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Abstract
The level of realized positive impacts from computer-assisted scheduling and dispatching
(CASD) systems depends on the specifics of each implementation plan and the overall
deployment strategy that is contemplated early in the procurement process. Moreover,
with increasing numbers of local CASD system implementations, state departments of
transportation have only recently realized the need to incorporate feedback from
paratransit providers in developing statewide strategies regarding future deployments of
such systems. While considering the variety of needs of Illinois paratransit operators,
this paper develops three different CASD deployment scenarios: a centralized, a
decentralized, and a regional deployment. The consensus from a focus group was that a
hybrid approach that combines the strengths of the decentralized and regional approaches
should be further pursued. The total cost of ownership for the preferred alternatives is
also developed.