Grant Transit Authority - ACCESS Paratransit Service, Moses Lake, Washington

type of Client
US Transit Agency
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Client
Grant Transit Authority - ACCESS Paratransit Service, Moses Lake, Washington
YEAR
2026
buses in operation
3
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Application

ADA Paratransit (ACCESS)

Challenge

Grant Transit Authority was preparing a significant operational transition by bringing its ACCESS ADA Paratransit program in-house after nearly 30 years of contracted service.

The agency needed a vehicle that could deliver:

  • seamless ADA accessibility
  • exceptional passenger comfort
  • high maneuverability
  • zero-emission operation
  • reliable daily service
  • a premium passenger experience

Because ACCESS riders often include seniors and passengers using wheelchairs, walkers, or personal mobility devices (PMDs), passenger comfort and ease of boarding were just as important as vehicle performance.

Solution

Grant Transit Authority selected the Karsan eJEST, North America's best-selling electric minibus.

Unlike conventional cutaway vehicles built on commercial truck chassis, the eJEST was engineered from the ground up as a public transit vehicle.

Purpose-built transit engineering provides significant advantages for ADA operations.

Technical Advantages

Low-Floor Architecture

One of the biggest operational benefits is the low-floor design.

Rather than climbing multiple steps, passengers board almost at curb height.

Benefits include:

  • faster boarding
  • easier wheelchair access
  • reduced dwell times
  • safer passenger movement
  • improved passenger confidence

Automatic Electric Wheelchair Ramp

The integrated electric ramp provides reliable ADA accessibility.

Combined with the wide entrance, it allows smooth boarding for:

  • wheelchairs
  • PMDs
  • walkers
  • mobility scooters

This improves both passenger independence and operator efficiency.

Purpose-Built Transit Chassis

Unlike many paratransit vehicles adapted from cargo vans or truck platforms, the eJEST uses a dedicated transit platform.

Benefits include:

  • lower center of gravity
  • improved stability
  • better ride quality
  • enhanced passenger comfort
  • easier interior circulation

Compact Size

5,9m meters (19.7 ft) long, with 22'11" / 7m turning Radius the eJEST can easily navigate:

  • residential neighborhoods
  • medical campuses
  • retirement communities
  • downtown streets
  • community centers

This allows agencies to provide service closer to passengers while maintaining full transit accessibility.

Smooth Electric Performance

Electric propulsion provides immediate torque without harsh gear changes.

Passengers experience:

  • smoother acceleration
  • smoother braking
  • reduced vibration
  • significantly lower interior noise

These characteristics are especially valuable for:

  • seniors
  • passengers with balance challenges
  • riders with neurological conditions
  • wheelchair users

Regenerative Braking

The eJEST captures braking energy and returns it to the battery.

Benefits include:

  • extended driving range
  • reduced brake wear
  • lower maintenance costs
  • smoother deceleration

Battery-Electric Operation

The eJEST operates with:

  • zero tailpipe emissions
  • lower energy costs
  • quieter neighborhoods
  • improved air quality

For agencies pursuing sustainability goals, this supports long-term fleet electrification strategies.

Transit-Grade Passenger Experience

The vehicle offers features passengers immediately notice:

  • panoramic windows
  • bright interior
  • low-floor accessibility
  • smooth ride
  • quiet cabin
  • modern design

These details help create a transit experience that feels welcoming rather than institutional.

Right-Sized Vehicle

Paratransit routes rarely require a 40-foot bus.

The eJEST provides enough capacity while reducing:

  • energy consumption
  • infrastructure requirements
  • operating costs

without compromising accessibility.

Why This Matters to Transit Agencies

Many agencies are evaluating how to modernize ADA, microtransit, neighborhood circulator, and community shuttle services while balancing accessibility, sustainability, and operating efficiency.

The Grant Transit Authority deployment demonstrates how a purpose-built electric transit vehicle can support these objectives without compromising the rider experience.

If your agency is evaluating vehicles for ADA paratransit, community shuttles, or microtransit services, contact Damera Corporation to learn how the Karsan eJEST can support accessible, right-sized, zero-emission mobility.

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