(Baltimore, MD) June 26, 2008 – Governor Martin O’Malley and the Board of Public Works today approved a $5 million contract that will allow the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) to purchase 64 new paratransit buses from Shepard Brothers, Inc., of New York. These new buses will allow MTA to retire 26 of its oldest paratransit buses and add 38 new buses to its Paratransit / Mobility Program fleet. The Mobility Program provides important services for Marylanders with disabilities by taking them to medical appointments and other vital day-to-day activities.
“The Mobility Program allows people, who otherwise would be stuck at home or dependent on friends and family, to live independent, productive lives,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “This $5 million investment will help us to expand opportunities for the thousands of Marylanders who depend on this transit lifeline every day to make a living, get to the doctor, or go to the store.”
These new buses are ADA compliant and equipped in accordance with the MTA's specifications for the Mobility operations. The additional buses will help MTA meet the growing demand for Paratransit / Mobility Program services. Ridership has increased from 49,000 monthly trips in February 2007 to 69,000 monthly trips in February 2008.
“Expanding our Mobility bus fleet will allow us to reduce wait times and improve efficiency and on-time performance,” said MTA Administrator Paul J. Wiedefeld. “When the buses hit the streets in October, MTA will be able to provide even better customer service for our clients.”
The Mobility Program has consistently met its on-time performance goals of 90 percent and has maintained an average of more than 91 percent on-time performance since January 2008. The MTA’s Paratransit/ Mobility vehicle contract also saves both time and money by using an Intergovernmental Cooperative Purchasing Agreement with the New York Department of Transportation (NYDOT).
“The Maryland Mobility Program provides critical support for people with disabilities who are unable to drive,” said Catherine Raggio, Secretary of the Maryland Department of Disabilities. “Having a dependable paratransit service allows people with disabilities to live a typical life that includes work, shopping, meeting friends and keeping appointments rather than being isolated and lonely.”
“I am pleased that Governor O'Malley and the BPW have approved the addition of new buses to MTA's Mobility Program fleet,” said Gloria Lawlah, Secretary of the Maryland Department of Aging. “The expanded transit fleet will benefit Maryland's senior citizens with disabilities by providing them with transportation services so important to maintaining independent lives.”
For more information on Mobility Services, MTA schedules, fares and other services, visit www.mtamaryland.com or call (410) 539-5000 or (866) RIDE-MTA. TTY 410-539-3497
Media Contacts:
Jawauna Greene
Office: 410-767-3936
Cellular: 443-392-2983
Cheron Victoria Wicker
Office: 410-767-3936
Cellular: 443-386-8605 |
