Salem-Keizer Transit Unveils New Paratransit Vans

The MV-1 paratransit van is the only vehicle in the world built specifically for ADA purposes.

In an effort to better serve people with disabilities, Salem-Keizer Transit has purchased three paratransit vans for CherryLift, an origin-to-destination transportation service for people whose disability prevents them from using Cherriots buses. Photo Courtesy: Salem-Keizer Transit

(SALEM, Ore. ) - In an effort to better serve people with disabilities, Salem-Keizer Transit has purchased three paratransit vans for CherryLift, an origin-to-destination transportation service for people whose disability prevents them from using Cherriots buses.

The new paratransit vans will reduce maintenance and fuel costs while improving accessibility.

The MV-1 paratransit van is the only vehicle in the world built specifically for ADA purposes. Benefits to the Salem-Keizer community include:

Improved Accessibility:

The van's smaller size allows it to access locations that are difficult to reach in a traditional paratransit bus.

Saves Money:

An MV-1 costs $20,500 less than a traditional paratransit bus, and the MV-1 will also save $6,673 annually in fuel costs by comparison. Because the van uses a ramp instead of a lift, there are fewer parts to maintain, reducing maintenance costs.

"It was clear to the Board of Directors that the MV-1 was an excellent choice," said Jerry Thompson, president of the Salem-Keizer Transit Board of Directors. "Especially since it will both save the district money and improve service to difficult-to-reach homes on narrow roads."

Salem-Keizer Transit purchased the paratransit vans from Schetky Northwest Coach to replace CherryLift buses that had exceeded the Federal Transit Administration's five-year useful life recommendation.

The total price for the three vehicles was $143,670. An ODOT State of Good Repair grant provided $128,915, and the final $14,755 was covered by the Salem-Keizer Transit General Fund.

Source: Salem-Keizer Transit