Valley Metro, and its member partners, were honored at the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) Desert Peaks Awards ceremony receiving honors for Regional Partnership. This award recognizes two or more MAG member agencies that have demonstrated a commitment to regionalism through cooperative efforts.
The Regional Paratransit Plan Update nomination featured 14 recommendations that were approved by the Valley Metro Board of Directors in April. Dial-a-Ride currently operates as five separate programs across the region. Beginning on July 1, transfers between service providers will be eliminated allowing enhanced travel for seniors and people with disabilities.
“A regional Dial-a-Ride trip with seamless, timely service has been the wish of the paratransit community for a long time,” said Valley Metro RPTA Chair and Avondale Councilmember Jim McDonald. “The 18-month plan update is a testament to the collaboration of the Technical Working Group members and our stakeholders.”
In addition to eliminating transfers, improvements include a dependable, region-wide approach to serving ADA eligible visitors, a more consistent approach for measuring on-time performance, and more well-defined policies for the level of assistance drivers are able to provide with child car seats and packages.
