GPS to guide drivers for Washington Rides; fare increase also taking effect
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Drivers for the Washington Rides paratransit system Thursday began using global-positioning satellite software on tablet computers to receive their passenger manifests.
The electronic manifests will direct the driver on the order of pick-ups and drop-offs to improve efficiency and ensure passengers arrive at their destinations on time.
The Washington Rides shared-ride program serves those age 65 and older, the disabled and those receiving medical assistance.
“We began booking trips with it close to two weeks ago,” said Sheila Gombita, Washington County Transportation Authority executive director.
“It is taking us a little bit longer because we’re using both systems as a fail-safe and backup. In the new mapping system, addresses have to be geo-coded and placed in the right location for GPS systems to work correctly.
“The software is doing it for us, looking at maps and trying to figure out where people are, rather than somebody manually trying to look up a map and figure it out.”
Asked how the new system would accommodate detours like the Valley Brook Road closure in Peters Township, she said, “We’ll see how that’s playing out. Hopefully, we won’t have too many delays because of construction.”
In that event, there will still be two-way radio communication between the drivers and dispatcher.
The announcement of the new GPS system coincided with a fare increase. Proceeds from the Pennsylvania Lottery will continue to pay for 85 percent of fares. Southwestern Pennsylvania Area Agency on Aging, which has been paying 10 percent of the remainder, will cut its subsidy to 7 1/2 percent. Instead of paying 5 percent, passengers now will be required to provide 7 1/2 percent of the cost of the trip.
Those using the paratransit service pay their fares in cash to the drivers, who pick up their first fares after 5 a.m., usually as part of trips to dialysis clinics. The paratransit service operates some sedans but mostly “turtle-top” vans and minibuses, primarily lift-equipped vehicles. Transportation must be booked by noon Monday through Friday when scheduling trips for the next day and by 1 p.m. Fridays for Monday trips.
The Washington Rides customer service staff takes calls at 1-800-331-5058 or 724-223-8747. The transportation authority’s website is www.washingtonrides.org.