Mesa County commissioners have approved the purchase of three new paratransit buses for Grand Valley Transit (GVT), a decision transit officials say will significantly improve transportation access for some of the community’s most vulnerable residents. This expansion aims to enhance the daily lives of individuals whose disabilities prevent them from using GVT’s standard fixed-route bus system.
Paratransit service provides direct, door-to-door transportation for eligible riders. Unlike fixed-route buses that operate on set schedules and stops, paratransit vehicles pick up and drop off passengers directly at their destinations. To use the service, residents must complete an application process and have their eligibility determined by GVT, as stated by Andrew Gingerich, a transit planner for Grand Valley Transit.
The service plays a critical role in helping residents across Grand Junction and Mesa County access employment, medical appointments, and other essential services. Gingerich emphasized that without this service, many individuals would face extremely isolated lives.
Grand Valley Transit typically operates five or six paratransit buses on a weekday, with two or three on Saturdays. The acquisition of these three new buses is expected to substantially increase the service’s capacity. Current paratransit buses can accommodate two wheelchairs, but the upcoming vehicles will be able to carry up to 12 passengers and five wheelchairs each.
Securing funding for new transit vehicles is a long process involving years of planning and applying for competitive federal grants. Grand Valley Transit successfully obtained roughly $700,000 for these new paratransit buses, with approximately $650,000 coming from the federal government. Gingerich noted that GVT competes with other transit agencies nationwide for these funds, and the agency has been notably successful in replacing its entire fleet over the past five to six years.
While GVT’s fixed-route buses are equipped with features like wheelchair ramps and audio and visual stop announcements, some disabilities still prevent individuals from using them. Gingerich explained that paratransit serves as a vital option for those who are physically prevented from using the regular bus system.
Grand Valley Transit officials anticipate that delivery of the new buses could take up to a year. They hope to have these upgraded paratransit vehicles operational within the fleet by the end of next year, further connecting residents with disabilities to the community.
