Metro News Release

For immediate release: December 14, 2007

MetroAccess to take over shuttle service during elevator outages

Metro will be switching operation of most of its shuttle services from Metrobus to MetroAccess in a move expected to save the transit agency hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Metrobus operators, who sometimes work overtime, currently transport elderly and disabled customers requesting shuttle service at rail stations where the elevators are out of service. They also shuttle employees between remote parking locations and work sites and from rail stations to certain facilities using 11 small passenger buses.

Beginning next summer, contracted MetroAccess drivers will transport customers between rail stations for regularly scheduled elevator outages. Metro officials estimate this will save the transit agency about $300,000 in overtime costs a year. Metrobus operators will continue to transport passengers during unscheduled elevator outages.

The Metro Board yesterday approved buying a total of 16 vehicles to replace the current aging fleet. The vehicles would be a mix of raised-roof MetroAccess vans, small passenger buses and low-floor minivans. The minivans will be used by bus street supervisors to provide a rapid response to elderly and disabled riders.


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News release issued at 12:00 am, December 14, 2007.