Customers who rely on Para Transit in the capital region can expect more responsive services in the new year.
With the current contract expiring in 2023, the City of Fredericton negotiated a new contract with Pacific Western Transportation (PW Transit), a well-established transit company that offers specialized para transit services across the country.
With more than 5,400 employees, PW Transit will expand its operations to Atlantic Canada and establish an office in Fredericton. Starting in January, they will oversee booking and services for the City of Fredericton’s Para Transit customers. Highlights include access to a call centre available between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. Monday through Saturday and a variety of scheduling options and efficiencies.
“We are confident PW Transit has the capability to provide more consistent and better service for our customers,” said Charlene Sharpe, manager of Fredericton Transit. “This is an opportunity to improve service for our customers who rely on Para Transit.”
While the company will oversee scheduling and providing trips for customers, the City will continue to set the hours of service, provide the same fare rates and options for payment, and oversee the customer application process and concerns related to service delivery.
The two City operators currently assigned to provide para transit services will remain employed in a fixed route capacity, and if the proposed Sunday Service for both Para Transit and fixed route services is approved in the 2024 budget, the City will be hiring an additional six operators.
“This is an opportunity that will drastically improve the lives of residents who rely on this service,” said Councillor Bruce Grandy, chair of the City of Fredericton’s Mobility Committee. “Para Transit customers deserve adequate service for work, medical appointments, and recreation. And this change represents a move in the right direction.”
The company will be held highly accountable to deliver on the service standards established by the City. The expectation is that the overall customer experience will improve and that services will expand throughout the life of the contract to respond to the needs of the clientele.