Paratransit Watch

NEWS: Washington MetroAccess Chooses 16 MV-1 Taxis For Pilot Program

2012-05-29T21:50:00.000-06:00

WASHINGTON DC - May 24, 2012 - The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) has announced a pilot project that will see the introduction of 16 new MV-1 taxis onto the streets of Washington and area. The American made MV-1, is purpose built specifically for the taxi industry and are wheelchair accessible. The new cabs will be operated under WMATA's MetroAccess program, a shared ride, door-to-door paratransit service. For more information see: Metro Unveils New MetroAccess Vehicles (WMATA).

VIDEO: New MV-1 MetroAccess Vehicle Debut | WMATA

NEWS: New Accessible Taxi Program for Rhode Island

2012-05-27T21:42:00.001-06:00

RHODE ISLAND: April 11, 2012 - A fleet of 13 accessible taxis have been introduced thanks to a partnership involving the Federal Transit Administration's New Freedom Program, the State of Rhode Island, local taxi companies, and the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA). The taxis are dodge min-van conversions capable of accommodating passengers in wheelchairs or scooters. Riders can use the service at the same rates as any other customer. The RI Taxi program will be available in 17 communities across Rhode Island. For more information see: Wheelchair Accessible Taxicabs Coming to Rhode Island.

VIDEO: Rhode Island Wheelchair Accesible Taxi Program

NEMT Scheduling: TransiTrak

2012-05-26T08:08:00.000-06:00

TransiTrak is a web-based scheduling and routing software program that has been specifically developed for the Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) Industry. Developed by the Mississippi based Grayco Systems and Consulting Inc, it is now used throughout that state for both private and public fleet management. TransiTrak will organize and manage routes in real-time, manage more trips with fewer employees and vehicles, reduce fuel consumption and labor costs through route optimization, increase DOT reporting accuracy, track poor driving habits and economize routes, track information, and create invoices; all through a web-based solution that does not require expensive computer and data storage investment. To find similar products, go to the Scheduling and Dispatch Directory.

NEWS: Brooklyn NEMT Companies Join Together Against LogistiCare Brokerage

2012-05-23T19:19:00.000-06:00

NEW YORK - On May 1, 2012, LogistiCare began a 3 year, $80 million contract with the state to manage and coordinate all Medicaid transportation trips in Brooklyn with plans to expand the service throughout the 5 boroughs of New York City by the end of the year. Ambulette companies have charged that LogistiCare has given them less business, has been late in issuing payments, and the promised call center is not yet operational. In response to these problems, a number of the local non-emergency medical transportation service providers have banded together to form the Ambulette ParaTransit Coalition to make their concerns known to LogistiCare and the New York State Department of Health, and to provide a forum for others such as patients and physicians to do the same as the 58 ambulette companies currently represented. To learn more about the current situation see: Ambulettes' Dispatch Woe (NY Post), and for background you can checkout my post: What is LogistiCare?

www.map-generator.net http://www.map-generator.net/en/maps/2904

NEWS: Tasmania, Australia to Review Discriminatory Accessible Taxi Program

2012-05-21T20:21:00.000-06:00

AUSTRALIA - Since 2004, wheelchair accessible taxis (maxi taxis) in the Australian state of Tasmania have been operating under a program that discriminates against the very people it was intended to help. Under the program, wheelchair users pay higher rates than users of regular taxis. The following video features disability lobbyist, Jane Wardlaw who has called for a review of the program: Submission in Response to Tasmania's Dept. of Infrastructure, Energy, and Resources, Wheelchair Taxi Subsidy Review (pdf). Here are links to some of the companies that provide accessible maxi taxi services in Hobart, Tasmania's capital and largest city: Hobart Maxi Taxi, Hobart Yellow Cab, and Maxi Taxi Hobart. For more information see the 2005 state government report: Evaluation of Wheelchair Accessible Taxi Services (pdf).

VIDEO: Wheelchair Taxi Discriminates

Provider Profile: Dignity Transportation

2012-05-21T06:24:00.000-06:00

TORONTO - Dignity Transportation is a wheelchair accessible transportation company operating in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) of Ontario, Canada. From it's establishment in 1990, Dignity Transportation has grown to become Ontario's largest private service provider of it's kind, with over 50 accessible vans and buses, as well as over 500 sedans available for ambulatory customers including North America's only wheelchair accessible limousine. Dignity provides services for individuals, groups, special occasions, and non-emergency medical transfers throughout the Toronto, GTA, York, Peel and Durham Region. They also offer franchising opportunities. To find other service providers in this area, go to the Canadian Find-A-Ride Directory page.

VIDEO: Dignity Transportation Inc.

Non-Profit: Paralyzed Veterans of America

2012-05-13T17:47:00.000-06:00

PARALYZED VETERANS OF AMERICA - For more than 65 years, the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) has been helping injured returning military veterans adjust to civilian life as a disabled person through the various programs and services offered by this national non-profit organization. Transportation initiatives such as the New Vehicle Donation Program and the Long Live Cars Campaign are examples of ways they are helping veterans with spinal cord injuries. The Long Live Cars Campaign is a joint effort of the PVA's MissionAble program and Pennzoil to help veterans, such as those shown in the following video featuring NASCAR's AJ Allmendinger, to regain their independence and mobility.

VIDEO: Getting Our Freedom Back - Long Love Cars

Air Medical Transportation Services

2012-05-08T05:24:00.001-06:00

Links to Air Medical Transport and Ambulance Services. See also Long Distance NEMT Directory.

U.S. / INTERNATIONAL

Advanced Air Ambulance - U.S and International Air Ambulance, Commercial Stretcher, Medical Escort. and Executive Charter Service.

AeroCare Air Ambulance - U.S. and International Air Ambulance, and Medical Escort Services.

AeroMedical Transport - U.S Air Ambulance, Airline Medical Escort, and Airline Stretcher Service.

Air Ambulance International - U.S., U.K., and International Air Ambulance and Medical Escort Service.

Air Ambulance Network - U.S. and International Air Ambulance, Medical Escort, and Commercial Stretchers Services.

Air Critical Care (ACC) - U.S. and International Air Ambulance and Air Medical, Medical Escort, and Commercial Stretcher Services. Associated with ACC Medlink Ground Transport. Read More...

AirMed - U.S., Hong Kong, and International Air Ambulance Services.

American Air Ambulance - U.S. and International Air Ambulance Medical Transport Services

American Jets - U.S. and International Air Ambulance and Charter Service.

Angel MedFlight - U.S. and International Air Ambulance Services.

BestCare Air Ambulance - U.S. and International Air Ambulance and Air Medical, Airliner, Commercial Stretcher, and Medical Escort Services. Associated with BestCare Ambulance Ground Transport.

Critical Care Medflight - U.S. Air Ambulance Service.

MedFlight911 - U.S. and International Air Ambulance and Air Medical, Commercial and Air Medical Escort, and Long Distance Ground NEMT Services. Read More...

Medical Escort Services - U.S. and International Air Ambulance, Amtrak Medical Escort, and Commercial Airline Medical Escort Services.

Med Transport Services - U.S. and International Air Ambulance, Medical Escort, Regional and Long Distance (Ground) NEMT, and Bariatric Heavy Lift Services. Associated with Care Trans, a non-profit organization that assists those who need medical transport but need financial assistance.

Travel Care International - U.S. and International Air Medical Transport Service.

U.S. Air Ambulance - U.S. and International Air Ambulance, Commercial Medical Air Escort, Commercial Medical Rail Escort, Commercial Stretcher, and Long Distance (Ground) NEMT Service.

CHARITABLE SERVICES

Mercy Medical Airlift - U.S. Charitable Services: Commercial Airline Tickets, Volunteer Pilots, Air Ambulance Coordination, and Long-Distance Ground Transportation Services.

OUTSIDE U.S.

East West Rescue - Indian Air and Ground Ambulance Transport, Medical Escort, and Commercial Stretcher Services.

Transit Accessibility Challenges that Greeks with Disabilities Face Everyday

2012-04-29T11:25:00.000-06:00

GREECE - While much of the international attention Greece has received in recent months revolves around the Euro Debt Crisis and the violent protests against resulting austerity measures, the following videos produced by Worldfocus show us a different side of the challenges facing that troubled country, and in particular: the difficulties that Greeks with disabilities experience everyday. Video #1 (Disabled Greeks Face Daily Challenges Getting Around), features a woman who, after receiving a spinal injury in a motor vehicle accident, had to go to London, England to receive adequate medical treatment because of the poor healthcare in Greece. Today, she is back home and despite new Disability Laws and some improvements in accessibility, faces a never ending battle to get around Athens. Video #2 (In Greece, Technology Offers New Hope for the Blind), tells a similar story of the frustrations that a visually impaired man in Thessaloniki experiences. For him though, he has had the opportunity to be involved in the development of new technology for the blind that is hoped will help the visually impaired to be more independent in the community.

VIDEO #1: Disabled Greeks face daily challenges getting around

VIDEO #2: In Greece, technology offers new hope for the blind

Careers in Paratransit, NEMT, and Related Transportation Industries

2012-04-22T22:12:00.000-06:00

CAREERS - As I have shown my earlier posts: Investing in the NEMT Industry and Healthcare and the Future of NEMT, the future of industries that provide wheelchair accessible and non-emergency medical transportation are uniquely positioned to grow over the next 20 years in order to meet the demands of an aging population. Along with this will come increasing pressure on government to meet it's responsibilities to provide these services in the most cost effect way possible. The growing use of Medicaid Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) Brokers and the ever increasing use and sophistication of automated Scheduling & Dispatch systems in the Paratransit Industry are examples of how industry and public agencies have adapted in recent years. Over the next 2 decades further changes are inevitable, but one thing is certain: people will still need some form of specialized transportation to meet the transport needs of the tidal wave of senior citizens that is coming.

What may appear as a burden to some, others see as a boon; and certainly for those currently looking for employment, wanting to find a better job, or for those considering a career path: there is great potential for growth for the Paratransit, NEMT, and other related and supporting transportation industries. Jobs range from the drivers and attendants who work directly with clients, to the booking agents, dispatchers, schedulers, mechanics, office staff, and management who work behind the scenes to make the day-to-day operations work. As well, there are support industries, such as lift manufactures and bus manufactures that provide the vehicles and equipment that is needed to provide wheelchair accessible transportation. Plus, there are other companies that specialize in providing the logistical, scheduling and transportation management services that will be key to finding future efficiencies over the next 20 years.

WHAT YOU CAN FIND ON A JOB SEARCH SITE...
The following are examples of some of the jobs available on the Paratransit Watch Job Search Site.
Ambulette Jobs

Dial-A-Ride Jobs

Jitney Jobs

Medicaid Transportation Jobs

NEMT Jobs

Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Jobs

Paratransit Jobs

Paratransit Driver Jobs

Paratransit Scheduling Jobs

Special Needs School Bus Attendant Jobs

Special Needs School Bus Driver Jobs

Volunteer Driver Jobs

Wheelchair Accessible Taxi Jobs

Wheelchair Lift Jobs

Wheelchair Transit

Wheelchair Transportation Jobs

WHAT EMPLOYEES ARE SAYING ABOUT...
The following company profiles include examples of employee salaries, reviews, and interviews. They have been provided by Glassdoor, and are hosted on my other website: Paratransit EXTRA.

Veolia Transportation

WHAT YOU CAN FIND ON PARATRANSIT WATCH...

You can use the Find-A Ride Directory available on this website to find local agencies and companies in your area, as well as compare salaries and jobs available among different types of transportation providers.

NEMT Provider Profile: ACC Medlink

2012-04-21T08:40:00.000-06:00

LONG DISTANCE NEMT - ACC Medlink was established by it's parent company, Air Critical Care (ACC), as a national non-emergency medical transportation carrier that would provide both local and long distance ground services. ACC Medlink utilizes a variety of vehicle types to provide the most appropriate, cost-effective, and comfortable service for patients. They are equipped and professionally staffed to provide clients with the best in medical and comfort care. Go to the Long Distance NEMT Directory to find other services across the United States.

VIDEO: Long Distance Medical Transportation

NEMT Provider Profile: MedFlight911

2012-04-19T20:59:00.004-06:00

LONG DISTANCE NEMT - For over 25 years, MedFlight 911 has been know primarily as an air medical and air ambulance company, but they are also a provider of Long Distance Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT). Their Long Distance Ground NEMT service is provided by motor coach that has been outfitted to accommodate non-emergency medical transport needs, such as oxygen, patient lift and transfers, basic monitoring, and administration of medications and hygiene. MedFlight 911 ground vehicles are staffed with the appropriate professionals such as paramedics, nurses, or physicians. Long Distance Non-Emergency Medical Transportation is a cost effective alternative to air medical transport. Go to the Long Distance NEMT Directory to find other services across the United States.

VIDEO: MedFlight 911

NEMT Provider Profile: MedCoach LLC

2012-04-15T18:04:00.002-06:00

LONG DISTANCE NEMT - MedCoach is a long distance non-emergency medical transportation service that is available throughout the United States. They have been in business for over 25 years. They specialize in providing comfortable ground transportation for patients who require non-emergency medical care while in transit. MedCoach can also provide special dietary meals upon request. A nurse and 2 drivers are with the client at all times. A relative or companion can travel with the patient, but if they are unable to do so, it is not a necessity. MedCoach provides direct door-to-door service from home, nursing home, or medical facility. Their motor coaches are large enough for clients to take along several pieces of luggage and belongings, and can even (for an additional fee) pull a trailer that can accommodate a car or small SUV. Go to the Long Distance NEMT Directory to find other services across the United States.

VIDEO: The MedCoach Movie

Accessible Transit: Disability Support Service and Transit Training

2012-04-15T11:31:00.000-06:00

NORTH CAROLINA - The following training video was developed by East Carolina University in order to show their transit supervisors and trainers the correct ways to accommodate passengers in wheelchairs. Users of accessible services have often noted a noticeable difference in driver competence and knowledge between paratransit services and transit when it comes to accommodating disabled riders. This difference can be attributed to the transit driver's lack of familiarity in dealing with riders with disabilities on a regular basis, inadequate training provided by the employer, and pressures resulting from unrealistic time allotted in the schedule to include safe boarding/de-boarding of wheelchair riders. University and College Transit Services have long been at the forefront of inclusion and innovation (read about Tim Nugent at the University of Illinois to learn more). ECU Transit has continued in this tradition by developing programs such as SafeRide, an evening "fare-free" commuting service for students, facility, and visitors. It provides point-to-point, demand-response van transport back to their residence or vehicle. As well, ECU is exploring the possibility of adding a full size 40-foot hybrid bus to it's fleet.

VIDEO: Disability Support Service and Transit Training Video

Profile: CJ Medical Transportation

2012-04-15T09:14:00.001-06:00

NORTH CAROLINA - CJ Medical Transportation is a family owned and operated Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) company based in Greensboro, North Carolina. Since it's establishment in 2007, this Women Owned Business Enterprise (WBE) has grown to be the largest medical specialty transport service in the region with a fleet of 30 vehicles. CJ Medical Transportation's service area includes the counties of Alamance, Caswell, Davidson, Forsyth, Guilford, Orange (Durham), Randolph, and Rockingham.

VIDEO: CJ Medical Transportation Greensboro NC

Medicaid Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) Brokers

2012-04-09T19:05:00.000-06:00

NEMT BROKERAGES - In the United States, each state operates it's Medicaid Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) program in it's own way. It varies depending upon such factors as the rural to urban population demographics, availability and capacity of private NEMT services, access to public transportation, and the general fiscal health and management of each state. In recent years a number of states have chosen, either in whole or in part, to employ the use of brokers to manage their Medicaid Transportation program. Brokers do not usually provide the actual transportation, but rather enroll and contract providers to perform the service. Companies or organizations that provide the service can range from private NEMT businesses, to taxi, ambulance, or even public providers of paratransit. The broker typically handles all aspects of determining the transport eligibility, as well as coordinating appropriate transport and routing for each Medicaid client. It has been the experience in most instances, that brokerages save taxpayers money by providing more rides at a lower cost, than publicly managed programs. As the population average ages over the next 20 years, there will be increasing pressure put upon Medicaid programs to reduce and better manage costs. As a result, NEMT Brokerages will likely be seen more and more as a viable option. The following is a list of companies and non-government organizations that provide NEMT brokerage services:

Access2Care - AMR's NEMT Management Services Program.

American Logistics Company (ALC) - National passenger transportation management company serving transit agencies, school districts, and healthcare.

Center for Transportation Excellence (CTE) - Manages NEMT for county governments, managed care organizations, and health and human services agencies that serve older adults, persons with disabilities and other individuals lacking adequate transportation.

Coordinated Transportation Solutions (CTS) - Not-for-profit organization has successfully managed NEMT services, public and community transportation, and call centers throughout U.S. since 1997.

Enjoi Transportation - Manager/Broker of NEMT services in Detroit.

First Transit - NEMT - ADA Paratransit Call Center Management

Greater Pinellas Transportation Management System (GPTMS) - Provides Medicaid transportation services for Pinellas County, Florida.

Hopelink - Non-profit organization that provides a number of services in Washington State including coordination of Medicaid transport to medical appointments.

Human Services Council - Washington State non-profit organization that provides a number of community services including coordination of Medicaid Transportation.

LogistiCare - Nation's largest and longest established private NEMT broker. Owned by Providence Service Corp. Read More...

Medical Transportation Management (MTM) - Nationwide NEMT broker managing networks in 29 states and the District of Columbia. Also provides Paratransit services management, ADA assessments, and travel training. See video below. Read More

National MedTrans Network - Regional NEMT network management in New York City Metro area.

Northwest Regional Council (NWRC) - Washington State NGO that provides a number of community based services including coordination of Medicaid Transportation.

Paratransit Services - Operating since 1980, Provider of various transport services including Medicaid brokerage services in areas of Washington State.

People For People - Non-profit organization in Central Washington State providing a number of community services including Medicaid Transportation Brokering.

Specialty Mobility Services - Operating since 1992, SMS is a non-profit organization that administers various Medicaid brokerage services, including transportation in the State of Washington.

TMS Management Group - Transportation management/brokerage firm specializing in administrating non-emergency transportation services. Providing services in Arizona, Texas, Georgia, Florida, Iowa, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio.

VIDEO - Medical Transportation Management

Products: Access-AriZe Belt

2012-04-06T12:37:00.001-06:00

SAFETY - The Access-AriZe Belt is a safety device that can be used to retrofit wheelchair lifts (such as the Braun Millennium shown in the following video) that do not have a passenger restraint belt. Since first writing about the Access-AriZe Belt in my September 2009 post: Lift Restraints, they have added new safety products and training services. Through their Online Store they now offer products such as the Access-AriZe Belt (both rear and front restraint belts), a lift safety kit, and a range of school bus evacuation aids. As well, they offer a variety of certified safety and driver Training Courses. To learn more, visit the Access-AriZe Belt website.

VIDEO: Access-AriZe Belt for Safe Wheelchair Travel

Profile: Veterans Cab Association

2012-04-04T20:09:00.002-06:00

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA - The Veterans Cab Association was founded in 1947. It is Richmond, Virginia's largest taxi company. Veterans Cab also operates a courier service and a charter bus service. The song in the following video was written and performed by one of their drivers. He says: "I was inspired to write this song after driving the night shift in Richmond,Va. entertaining customers with rap beatbox." Find more Virginia Taxi Cab Services.

VIDEO - Cabbie Song Video

Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Business Start-Up Manual

2012-04-01T10:46:00.002-06:00

TRAINING - The Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Business Start-Up Manual is new resource for the NEMT industry published by Precision Management and Consulting Services (PMCS). The 250 page manual provides detailed information covering all aspects of the business including start-up requirements, Medicaid contracting process, vehicle requirements, detailed business plan, employee handbook; as well as numerous resources and strategies for marketing, managing, operating, and building a successful ambulette service. The Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Business Start-Up Manual is available in hard copy, as a e-book, or combined package of both. PMCS also offers a 2-Day NEMT Start-Up Workshop offered at their Cinnaminson, NJ offices each month. The sessions provide prospective NEMT business owners with the tools and resources necessary to start and build and successful transportation business. As well, PMCS offers Consulting Services for owners of new and existing NEMT businesses. Through their websites: Medical Staffing Manuals and Assisted Living Guides, PMCS provide a wide variety of other similar business products and services specifically tailored to the Home Health Care and Assisted Living Industries.

VIDEO: Starting a Medical Non-Emergency Transport Company

Starting Your Own Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Business Series

NEMT Business Opportunities - Introduction to NEMT

Start Your Own NEMT Business - featuring the Million Dollar Transportation E-Book

Buying an Existing NEMT Business - Featuring the Tenney Group

Opening a NEMT Franchise featuring Express Medical Transporters

Diversifying a NEMT Company - Examples of successful diversification.

Interview with Dr. Richard Terry discussing Health Care & the Future of NEMT

Interview with Steffon Liford of Loving Touch Transportation, Michigan

Interview with Robert Hall of Basic Life Support, Arizona

Interview with Carlos Banks of The Wheelchair Taxi, North Carolina

Interview with Howard Berkowitz & Danny Hester of Tropical Transportation, Fl.

NEMT: Investing in the Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Industry

2012-03-24T16:09:00.011-06:00

INVESTING IN NEMT - For anyone looking into possible investment in the Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT), some of the unique aspects of the industry should be taken into consideration. Specifically, the size and make up of the companies that provide the actual service. NEMT service providers are typically small, independent, privately owned companies that operate within a local market. Take a look through my NEMT Services Directory to see for yourself. One exception to this has been the involvement of EMS/Ambulance companies in the provision of NEMT services in the United States, but that industry itself is going through some major changes.

Two of that industries biggest players, American Medical Response (AMR) and Rural/Metro Corp. have recently been acquired by private equity firms. As a consequence, Rural/Metro is no longer publicly traded, and the same is planned for AMR. One area for public investment in the NEMT Industry that is available, and not only that but growing, is the brokerage part of the industry. NEMT is expensive to operate. There are now, and will continue to be enormous pressures put upon programs such as Medicaid to cut transportation costs. One such development has been the trend towards state Medicaid programs handing over management of NEMT coordination to private companies such as LogistiCare (see below).

Over the next 20 years, as the aging baby boomers enter retirement, the demand for healthcare and other services responding to this changing demographic will greatly increase. NEMT is one of those services poised to benefit from this. Although, what exactly the NEMT industry will be like 20 years from now is uncertain, one thing that is certain is that an increasing number of people will still need some form of specialty transport service to access health and medical services. Other publicly traded companies that service the NEMT industry, such as Stryker and Wabtec, both shown below, are strategically positioned to benefit from these changes.

VIDEO #1: Providence Corporation

Providence Service Corporation - Parent company of LogistiCare Solutions, LLC, it provides transportation network management for state Medicaid programs. Founded in 1996, it pioneered the Medicaid brokerage model and remains the biggest player in the NEMT Management industry. LogistiCare was acquired by Providence Service Corporation in 2007. Providence has similar expertise in providing outsourced service of government social service programs. Providence Service Corporation is traded on the NASDAQ (Symbol: PRSC). Read More...

VIDEO #2: Company Profile - Stryker Corp. (NYSE:SYK)

Stryker - Stryker Stretchers are considered by EMS professionals to be among the best in the medical transport industry. Their General Purpose Transport Stretchers are commonly used by NEMT service providers in their ambulettes. From it's beginnings in 1941, Michigan based Stryker has grown into one of the world's leading medical technology companies. They produce a wide variety of health and medical products and operate world wide. Stryker (SYK) is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

VIDEO #3: Al Neupaver, CEO of Wabtec

Wabtec Corporation - Parent company of Ricon Corporation, California manufacturer of one of the most commonly used wheelchair lifts in the transportation industry including Personal Mobility, Commercial (such as NEMT), Transit, School Bus, and Rail. There is also a Ricon Europe division. Through Ricon and it's other subsidiaries, Wabtec is involved in a number "value-added, technology based products for Railroad, Transit, and other Global Industies." Wabtec was formed in 1999 from a merger between Westinghouse Air Brake Company and MotivePower Industries, Inc. Wabtec is based in Pennsylvania. It is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (Symbol: WAB) and on the Berlin Stock Exchange (Symbol: WB2).

See NEMT Business Opportunities to learn more about the NEMT Industry.

Cabbies: The Ultimate Taxi

2012-03-22T17:41:00.006-06:00

ASPEN, COLORADO - Back in 1984, Jon Barnes began transporting tourists around Aspen, Colorado in his 1978 Checker Cab. During that time he experimented with all sorts of electronic gadgets, lights, and musical instruments to make his job more fun for both himself and his passengers. In 1990 he went independent, he purchased the vintage Checker and transformed it into the Ultimate Taxi. Customers can wear 3-D glasses to watch a laser light show, while listening and singing along to an eclectic soundtrack, and have Jon play along as dry ice creates a fog on the floor. He set out to make it the "craziest" taxi in the world, and it may well be. On the Ultimate Taxi website you can see pictures of some of the happy customers (many of them famous), as well as videos from various news sources that have come to Aspen to experience the "world's only musical comedy taxi theatre night club". The Ultimate Taxi usually operates in the evening when it's dark. When Jon is on the road you can watch live by streaming webcam (see below). For more information you can download the mp3 & pdf transcript of a 1 hour interview of Jon Barnes by Michael Senhoff called: Marketing Lessons From a Colorado Taxi Driver. It is also available as a podcast on iTunes.

VIDEO - Ultimate Taxi - Aspen Co.

Non-Profit Spotlight: WRVS, UK

2012-03-18T09:40:00.006-06:00

NON-PROFIT SPOTLIGHT - Founded in 1938 as the Women’s Voluntary Services for Air Raid Precautions to support UK civilians during WWII, today WRVS acts as a volunteer supported non-profit organization that provides practical services for seniors and others in the community that need assistance. Included among the many services and programs provided by WRVS are the over 45 Community Transport services across the UK services that help approximately 7,000 clients Get Out and About. An example of which (shown in the following video), are the WRVS Good Neighbour volunteers that provide companionship and assistance with a range of tasks including providing driving and assisting clients to medical appointments.

VIDEO: WRVS In Homes

NEWS: New Tri-Cities Dial-A-Ride Buses

2012-03-17T21:45:00.006-06:00

TRI-CITIES, WASHINGTON - March 14, 2012 - Benton Franklin Transit has purchased 5 used buses from Spokane Transit to serve as Dial-A-Ride buses. The new acquisitions are replacing older vehicles that are in need of costly repairs. It is hoped that the new buses will improve trip availability for customers when they are put into service in April. Dial-A-Ride is the Tri-Cities Area door-to-door transportation service for those unable to use the regular fixed route Benton Franklin Transit.

VIDEO: New Rides for Dial-A-Ride

Non-Profit Spotlight: Osher Marin JCC

2012-03-17T13:49:00.008-06:00

MARIN COUNTY, CALIFORNIA - The Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund (JCF) is a non-profit organization in the Bay Area that supports community programs in San Francisco, the Penninsula, Marin and Sonoma Counties. Community-Wide Senior Transportation is an area of particular interest that they support. The 2009 Impact Report (pdf) published by the JFC, sighted transportation as a "glaring service need" for many seniors in the Bay Area. 10% of the annual JFC budget allocation for elder care went towards senior transportation in that year (page 13). An example of one such program that JFC supports is Osher Marin JCC. Shown in the following video, Osher Marin JCC is a non-profit community organization based in San Rafael, California that reflects the unique values of Jewish history and culture. Their transportation service helps elders access senior programs at the Osher Marin JCC center.

VIDEO: Keeping Seniors Connected: Senior Transportation Project

Profile: United Taxi, Tampa Bay, Florida

2012-03-16T20:49:00.006-06:00

TAMPA BAY, FLORIDA - United Taxi is a transportation company that services the Tampa Bay Area of West Central Florida. It is the second largest cab company in Pinallis County, Florida. Besides providing regular taxi services, they also have corporate and government contracts such as PSTA Dart Choice Provider and Florida Medicaid. As well, United Taxi offers a Safe-Ride-Home Program to promote responsible drinking. To find more local services, go to the Florida Taxi Cab Services page.

VIDEO: United Taxi Tampa Bay FL Cab Service Transportation