2005 Rhode Island Code - § 39-13-1 — Definitions.

    (a) "Coordinated paratransit services" means paratransit services coordinated by the department of transportation, to be provided under a brokerage or other contractual model to provide, promote and coordinate new or existing paratransit operations to enable all state, municipal and private agencies access to appropriate paratransit services.

   (b) "Jitney" means and includes any motor bus or other public service motor vehicle operated in whole or in part upon any street or highway in such manner as to afford a means of transportation similar to that afforded by a street railway company, by indiscriminately receiving or discharging passengers; or running on a regular route or over any portion thereof; or between fixed termini.

   (c) "Paratransit services" means flexible transportation services provided on a demand responsive and advance reservation basis, for any destination within the scope of a service program provided by a state, or municipal agency, the fee for which is determined pursuant to a contract between the service provider and the state or municipal agency. Paratransit includes single or group trips or trips made on a recurring basis such as for work, school, medical, nutrition, and sheltered workshops.

   (d) "Public service motor vehicle" shall include all motor vehicles as defined in § 31-1-3, used for the transportation of passengers for hire.

   (e) "Transportation operator(s)" means an entity(ies) providing flexible transportation services which are operated publicly or privately, and are distinct from conventional fixed-route, fixed-schedule transit, and are generally operated with low-capacity vehicles which provide curb-to-curb or door-to-door service which typically involves transportation of elderly, disabled, low-income, or the otherwise transportation dependent population.