GLOSSARY
OF TRANSIT TERMS
Demand Response Service:
A transportation service characterized by flexible routing
and scheduling of relatively small vehicles to provide door-to-door
or point-to-point transportation at the user’s demand. Sometimes
also referred to as paratransit.
E&D Transportation (Elderly & Disabled):
Transportation service to persons who are physically disabled
and/or elderly
Fare:
The designated payment for a ride on a passenger vehicle,
whether cash, tokens, transfer, coupon or pass.
Fixed-Route:
Transportation service operated over a set route or network
of routes generally on a regular time schedule.
Fixed-Route with Point Deviation:
Transportation services that operate on a fixed-route, but
will, on demand, deviate from the route to meet the user’s
needs.
Non-Program Trips:
Non-program related trips and services are those not connected
to a specific program such as Headstart, senior nutrition
centers, sheltered workshops. However, in some cases the population
served may be limited. For example, transportation available
to all adults over 60 for a community would still be a non-program
trip.
Paratransit:
Flexible forms of public transportation services that are
not provided over a fixed-route, e.g., demand responsive service.
Passenger Trip: One person making a one-way trip from origin
to destination. One round trip equals two passenger trips.
Point Deviation:
Transportation service in which the transit vehicle is required
to arrive at a designated transit stop is accordance with
a pre-arranged schedule but is not give a specific route to
follow between these stops. It allows the vehicle to provide
curbside service for those who request it.
Program Trips:
Program trips and services are those that would not occur
but for the existence and operation of a specific program.
Trips of this type are associated with travel to or from a
specific program, typically a social service program, and
related activities. Travel is generally restricted to program
participants and is limited to travel for program purposes.
Examples of such programs are Headstart, group homes, sheltered
workshops and senior nutrition centers.
Ridesharing:
A form of transportation, other than public transit, in which
more than one person shares in the use of a vehicle, such
as a van or car, to make a trip.
Specialty Transportation Services:
Transit services provided to elderly and disabled persons
through a variety of agencies, including human services and
transit agencies. Rides are provided with lift-equipped vehicles,
taxis, and volunteer drivers.
