[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 140 (Wednesday, October 9, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1467-E1468]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      IN RECOGNITION OF THE 35TH ANNIVERSARY OF PARATRANSIT, INC.

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DORIS O. MATSUI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 9, 2013

  Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Paratransit, Inc. 
as they celebrate their 35th anniversary. As staff, passengers, and 
supporters of this vital transportation lifeline gather to celebrate, I 
ask all my colleagues to join me in recognizing them for their 
invaluable service to the Sacramento region.
  For the past thirty-five years, Paratransit has served countless 
individuals with disabilities and the elderly by offering door-to-door 
transportation services, allowing them the mobility to lead quality 
lives. Since its inception in 1978, Paratransit, a private nonprofit 
corporation, has been innovative in providing a public transportation 
system with fully accessible options, as well as working with other 
local non-profit agencies, assisting them in delivering much needed 
client-focused transportation. In 1981, Paratransit became the first 
designated Consolidated Transportation Services Agencies in the State 
of California. In 1992 with the passing of the Americans with 
Disabilities Act, The Sacramento Regional Transit District (RT) and 
Paratransit partnered to implement the law in the most effective and 
efficient method to provide service to those with disabilities. That 
same year, the Community Transportation Association of America named 
Paratransit, Inc. as Transit System of the Year.
  Paratransit's diverse services include a mobility training program 
that provides assistance to people to learn how to ride RT's buses and 
light rail cars, giving them independence to work, visit senior 
centers, go shopping or to doctor appointments, and visit friends and 
relatives. In 2012, the Sacramento Area Council of Governments honored 
Paratransit as the Regional Organization of the Year. Their successful 
Wheels to Work employment program, partners with Women's Empowerment, 
The Sacramento County Department of Human Services, The Sacramento 
Housing Alliance, Sacramento Steps Forward, and The California 
Department of Rehabilitation to help people get employment by providing 
low-income individuals with job counseling, interview preparation and 
other services. Also in 2012, Paratransit received the Innovative 
Transportation Program from the Women's Transportation Seminar for 
their forward thinking efforts.
  Paratransit's maintenance division services its fleet of 150 
vehicles, as well as the fleets of 20 other agencies, to ensure safe 
and reliable public transportation options. It also repairs 
accessibility equipment, such as lifts and

[[Page E1468]]

ramps, and adapts vehicles for disabled drivers. As the 2002 United 
States EPA Energy Star Small Business award winner, Paratransit is 
committed to clean energy and a sustainable environment. Its Sacramento 
facility contains a storm water retention system. They have an 
expansive recycling program for all waste coolant, motor oil, 
transmission fluid, batteries, metals and tires. Committed to improving 
air quality, Paratransit joined with Hybrid Technologies in 2007 to 
produce the world's first full lithium-powered PT Cruisers.
  Mr. Speaker, I hereby recognize and commend Paratransit for their 
outstanding commitment and service to our community. I ask all my 
colleagues to join me in wishing this fine organization continued 
success and support as they work to provide seamless transportation 
options and other important services for everyone in the Sacramento 
Region.

                          ____________________