Same-day paratransit made possible: Tools and tactics that work

By 2050, the global population of people aged 60+ will reach over 2 billion. As this population grows—along with the number of people living with disabilities—transit agencies are rethinking how to make their ADA paratransit services more flexible and inclusive.

One important area of focus? Same-day service.

Paratransit is technically on-demand transit—but not in the way most people think of “on-demand” today. Riders often need to book at least a day in advance, limiting flexibility for last-minute trips.

In this blog, we’ll break down:

• What same-day paratransit means
• Why it matters for equity and rider experience
• How transit agencies can launch same-day service using technology like Spare

What qualifies as same-day paratransit service?

Paratransit helps people who can’t use fixed-route transit due to cognitive or physical disabilities. To plan trips efficiently, many agencies require bookings one or more days in advance.

Same-day paratransit gives eligible riders the option to book a trip the same day they want to travel. This small shift can make a big difference—especially when it comes to spontaneous trips or last-minute appointments.

Without it, paratransit riders often face limited mobility and fewer opportunities to participate in daily life on their own terms.

How same-day paratransit improves rider equity and access

By enabling same-day bookings, transit agencies give riders more control over their day. This helps bridge the equity gap between fixed-route and paratransit users.

Riders benefit from:

• The ability to make spontaneous travel plans
• More choice around departure and arrival times
• Shorter wait times and trip durations

Despite these benefits, some agencies hesitate to offer same-day options due to concerns about demand, fleet capacity, or technology gaps.

This is where on-demand transit software—like Spare—can help.

How technology enables cost-effective same-day paratransit

Same-day services are often supported through taxi vouchers or subsidy programs. While these can help, they typically require separate management and don’t fully integrate with existing paratransit systems.

With Spare, agencies can centralize trip management and unlock same-day options without increasing staff or vehicles.

💡 Want to learn more about how Spare helps agencies partner with TNCs like Uber and Lyft? Our free guide breaks down real-world examples and cost-saving strategies for mixed fleets. →  Get the Spare Open Fleets guide 
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Here are three key ways Spare supports same-day paratransit:

1. Use trip brokering to meet demand without growing your fleet

Trip brokering lets agencies use third-party operators (like Uber, Lyft, or local taxis) to handle extra demand.

Example:
Durham Region Transit (DRT) in Toronto covers 965 square miles with just four dedicated vehicles. When demand spikes, Spare automatically brokers trips to taxis—matching the rider’s needs with the most cost-effective option.

If a rider doesn’t require a wheelchair-accessible vehicle, the system might dispatch a third-party car that’s cheaper to operate, preserving accessible vehicles for those who need them.

This is powered by the Spare Engine, which automatically matches riders with the best available vehicle based on their needs and system availability.

2. Improve vehicle utilization by commingling microtransit and paratransit

Commingling means using one fleet to serve multiple services—like microtransit and paratransit—based on rider needs and trip patterns.

Example:
In Cheyenne, Wyoming, the city used to run separate paratransit and microtransit services. After partnering with Spare, they commingled both services into one streamlined operation—cutting per-trip costs by 36%.

Spare automatically checks if a same-day paratransit rider can be served by a vehicle already operating nearby for microtransit. This helps maximize fleet usage and reduce costs.

It can work in reverse, too: paratransit vehicles with extra space can serve microtransit riders going in the same direction.

“Spare represents a leap forward in user experience. Staff have full visibility into trips... and riders gain control and independence.”— Bonnie Epstein, Director of Mobility Services, PSTA

3. Streamline rider bookings with app-based and automated tools

Same-day service only works if riders can easily book a trip.

With Spare, agencies can offer app- or web-based booking, reducing call volume and improving the rider experience. Riders can request trips in real time, and Spare’s platform automatically finds the best option based on time, cost, and accessibility needs.

This improves operational efficiency and reduces the need for large dispatch teams.

Solutions like Open Fleets also let agencies manage third-party and agency-owned services together—without switching tools or duplicating work.

Why transit agencies are embracing same-day paratransit

Offering same-day trips isn’t just good for riders—it’s good for operations too.

Here’s how:

• Better customer service: Riders get the flexibility they want.
• Higher fleet productivity: No-shows and cancellations can be filled with new same-day requests.
• Cost savings over time: While same-day service might require upfront investment, tools like commingling and trip brokering lower long-term costs.
• Demand management: You can set limits on trip distance or frequency to control costs.

By routing 70% of trips to Lyft through Open Fleets, Collin County Transit cut their cost per ride by 52%—from $67 to just $32 in one year.

Make your ADA paratransit service more flexible—and more efficient

Same-day paratransit doesn’t have to be complex—or costly. With the right technology in place, it’s possible to expand mobility options for your community without stretching your resources.

Ready to offer same-day paratransit?

Get the Spare Open Fleets guide to see how other agencies are doing it or reach out to chat with our team.