficiency and customer service – an inspiration at this time of high gas prices, increased concern about greenhouse gases, climate change, and interest in effective mass transit options. Executive Director Linda Deavens, likewise, has been recognized for her leadership in this area."

Thank you, Senator Steinberg for recognizing Paratransit for our hard work in meeting the mobility needs of the elderly and individuals with disabilities, providing leadership in the transit industry, and for our dedication to environmental responsibility.

In July of 2008, the city of Elk Grove awarded Paratransit, Inc. with the Bike-Friendly Employer of the Year Award. This award recognizes those businesses who have taken a leadership role in promoting cycling in the community, and who demonstrate a commitment to creating a bike friendly environment. Paratransit offers bike racks and lockers and showers and clothes lockers are also available to employees that bike to work.

Paratranst, Inc. is a participant in the Regions Million Mile Month challenge which is a program that promotes biking throughout the region. This year Paratransit, Inc achieved 88% of our pledged mileage goal when our Employees biked 2,870 miles. Paratransit encourages healthy lifestyles and supports it employees who want to bike to work with flexible schedules and an Employee Wellness Program that includes a reimbursement for bike purchase costs.

Paratransit, Incorporated announced the creation of a new division 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

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