Key Takeaway: Investing in new technologies can help make the SFMTA's paratransit safer, more efficient and more user friendly.
Current Technologies
The SFMTA and SF Paratransit have invested heavily in technology as a way to improve the user experience and security of using paratransit. Ongoing investments in computer hardware and the latest security software tools ensure continuous data and operational integrity. Current technologies include:
- TripInfo allows SF Access riders to receive the option of two different phone calls to provide information about their upcoming trip. One provides a reminder call the day before their schedule trip. The other will alert the rider at least ten minutes before their scheduled pick up if their vehicle is expected to arrive on time.
- SF Access and Taxi Online provide another method for SF Access and Paratransit taxi riders to access services. SF Access Online allows van riders to schedule and cancel their SF Access van trip. The Taxi Online program allows riders to load value onto their taxi debit card as well as view their taxi trip history.
- Tablets for Paratransit Vans: SF Paratransit installed tablets onto every Paratransit van, replacing outdated mobile data computers (MDC) and daily paper manifests for drivers. These tablets provide real time GPS directions for drivers, scheduling changes and safety notices.
- Trapeze manages passenger information and schedules van rides. It also helps with planning and tracking any complaints and commendations from passengers.
- Cabconnect’s CardOne works with Trapeze to handle debit cards for taxi paratransit taxi rides. It is also used by taxi companies to track the performance of taxi trips.
Future Technologies
In the future, the SFMTA and SF Paratransit will need to continue investing in technologies for the paratransit programs. New technologies may make paratransit services even easier to use. Potential upgrades could include:
- Updated Paratransit Taxi Debit Card: The SFMTA Paratransit office uses equipment to create rider identification cards and paratransit taxi debit cards. Current Paratransit taxi debit cards feature a photo of the rider and a magnetic strip that allows the rider to swipe the card to pay for their rides. In the future the SFMTA Paratransit office may need to purchase new equipment to make cards with embedded microchips. These microchips will allow riders to use contactless payment for their paratransit rides. The SFMTA Paratransit office may also need to invest in the design and creation of a smartphone app that can be activated for certified riders for use in lieu of a swipeable or taggable debit card.
- Improving Service with Emerging Technologies: Emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) could help improve the SF Paratransit debit card, customer database and van scheduling systems. The SFMTA and SF Paratransit should look for opportunities to replace existing technologies with new technologies to make the SF Paratransit service better. For instance, artificial intelligence could make it easier for SF Paratransit to notify a rider of a schedule change for a requested ride. When considering any new replacement software, the SFMTA and SF Paratransit should make sure not to lose any of the important functionality of the current software.
- Centralized Ramp Taxi Dispatch: A centralized dispatch could significantly improve ramp taxi service. A centralized dispatch would allow wheelchair users to request a ramp taxi with a single phone number or mobile app that would then dispatch the nearest ramp taxi, regardless of which company they are affiliated with. To facilitate this change, all San Francisco taxi companies would have to coordinate their existing apps and software to work together.