Astorino Expands Successful ParaTaxi Service to Yonkers

 

Program Gives Disabled Riders the Option to Use Taxis as Well as Vans 

 

YONKERS, NY — October 17, 2014 — Yonkers residents are the latest to benefit from County Executive Robert P. Astorino’s innovative “ParaTaxi” program, which gives disabled riders the option of using taxis as well as vans.

“This is an example of smart government at work,” said Astorino. “ParaTaxi is now benefiting riders in the county’s largest city by protecting – and even improving – this essential service. ParaTaxi not only adds convenience for our riders, but each taxi ride also costs the county less than a traditional van ride – a true win, win.”

ParaTaxi is a recent enhancement of the county’s ParaTransit service, which provides transportation to residents who are unable to ride the Bee-Line bus system due to a disability. ParaTransit currently serves 5,900 registered riders a year, providing 250,000 trips annually, the majority of which are via specially equipped vans.

ParaTaxi was first piloted in White Plains in May 2012, and has since launched in Peekskill, New Rochelle and now in Yonkers.

In these cities, ParaTaxi gives riders the option to take taxis instead of vans. Either way, the fare is $4.

“I have been a Para Transit rider for many years and have been using the taxi program since it began in Yonkers,” said Carole Conklin, Yonkers resident. “Scheduling rides is quicker, and when I get picked up I go directly to my destination. I just call the company when I’m ready to return home. The new service has been a blessing.”

On average, a ParaTransit van ride costs the county approximately $42 per person per trip. A taxi ride, meanwhile, costs between $8 and $18 per person per trip. The difference can add up.

ParaTaxi provided nearly 3,000 trips in its inaugural year of 2012, increasing to 12,450 trips in 2013. In Yonkers, the taxi service provided 725 trips since launching in August.

Evan Latainer, director of the County Executive’s Office for the Disabled, said the response from taxi riders has been positive from the very start – and demand is growing.

“More and more people are trying the taxis and enjoying the experience,” said Latainer. “By finding new ways of doing things, we’ve been able to bring a great new service to thousands of residents.”

F & B Car Service, which has been providing taxi service to Yonkers residents for over 26 years, is the county’s ParaTaxi vendor in Yonkers.

ParaTransit riders from throughout Westchester County may use the ParaTaxi service, but only for trips within the limits of the four participating cities.

 

For more information or to schedule a pick-up, call (914) 995-7272 or visit http://www.westchestergov.com/paratransit .