Paratransit Dispatch and Monitoring Software (Grant Funded)

Collier County Fiscal and Public Transportation and Services Division administers the Paratransit system, known as CATconnect (hereinafter, "CAT"), for Collier County. CAT currently provides approximately 125,000 annual passenger trips as a door-to-door service for residents and visitors who do not have access to any other transportation, including the Fixed Route system. The CAT program provides transportation service for eligible individuals through several funding programs, including the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and the Florida Commissions for the Transportation Disadvantaged (FCTD). CAT can be used for medical appointments, work, school and other trips depending on the funding program the individual qualifies under. The County is the designated Community Transportation Coordinator (CTC) under Florida Statute Chapter 427. As the CTC, the Fiscal and Public Transportation and Services Division administers the coordination of transportation services for the disabled and economically disadvantaged throughout the entire County, including the City of Naples, Marco Island, Immokalee and Everglades City. Currently all trips require reservation at least the day before the intended trip although trips may be scheduled up to two (2) weeks in advance. Standing order (recurring) trips can also be established when a customer regularly travels to and from the same destination two or more times a week at the same time. Passengers may be accompanied by a personal care attendant (PCA) or guest. Many passengers travel with wheelchairs or other mobility devices; some may require a service animal or other special considerations for their travel. Fares range from $1.00 to $5.00 per trip. All passengers and their guests must pay the applicable fare. The program has policies for when a passenger is "Ready early", "Will-call", "Cancelations" and "no-shows". The service operates under a "Negotiated Trip" system whereby if the exact time a passenger would like to travel is not available, Customer Service may offer options available for travel time. CAT is constantly seeking new ways to serve its customers, create partnerships and the utilization of new products and technology to enhance the service. Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) applications can offer great opportunities for CAT to improve existing products and services, for the convenience of the customer.