PORTLAND — The MaineCare rides contractor under scrutiny for subpar performance is hiring more taxi companies to deliver rides to low-income patients.

According to documents released by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, 16 taxi companies with 68 vehicles were added to the list of potential or approved transportation providers for Connecticut-based Coordinated Transportation Solutions.

The company has come under fire after thousands of patients in the state’s Medicaid program complained that they have missed non-emergency medical appointments since Aug. 1.

State Rep. Richard Farnsworth, House chairman of the Legislature’s Health and Human Services Committee, tells the Portland Press Herald that relying on taxis is financially unsustainable.

Company officials have said they are addressing problems and making improvements.

The company is in danger of losing its state contract.