Augusta paratransit system sees high demand during driver shortage
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - Augusta has a transit system specifically for our disabled veterans and neighbors who can’t ride normal buses.
It’s called the paratransit system, and right now, it’s floundering.
The Transit Director says over the last year, it’s struggled to keep up with demand.
Earlier this month, a blind veteran brought his concerns to commission, saying that he had to schedule his rides two weeks in advance instead of the usual 24 hours.
There are six drivers total for paratransit, serving roughly 5,000 clients.
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There are seven total paratransit vans, but only six are running.
Three of those vans were purchased in 2016 and should have been replaced in 2021.
After hearing from daily riders, we turned to those in charge to understand the challenges they face and the solutions they are exploring.
It’s supply and demand.
In this case, demand outweighs supply.
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Transit Deputy Director Oliver Page: “Six drivers.”
Sydney: “So, one per bus?”
Page: “Yes, but they work in shifts.”
Sydney: “Is that a normal number or would y’all like to increase that?”
Page: “That has to be increased. It has to be increased especially if they are operating according to a shift pattern because if we had two shifts, we would need at least 12 drivers.”
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Page says ADA vans do not operate on a fixed schedule, but the hours mirror the fixed route. So, one shift is morning and the other afternoon.
“I do know that as we speak four drivers are coming online within the next few weeks,” said Page. “That’ll be 10. But it’s just a matter of, okay, you get these four on, you gotta keep them on. And that is the challenge.”
Page says the city is not involved with hiring but instead a third-party contractor.
He says recruiting drivers is a challenge for all transit agencies.
Another challenge is some of the actual buses.
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Roughly 42% of the paratransit buses are beyond their expiration date. Page says a paratransit bus purchased in 2016 has a life expectancy of five years.
“Transit is not a profit center. Transit is a social service. So, if people look at transit from a profit perspective, we will never have a transit service if our sole objective is to balance our books,” said Page.
Page says the bulk of their funds come from the federal level.
When it comes to operating costs, 50% comes from the federal government, and 50% has to come from the city when it comes to capital purchases, like buses.
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They can get up to 80% from the federal government and the city is expected to match with 20%.
Sydney: “What’s a solution here? Is there a solution?”
Page: “Oh yes. There is a solution. I believe the solution is to get more drivers and retain the drivers.”
Sydney: “That’s gotta be a challenge though, right?”
Page: “If we get the right people for paratransit service, if we get the right people for fixed route service, I do not believe it will be a challenge.”
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Page says the contractor with Augusta Transit is looking at ways to retain more drivers.
In the meantime, he says Transit is looking for a local matches for grants.
“In the 2022 grant of $6.2 million, the city has to put in $1.1 million. And the 2024, $12 million award, the city has to put in $2 million,” said Page.
Above all, Page’s biggest message is the importance of accessible transportation for all.
“If we were to add up all the monetary, those qualitative benefits, and quantify them, we will soon see, yes, transit makes a big difference. Augusta’s better off with transit than without,” said Page.
So far, 27 new riders have signed up since the beginning of the year.
Last year, 261 riders signed up or recertified their status, which is required every three years.
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