HAGERSTOWN – Washington County Transit had added an upgrade to its paratransit services through a new partnership with Ecolanek, a leading provider of transit technology.
The new demand-response scheduling software is aimed at increasing accessibility and efficiency for rider, particularly the elderly and those with disabilities. The software provides real-time scheduling and vehicle tracking, which should reduce wait times and improve reliability, transit officials said.
Complementary ADA Paratransit is a service offered for those who cannot use typical fixed-route. buses. These services are required under the federal Americans with Disabilities Act. The Washington County service provides door-to-door transportation.
This partnership with Ecolane represents a major step forward in achieving our mission to enhance the mobility of our customers,” said Connor Shank, Communications & Outreach Manager at Washington County Transit. “By leveraging advanced technology, we can better serve those who rely on Paratransit services, making transportation more accessible and user-friendly for everyone in our community. This is more than a service upgrade – it’s a collaborative partnership to create better, more responsive transit solutions for the residents of Washington County.”
The Ecolane platform enables the transit service to dynamically adjust routes and respond to last-minute trip requests, streamlining the booking process and ensuring that eligible riders can more easily access services when they need them, transit officials noted.
This technology not only improves operational efficiency but also empowers riders with increased freedom and flexibility. Washington County Transit currently operates 13 fixed-routes and offers specialized services through its Ride Assist Voucher Program, the ADA Complementary Paratransit Service and the JOBS Program in cooperation with social services. For questions about Ecolane or county transit, readers may contact Washington County Transit at 240-313-2750 or [email protected].
