American Logistics Company’s ADA Paratransit Model Wins Top Award from San Diego County Taxpayers

American Logistics Company (ALC), a national passenger transportation management company, today announced that they, along with North County Transit District (NCTD) and First Transit, have been selected as the winner of the Grand Golden Watchdog Award by the San Diego County Taxpayers Association (SDCTA). The award was presented at the 16th Annual Golden Watchdog & Golden Fleece Awards Dinner on May 19, which recognizes the best and worst in local government spending practices.

SDCTA chose NCTD's innovative public-private partnerships which outsource bus operations and maintenance to First Transit and paratransit services to ALC, because they will save taxpayers approximately $52.9 million over the next seven years, without reducing customer services or increasing fares for the public.

"American Logistics Company is thrilled to share this prestigious award, which honors the best, most efficient government use of taxpayer dollars, with our partner North County Transit District," said Craig Puckett, president of American Logistics Company. "Our Coordinated Transportation Model has been proven to improve service and significantly cut costs, while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions — it is a win-win solution for both transit agencies and taxpayers in San Diego and across the United States."

By implementing these contracts and other cost saving measures, NCTD was able to balance its budget for Fiscal Year 2011, with no reduction in service. At a time when many transit agencies are struggling, this is a significant achievement. A recent national survey indicated that 80 percent of transit agencies planned service cuts, fare increases, or both for the current fiscal year. In contrast, NCTD's budget was balanced, service levels were maintained, and fares have actually been reduced for a promotional period during 2011 to stimulate ridership.

NCTD signed a contract in February 2011 for paratransit services with ALC, using ALC's Coordinated Transportation Model for service delivery. The contract is projected to save NCTD approximately $8 million in operating costs during the six-year contract period. Additionally, NCTD's green house emissions will be reduced by 30 percent, their carbon output reduced by nearly 100 tons and their CO₂ output by 300 tons over the life of the contract. This reduction in green house emissions is due to the reduction in both the size and number of vehicles that will be used in the paratransit program going forward.

ALC will begin operating LIFT ADA Paratransit Service for NCTD on July 1, 2011, and will also provide trip reservations, scheduling and dispatching services.