Consultant urges replacement of aging paratransit fleet

Alec Moore told the committee the High Point Transit Systems paratransit vehicles are aging and have required multiple transmission and engine repairs. He recommended prioritizing replacement of paratransit vehicles and safety-related upgrades such as lifts and restraint features.

"You do have an aging paratransit fleet that does need to be replaced," Moore said. He noted maintenance staff were keeping vehicles in good shape but that sometimes the cost of continuing to repair older vehicles exceeds the cost of replacement.

Moore and staff also recommended travel training and operational changes to encourage riders to use fixed-route service where appropriate, which can reduce paratransit demand and operating costs. The plan includes paratransit vehicle purchases in years 1'3 of the implementation timeline.