By 2002, it is expected that all fixed route transportation systems in the United States will have been made accessible to people with disabilities.  This is commonly heralded as good news not only for those riders who have previously been limited to traveling via special services (i.e. "paratransit"), but also for those transit providers concerned with the relatively high cost of such services in relation to traditional fixed route systems.  Such optimism assumes a major shift among disabled riders from paratransit to the newly accessible fixed route systems.  Perhaps, this assumes too much.

        A survey of DART Paratransit consumers reveals a current ridership that is generally satisfied with the service they receive and - imminent fixed route accessibility, notwithstanding - not overwhelmingly inclined to make a switch. The paratransit service which the Americans with Disabilities Act (1990) regards as a "safety net" for those unable to use fixed route transit has, in fact, become the primary mode of public transport for significant portions of its ridership.

        There does appear, however, to be a core group of riders who are interested in making the switch.  Coupled with the finding that almost none of the respondents had ever received any form of travel training, there is cause for measured optimism.  In addition to the provision of training, it is recommended that accessibility be conceived of in systemic terms.  As previous studies have indicated, "accessibility" means more than just getting lifts on the buses.  It required that riders know how to use the fixed route system, can get from their homes to the buses and back again, that they are made to feel welcome in the system, and that they understand the costs and consequences associated with the use of paratransit.  These could be achieved through the education of riders, transit staff, and the general public, in addition to the informed manipulation of fixed routes.