Q Transport debuts area's first private-ride service for the physically challenged

CHICAGO, July 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- As the 2012 AccessChicago Expo kicks off, SCR Medical Transportation proudly announces the launch of Q Transport, Chicago's first quality-care, luxury private ride service designed for the physically challenged or any passenger with a condition that limits the ability to use traditional transportation.

"Now, physically challenged travelers throughout Chicago and the suburbs have the option to arrive at a museum, a restaurant, a wedding, theater or any venue they want to go, in style and comfort via one of Q Transport's specially designed, luxury black cars," says Q Transport COO Stan Rakestraw.

As a paratransit industry leader, SCR has long provided safe, on time, ADA-approved and private-ride transportation for the region's elderly and physically challenged population. Q Transport sets a new standard by offering a fleet of discreet, black car transportation options via vehicles designed for the special needs of disabled travelers, featuring uniformed drivers trained in wheelchair and assisted travel.

"After more than two decades in this business, we realized there was a segment of the population that was really underserved," says COO Stan Rakestraw. "Offering the physically challenged a quality private-ride option was a logical expansion on what we already do. The feedback has been extremely positive."

SCR set Q Transport in motion by first choosing the MV-1 vehicle as its signature automobile. With its stylish polished black exterior, extra-large entry doors, a retractable ramp, the vehicle, noted for its safety record and comfort features, is ideal for this underserved market. Moreover the MV-1 is one of the cleanest vehicles on the road running on compressed natural gas.

"We wanted to create an experience that was similar to a limo service," Rakestraw says, "catering exclusively to the physically challenged. What we're doing is delivering mobility with distinction."

The posh ride is punctuated by door-to-door service (the industry standard is curb-to-curb) that enhances the safety and convenience of this paratransit experience.

We really know this business," says CEO Pam Rakestraw. "That's why we're able to provide this level of service on short notice—as little as an hour to pick up from the initial reservation call. Hospitality and assisted living facilities are also seeing the value in Q Transport and counting on us as a trusted service they can offer their patrons and residents."

Q Transport

About SCR Medical Transportation:

SCR has built a strong reputation as the premier paratransit operator in one of the nation's toughest operating environments by taking on Chicago's legendary weather and traffic congestion to deliver 25 years of exceptional service both in on-time performance and service productivity. Paramount to SCR's success is the ability to schedule the optimal mix of resources, providing ADA and non-ADA community transportation services to a six-county area of northeastern Illinois. Capitalizing on our original expertise in nonemergency medical transportation, SCR continues to provide extensive service in this sector, including major projects with the Veterans Administration covering parts of Wisconsin, Illinois and Indiana.

About Justin Rakestraw, President, Q Transport:

The family affair that is Q Transport is embodied by the enthusiastic leadership of Justin Rakestraw, who has emerged as an effective senior manager having grown up performing key roles in the business founded by his parents, Pam and Stan. Justin comes to the role of president from two perspectives: He has performed in several key roles at SCR, namely human resources, brand management and quality assurance. However, Justin also has a very personal connection that fuels his passion for providing quality, safe and respectful paratransit service having experienced the impact of this service on his grandmother. Justin Rakestraw earned a bachelors degree in marketing from Butler University and a certificate from Harvard Business School's Program for Leadership Development. He is a member of the Executives' Club of Chicago Young Leader Program. 

SOURCE Q Transport