HART is ringing in the New Year with the launch of a new taxi voucher program, designed to make travel more convenient for those living with disabilities. The HARTPlus Customer Choice Voucher Pilot Project is possible thanks to a partnership with the Yellow Cab Company of Tampa and a FDOT grant of $150,000 to help fund implementation of the program. This amount will allow HART to deliver approximately 9,375 trips with this pilot program. The initiative provides HARTPlus clients with quick and convenient same-day service available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The groundbreaking new service is set for launch on Jan. 1.
HARTPlus, a very popular paratransit service, serves clients with unique needs - including the visually impaired, those who use wheelchairs, and patients undergoing medical treatment. Traditionally, rides on a HARTPlus van must be booked one to three days in advance, but the new system enables patrons to call a cab for same-day service at the same price.
"HART is thrilled with the selection of Yellow Cab Co. of Tampa," said Ruthie Reyes Burckard, HART chief operating officer. "HARTPlus is a vital service for people with disabilities and seniors in Hillsborough County. We are both proud and honored to operate our paratransit service and look forward to expanding our partnership with Yellow Cab Co.
Under the plan, those already approved for paratransit services can call a taxi and get to a doctor's appointment or back home - or anywhere else for $4. That's the same price they'd pay for a one-way HARTPlus van ride. HART pays the balance of $16 to Yellow Cab as a reimbursement. (In the event that the customer reserves a trip costing more than $20, the additional amount will be paid for by the customer.) All customers have to do is call Yellow Cab.
Yellow Cab will maintain a database of HARTPlus clients that are eligible for this service. HART will also coordinate with Yellow Cab Company to help manage ridership, through productivity improvements and passenger education initiatives to ensure a seamless transition for passengers using the new service.
