Transdev has been awarded a five-year, $124.5 million contract to operate the East Valley, Northwest Valley and regional paratransit and Dial-A-Ride service programs.

Paratransit serves as an alternative to traditional public transit services for those with physical disabilities.

Two paratransit service contracts will be combined, beginning July 1. This will streamline operations with one provider operating the service and handling all aspects of the service. Transdev will offer a new fleet complete with new technology that allows users to book rides online or by smartphone.

The paratransit services operated by Valley Metro are funded with support from regional transportation funds, the state lottery, agency contributions, federal support and passenger fares. The service is widely used, with more than one million rides offers in fiscal year 2016.

Valley Metro provides eco-friendly public transportation to the Phoenix area and Maricopa County. For more information, please viist valleymetro.org.