LCTI: Lift Line Paratransit Dial-a-Ride Electric Vehicle Transition Program
Clean Mobility Options Legacy Pilot Project
Community Bridges Lift Line | Lift Line Paratransit Dial-A-Ride Electric Vehicle Transition Program
March 2018 – August 2023
Project Details
Lift Line Paratransit Dial-A-Ride Electric Vehicle Transition Program replaced two existing gas-powered shuttles with two 16-seat electric vehicle (EV) shuttles equipped with wheelchair lifts which are charged by two publicly accessible Level II charging stations installed at the Lift Line fleet facility in Watsonville, CA. The project is expanding to replace another existing gas-powered shuttle with a zero-emission, ADA wheelchair equipped, 14-passenger medium shuttle bus, and the installation of two-way radios. The project will also cover operation costs for one additional driver and electric bus operations training. The EV shuttles are the first all-electric paratransit vehicles to be deployed in Santa Cruz County, and offer free rides for Santa Cruz County low-income senior and disabled members requiring door-to-door transportation to medical appointments, food access points (meal sites, food banks, and grocery stores), pharmacies, and banks.
Project Highlights
- Over 17,395 miles driven, and 4,229 rides provided in first 315 days of use
- Incentivized a resident EV survey with a bike giveaway
- Kickoff Ride and Drive event was well-received
- Over 2,174 gallons of fuel saved
- $4,867 saved in fuel costs
Lessons Learned
- An EV order can take longer than expected to fill.
- Since EV buses are new technology, parts and equipment are slower to improve.
- Breakdowns and repairs can take longer because of specialized parts, which must be ordered through the manufacturer, and often repairs cannot take place at local shops.
Funding Details
Grant Amount: $508,975
Resource Contributions: $92,470
Project Total: $601,445
By the Numbers
Services, Vehicles & Equipment Funded
- 3 ZEUS (Zero Emissions Utility Shuttles) assembled by Phoenix Motorcars
- 1 Ford E450 with rear wheel drive and a top speed of 60 mph
- 2 Level II Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Stations (capable of charging four electric vehicles simultaneously)
- 17,395+ Miles driven
- 4,229+ Trips taken
- At least 4 community events
Estimated Quantifiable Benefits
Values coming soon
- GHG emission reductions:
- NOx reductions:
- PM2.5 reductions:
- ROG reductions:
- Passenger VMT reductions:
- Travel cost savings:
- Transportation fossil fuel reductions:
- Direct Jobs:
- Indirect Jobs:
- Induced Jobs:
Community Details
Lift Line’s Paratransit Dial-A-Ride Electric Vehicle Program offers free rides for Santa Cruz County low-income senior and disabled members requiring door-to-door transportation to medical appointments, food access points (meal sites, food banks, and grocery stores), pharmacies, and banks. Our participant demographics are as follows: the majority of riders are White or Caucasian, with 51% English speakers, 45% Latinx and Spanish speakers, 1% Asian, 1% Native American, 1% Hawaiian, and 1% Other English speakers. Additionally 62% of riders are older adults or seniors, 26% are wheelchair users and 12% have other disabilities such as vision impairment, hearing loss, or physical mobility problems.
Community Benefits
Community Bridges Lift Line Paratransit Dial-a-Ride Electric Vehicle Transition Program’s goal is to continue to provide free door-to-door rides for low-income seniors and people with disabilities. The program will provide services using a zero-emission electric shuttle bus. The key benefit of this project is to assist participants’ stability and independence by providing free rides to meet their essential needs.
Outreach & Engagement Strategies
- Website
- Social media
- E-communications
- Mailers
- Flyers and brochures
- Community events (e.g. Project kickoff, 4th of July Parade, Watsonville Fair, Ecology Action Climate Change Event)
- Raffles
Target Populations
- Low-income
- Older adults
- People with disabilities
- Residents without access to a vehicle
Partnership Structure
Grantee
Lift Line Paratransit Dial-a-Ride Electric Vehicle Transition Project is administered by the community-based-organization, Community Bridges Lift Line. Dial-a-Ride Transition will allow Lift Line a zero-emission electric shuttle bus equipped with an ADA wheel chair lift and electrical infrastructure. The electric shuttle bus will provide vital rides for low-income seniors and disabled Watsonville residents, reaching those in disproportionately affected areas.
Project Partners
Contact
General Inquiries | (831) 688-9663 | Community Bridges Lift Line