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***MEDIA ALERT***

May 3, 2013

Photo Opportunity: HART Debuts the Groundbreaking MV-1 Paratransit Vehicle
  • What: HART previews brand new, specially designed and engineered MV-1 minivan 
  • When: Monday, May 6, 9 a.m.
  • Where: Outside HART Ybor Office, 1201 E. 7th Avenue, Tampa 

 

 

HART is investing in the future with distinctive looking MV-1 vehicles, which looks like a cross between a boxy hybrid SUV and a minivan. There are a number of smart, budget-conscious, customer-centric reasons to transition to the MV-1, including these highlights:    

  • The futuristically-engineered MV-1 costs less, has better fuel economy and delivers a more comfortable ride for our patrons.
      
  • The MV-1 minivan is the first minivan designed from the ground up as an Americans with Disability Act (ADA) compliant vehicle, as opposed to retrofitting a family minivan.
         
  • MV-1s seats up to three adults or one adult and one patron in a full-size wheelchair. Features include a large side-door opening and a heavy-duty factory-equipped access ramp that stows under the vehicle floor.   
  • Interior furnishings comfortably accommodate a variety of assisted mobility devices, including large electric wheelchairs.
       
  • Unlike retrofitted conversion minivans, which often lose their original crash test ratings after being refitted, the MV-1 has been engineered to maintain its ratings in use.
       
  • HART plans to roll out a fleet of 13 new MV-1 paratransit minivans this month. Nine will replace the larger heavy duty diesel vans with the fuel efficient gasoline MV-1s and four expansion minivans to meet the increased demand for paratransit services.
      
  • HART saved $1 million dollars in capital costs by purchasing the smaller vans over the larger vans. HART will also save annual operating costs from the improved miles per gallon (MPG) of the MV-1 over the larger diesel vans.
       
  • U.S. Census data indicates that 14 million Americans are currently dealing with serious mobility issues and more than four million of them rely on a wheelchair every day. The baby boomer generation began to turn 65 in 2011, so the demographic will see exponential growth in coming years. 

Everyone is invited to preview HART's exciting, futuristic paratransit technology. A brand new, specially designed and engineered MV-1 will be on display next Monday, May 6th, outside of the HART Administrative building in Ybor City during the HART Board meeting.

 
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FOR MEDIA ONLY:  
Sandra Pinto 
Interim HART Public Information Officer  
Office: (813) 384-6610
Cell: (813) 545-5497
[email protected]