DATE: January 6, 2015
CONTACT: Mary Shaffer, Broward County Transit
PHONE: 954-357-8366
EMAIL: mshaffer@broward.org
Broward County, FL – Broward County Transit’s (BCT) TOPS! Paratransit service announces improvements for 2015, aimed at better serving its customers. On January 1, 2015, the TOPS! introduced a fleet of new vehicles with state-of-the-art equipment, a new primary service provider that aims to provide improved operations, a new partnership with social service agencies and discounts to military veterans who are traveling to VA facilities.
New Vehicles
The new vehicles will be able to carry up to ten customers, including three forward-facing wheelchairs, with ADA approved doors, steps and handrails. The vehicles also include state-of-the-art security systems.
Service Provider
The new primary service provider is First Transit, Inc., a nationally-experienced paratransit operations firm. A secondary provider, Allied Medical Transportation, will continue to assist First Transit as well.
Agency Coordination Transportation (ACT)
The ACT Program allows seven of BCT’s largest paratransit destinations to now provide their own scheduled transportation for customers who visit their facility on a regular basis. This allows customers to have more consistent service from their agency, while at the same time decreasing demand for TOPS! service during peak hours. The agencies in the ACT program are: Achievement and Rehabilitation Center (ARC), Cantor Service Center, Cypress Place, Lucanus Learning Center, Miramar Senior Services Center, Northeast Focal Point and Northwest Focal Point.
Veteran Discounts to VA Facilities
As of February 1, 2015, honorably discharged veterans registered with TOPS! will be eligible to pay $1.75 for a one-way trip to a Broward County VA clinic.
Call Center
The call center reservation telephone number remains the same – 1-866-682-2258.
“All of these changes are for the benefit of our TOPS! Paratransit customers,” Paul Strobis, BCT Paratransit Manager said. “We appreciate our customers’ patience as we work through this exciting transition to improved service, new vehicles and new providers.”
About Broward County Transit
Broward County Transit (BCT), the second largest public transportation system in the state of Florida, provides convenient, economical and eco-friendly alternatives to driving a car. Close to 40 million annual passengers commute on fixed-route, limited stop and express bus services and many connect to Miami-Dade Transit, Palm-Tran and Tri-Rail. The fleet consists of 313 buses of which 81 are diesel/hybrid, and all are equipped with wheelchair/scooter lifts and bike racks. Mini-buses provide Community Bus Service in partnership with 18 Broward municipalities. The Paratransit (TOPS) program provides transportation for persons unable to use the fixed-route bus system. Customer service is available seven days a week, including holidays, at 954-357-8400; TTY 954-357-8302. The Broward County Transit website contains information on all services, a link to Google™ Transit and an option to receive the Transit Flash e-newsletter. Customers can also follow BCT on Facebook and YouTube.