OAKLAND, Calif., June 5, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Boards of Directors for AC Transit and BART voted unanimously to award Veolia Transportation a five year contract to operate the East Bay Paratransit brokerage as the prime contractor. This is a contract renewal for Veolia, as the company has managed paratransit here for 18 years. Ryan Larsen, President for Veolia's IntelliRide division made the announcement earlier this week.
East Bay Paratransit is one of the largest fully centralized brokerages in the country, providing ADA compliant paratransit service for 750,000 riders annually. The brokerage was formed by fixed route bus operator Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District (AC Transit) and rail operator San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART).These are the two largest transit agencies in the east San Francisco Bay Area and share a large densely populated service area. In order to provide efficient and affordable service, the two agencies formed a partnership to provide paratransit services with a prime contractor managing day-to-day operations.
Under the new contract, which is effective July 1, 2013, Veolia will assume additional responsibilities including dispatching duties for a 200 vehicle fleet and employing a Developmental Disability Specialist in its Certification Department, who will bring expertise for eligibility determinations of applicants with cognitive disabilities. Other ongoing responsibilities include managing and operating a customer service and reservations call center, scheduling, accounting and reporting functions.
Larsen said of the award, "we thank both boards for the support they've provided to us since our first contract award 18 years ago. We value our partnership with our clients and our riders and we look forward to continuing to provide safe, reliable service to this community."
About Veolia Transportation
Based in Lombard, IL, Veolia Transportation is the largest private-sector operator of multiple modes of transit in North America, including bus, rail, paratransit, shuttle, and sedan and taxi services. Veolia Transportation is committed to setting the standard in safe and sustainable mobility solutions through partnerships with cities and transit authorities.