Paratransit Services (El Lift) El Metro provides complimentary public transportation for people with disabilities who are unable to use el Metro’s fixed-route buses; this service provides shared, curb-to-curb public transportation for eligible passengers. In line with the revenue vehicle replacement plan and in an effort to modernize the transportation service EL Metro is replacing two (2) new El Lift Vans.
El Metro replaced (2) two 2009 El Lift Paratransit Vans with (2) new 2020 LF-E450 Champion Paratransit Vans. The new vans are equipped with a longer wheelbase and upgraded interior seats. The featherweight mid-high seats in the new vans are plush and will give our patrons a much smoother comfortable ride. The most significant equipment addition that provides improved comfort to the passengers is the air conditioning (AC) unit. Retiring 2009 Vans were equipped with only a 13,500 BTU AC system whereas the new 2020 vans are now equipped with a 93,000 BTU AC system which is an 85% increase in cooling or heating to provide a more comfortable ride under extreme heat or cold weather.
These 2 replacements Paratransit vans were approved for a purchase through a unanimous vote from City Council. The purchase of the new units was funded through the Federal Transit Administration Section 5310 Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities grant program awarded on 2017 and 2019, for total capital investment for community mobility of $202,915.62
El Lift department foresees immediate benefits for all passengers with the implementation of the new El Lift Vans. Eligible customers are encouraged to try the online tool to schedule their future transportation needs. General information and applications for El Lift can be found online at www.elmetrotransit.com. For more information, please contact El Metro’s Lift Department at 956-795-2290.
