Since 1984, the California Association for Coordinated Transportation (CALACT) and its members have been leaders in the development of paratransit and rural transit in California and beyond. Initially formed to facilitate networking and provide a voice for paratransit agencies in California, CALACT quickly became a collaboration, training, and education resource for hundreds of small, rural, and specialized transportation providers.
Early efforts included the formation of an insurance pool in 1988 that continues today as Non-Profits United, development of improved guidelines for state administered federal grants for non-profits, adoption of a state law establishing certifications for paratransit drivers and vehicles engaged in student transportation, and conferences focused on the needs of small transit and paratransit agencies.
CALACT became administrator of California’s Rural Transit Assistance Program (RTAP) in 1990. Since then, scores of personnel from rural agencies have attended conferences and workshops, used library assets, and received technical training through RTAP. In 1996, the CALACT RTAP program, together with commitments from Caltrans and Access Services, Inc., lead to the development of the award winning Transit and Paratransit Management Certificate Program at Pepperdine University and, more recently, at University of the Pacific. In 2014, CALACT hosted over 650 attendees at the 21st National Rural and Intercity Bus Transportation Conference and the Transportation Research Board’s (TRB) International ADA conference.
CALACT initiated the CALACT/MBTA purchasing cooperative in 2009. Since its inception, the cooperative has procured nearly 10,000 vehicles for more than 250 member agencies. The cooperative saves money and countless staff hours for its members.