PVTA awards paratransit contract to MV Transportation

MV Transportation (MV) has been awarded a contract by the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA) to provide ADA paratransit and Dial-A-Ride services starting July 1, 2021. 

MV will operate under an initial two-year contract that allows for up to three consecutive one-year renewal periods, if approved by both parties. 

MV's Springfield, Mass., management team will bring decades of paratransit experience with expertise in improving the rider experience, controlling costs and improving services by leveraging new technology to create efficiencies and improve operations. 

PVTA's solicitation for a paratransit provider required bidders to have management teams with paratransit expertise, transparency in operations, leading safety programs, excellent customer service and a labor plan that directly addresses the wellbeing of its employees. PVTA also specified that contractors must be able to provide a seamless transition with no disruption in service.  

"We look forward to our partnership with MV Transportation and utilizing their extensive paratransit service experience as we continue to ensure that our commitment to providing the highest quality of convenient accessible public transportation service meets the needs of our riders in an efficient and cost-effective manner,” said PVTA Spokesperson Brandy Pelletier. 

Under the terms of the contract, MV Transportation will provide safe and reliable paratransit ADA and senior Dial-A-Ride services within PVTA's service area. PVTA's paratransit service is curb-to-curb, shared-ride service (door-to-door assistance may be requested when making a trip reservation) for individuals with a disability that prevents them from using the accessible fixed route bus. MV will also continue to provide Dial-A-Ride services for adults aged 60 and over throughout much of the service area. 

PVTA says MV Transportation was chosen, in part, because of its effective corporate support of local operations and significant transition experience. To ensure a seamless transition, MV Transportation created a dedicated team, the Transformation and Change Management Office. This team supports the local management and sets a pace for planning and execution that ensures a smooth transition process.  

In the past year, this team has transitioned nine services. In each instance, the changeover was led by a department whose sole focus is implementing new contracts, technologies and programs. PVTA and MV Transportation say they are committed to ensuring a seamless transition for riders. Trips will still be scheduled as they are now, using the current phone number, 413-739-7436. 

PVTA and MV Transportation have committed to retain existing staff during this transition and throughout the partnership. There continues to be a need for additional drivers as the region emerges from the pandemic. MV Transportation is currently recruiting drivers.