The Valley Transit District: Specialized Transportation for the Elderly, Handicapped and Low-Income in the Lower Naugatuck Valley, Connecticut

摘要

A multifaceted demonstration with special emphasis on service to the elderly and handicapped has been operating in the Lower Naugatuck Valley of Connecticut since January 1973. Four types of service are operated by the Valley Transit District (VTD): fixed-route, demand responsive door-to-door, subscription, and contract services. An automated fare collection system using credit cards and monthly billings was used from 1973-1975. Fare subsidization for handicapped and elderly citizens was facilitated by this computerized system which bills sponsoring agencies. The user-side subsidies and monthly billings were continued after 1975 using manual methods. Of the target population of 12,000 (8,500 elderly, 2,500 low-income, 1,000 handicapped), 600 are regular, heavy users of the VTD system. VTD users are mainly low-income and autoless elderly from small households. The system operates 10 vehicles daily; average hourly cost is near $12. Earned revenues equal about 50 percent of its costs, although 40 percent of revenues are derived from user-side subsidy funds. VTD has withstood several challenges in regulatory and institutional areas from private bus operators and has expanded services throughout the demonstration.