Paratransit Service Policy

RYDE Racine

Paratransit

ADA Paratransit Service Policy Document

July 28, 2016

Table of Contents

SECTION I: PARATRANSIT SERVICE DESCRIPTION

1. Service Background

SECTION II: ADA PARATRANSIT ELIGIBILITY PROCESS

1. Application Materials
2. Program Eligibility
   Eligibility Criteria
   Type of ADA Eligibility
3. Appeals Process

SECTION III: SERVICE POLICIES

1. Service Hours and Days
2. Service Parameters
3. Levels of Service and Fares
4. Trip Scheduling
5. Trip Purpose
6. Service Reservations
7. Multiple Destinations
8. Pick-Up Window
9. 5-Minute Wait Time
10. Cancellations
11. No-Shows
12. Driver Assistance
13. Prohibited Behaviors
14. Personal Care Attendants and Companions
15. Visitors and Reciprocal Eligibility
16. Medical Equipment
17. Carry on
18. Reasonable Modification
19. Mobility Devices

SECTION IV: RIDER POLICY

1. Seriously Disruptive Behavior
2. Public Health Threats
3. Refusal to Comply with Safety Rules
4. Service Refusal Process

SECTION V: PARATRANSIT PERFORMANCE MONITORING

1. On-Time Performance
2. Phone System Access
3. Overall Customer Satisfaction
4. System Capacity

SERVICE VI: THE BELLE URBAN SYSTEM’S ACCESSIBLE BUS SERVICE

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FULL SERVICE MAP

SECTION I: PARATRANSIT SERVICE DESCRIPTION

A. Service Background

RYDE Racine offers Paratransit service programs to individuals with qualifying disabilities. Paratransit is a demand response service where the vehicle does not follow a fixed-route or schedule.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires federally funded public transit systems to provide a Paratransit service for individuals with a disability whose condition prevents them from using the fixed-route bus service. The RYDE Racine Paratransit service program was established to comply with the ADA.

This document is designed to provide information regarding RYDE Racine’s ADA Paratransit program. Some of the ADA standards cited in this document do not apply to non-ADA Paratransit programs.

SECTION II: ADA PARATRANSIT ELIGIBILITY PROCESS

A. Application Materials

The ADA Paratransit Eligibility Form and other information for RYDE Racine Paratransit services are available at the RYDE Racine office (1900 Kentucky Street, Racine, WI 53405). Forms are also available for download on RYDE Racine’s website under Paratransit. Hearing impaired customers can contact RYDE Racine through the Wisconsin Telephone relay system line (1-800-947-6644).

B. Program Eligibility

RYDE Racine determines eligibility upon review of a completed eligibility form containing information regarding the applicant’s functional ability to board, ride, or disembark from RYDE Racine fixed-route buses. RYDE Racine requires a medical professional’s verification prior to determining eligibility.

The ADA certification may be conditional or unconditional depending on the applicant’s abilities. RYDE Racine, in accordance with Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, will determine eligibility no later than 21 days after receiving the completed application. This does not include time waiting for requests for more information from the applicant or the applicant’s health care professional.

Within 21 days, a written response will be mailed to the individual notifying them of their eligibility status. If eligibility is denied, a reason for the denial will be included in the letter along with a copy of RYDE Racine’s Appeal Policy. Be advised that you have the right to appeal this decision. (See Section II C. Appeals Process)

Eligibility Criteria:

Individuals meeting any of the following two criteria will be determined ADA Paratransit eligible as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA):

1. A person who cannot navigate the transit system without assistance. This includes an inability to board, ride, or disembark from a fully accessible bus.
2. A person who, because of a disability, cannot travel to or from the bus stop due to, for example, distance, terrain, weather, safety, or other obstacles that impede them due to their disability.

All RYDE Racine buses are equipped with a ramp and other accessible features. All routes are served by accessible buses, so there is no eligibility based on inaccessible vehicles. If there is a mechanical failure of a bus’s accessible features, the vehicle is immediately replaced with a fully functioning spare bus.

Type of ADA Eligibility:

1. Unconditional (all trips)-An individual with disabilities that cannot use the fixed route bus system under any circumstance.
2. Conditional or Trip by trip (some trips)-An individual with disabilities that can be reasonably expected to make some trips by bus, but requires Paratransit for trips under certain circumstances (e.g., deep snow or variable health conditions).
3. Temporary Disabilities-An individual with disabilities that cannot use the fix route bus system for a limited period of time.

C. Appeals Process

An appeal process will be available to those individuals wishing to dispute a conditional, certification, denial certification, or service suspension.

1. KK. RYDE Racine requires all appeals be made in writing within 60 days of being notified of a service decision. Appeal letters may be sent to the following:
   General Manager
   RYDE Racine
   1900 Kentucky Street
   Racine, WI 53405
2. The ADA Paratransit Eligibility Review Board (ERB) will hear the appeal first. If the ERB upholds the decisions, the individual may request an appeal to the Racine Transit and Parking Commission. (herein after referred to as the Commission)
3. MM. RYDE Racine will notify the individual of the Commission’s ruling on the appeal within 10 days. This notification will outline the ruling and supporting reasons.
4. Once the individual has been informed of the Commission’s ruling, the decision will be implemented on the next day of service.
5. All decisions made by the Commission are final.

SECTION III: SERVICE POLICIES

A. Service Hours and Days

1. PP. DART provides hours of service on weekdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, comparable to the RYDE Racine Fixed-Route Service.
2. Service is provided Monday through Sunday throughout the year, except for the following observed holidays:
   • New Year’s Day
   • Memorial Day
   • Independence Day
   • Labor Day
   • Thanksgiving Day
   • Christmas Day
3. Service is provided at all times that the fixed routes operate.

B. Service Parameters

Service is only provided inside the service area as defined by the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The area is defined as an area within ¾ of a mile on either side of a fixed route. (Map enclosed).

C. Levels of Service and Fares

The basic mode of service for complementary paratransit is demand responsive, origin-to-destination. Door-to-door service is provided. RYDE Racine Commission establishes fares for RYDE Racine system. The current Paratransit fare is as follows:

Basic service: $4.00 per one-way trip.

Agency fare: $18.00 per one-way trip.

Riders can pay the driver the exact cost of the one way trip or use a Paratransit ticket. Paratransit tickets can only be purchased at the RYDE Racine office.

D. Trip Scheduling

Paratransit riders reserve trips by calling the service provider’s dispatch number during business hours of 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM Monday through Friday. The caller should be prepared to provide the dispatcher the following information: first name; last name; phone number; how they intend to pay the fare; origin address; destination address; accompanying companion(s), if needed; accompanying equipment(e.g., oxygen tank and respirators); ambulatory or non-ambulatory and desired arrival time.

Next day or subscription service is available by contacting the provider’s dispatcher. Trips can be scheduled up to 14 days in advance. Call no later than 4:00 PM. The more notice given, the better the chance the requester has of obtaining a desirable pick-up time.

During periods of high demand, it may be necessary for dispatchers to negotiate pick-up times; however, the rider will not be required to schedule a trip more than one hour before or after the desired pick-up time.

Same day call-ins, including unscheduled requests for return trips, will not be accepted. You must have a scheduled pick-up time. A rider can call to request an earlier pick-up time before their scheduled trip, but RYDE Racine cannot guarantee that the requested pick up time will be accepted. We cannot assure any specific pick-up time.

E. Trip Purpose

The ADA prohibits restrictions or priorities based on trip purpose. All trips are served in the order received and as scheduled. For state and federal reporting purposes, riders may be requested to provide the reason for the trip, but will not be denied service based on trip purpose.

F. Service Reservation

There are two types of reservations: advance and subscription. Advance service includes trips scheduled for next day service. You must call by 4:00 PM the day before your ride. Subscription service is defined as trips that are set up for a rider to occur on a regular basis (daily, weekly, monthly).

The rider must demonstrate a pattern of the subscription trips for 30 days prior to subscription service being implemented. Riders must travel to and from the same destination, with similar pickup and drop-off times, at least once a week for 30 days to demonstrate a pattern for subscription service.

Riders are allotted one permanent change per subscription trip to their subscription service. Permanent changes are defined as changes to pickup time, locations, number of companions, and other factors that may affect scheduling. More than one change may result in the subscription being cancelled.

Subscription trips that are cancelled 25% or more within a 30 day period may result in the cancellation of subscription service.

The rider is to be aware that subscription service will be automatically cancelled on all Federal holidays.

If the destination and/or origin address changes, the rider has to cancel their current subscription and a new subscription must be implemented. The rider must demonstrate a pattern of the new subscription as described above.

Subscription service may take up to fourteen (14) calendar days to implement. Prior to subscription service being established riders must continue to call for a scheduled pick-up time.

Subscription service may be placed on hold for a maximum of 14 days within a rolling 90 day period. The exact same subscription must be implemented, or it will be handle as a new subscription.

Subscriptions which have been inactive for longer than 30 days will be cancelled. The rider is responsible for rebooking inactive subscription trips. If a client rebooks a previously existing subscription after 30 days and the subscription is identical to the original, the 30 day pattern is not required.

RYDE Racine limits the number of subscriptions riders at 60 percent. Once the limit is met the rider will be added to a waiting list.

G. Multiple Destinations

Each trip includes one destination. Brief stops at locations before the scheduled destination will not be allowed. If multiple destinations are needed, each section of the trip must be scheduled separately and the rider must pay a fare for each ride.

H. Pick-Up Window

When your pick-up time is scheduled, the vehicle can arrive anytime within a 30-minutes pick-up window, which is defined as Thirty (30) minutes before and Thirty (30) minutes after the scheduled pick-up time. For example, if your appointment is scheduled for 9:00 AM the pick-up window time frame is 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM. It is the rider’s responsibility to be prepared to board the vehicle within the pick-up window.

I. 5-Minute Wait Time

Once the vehicle arrives in the allotted pick-up time, the driver will wait for up to five (5) minutes for a rider. If the rider is not prepared to board within this five (5) minute period, the trip will be counted as a no-show and the vehicle will be dispatched to another location. It is the rider’s responsibility to be able to clearly see the area where a vehicle would arrive for pick-up. The rider should be prepared to approach the vehicle when it arrives unless driver assistance was requested when the ride was scheduled.

J. Cancellations

When a rider needs to cancel a trip, the cancellation should occur at least two hours prior to the scheduled pick-up time. A late cancellation (less than 1 hour) is considered a no-show (see the “No-Shows” policy below).

K. No-Shows

A no-show occurs when RYDE Racine vehicle arrives at your pickup location; waits the required five (5) minutes past the scheduled pick-up time and the passenger does not board the vehicle. A Late cancellation occurs when the scheduled trip is canceled less than 2 hour prior to the scheduled pick up time. Late cancellations will be considered and treated as no-shows. Three (3) no-shows within any 30 day period may result in the following sanctions being imposed if the frequency of no-shows is greater than 50% of the reserved trips:

Notification procedure:

• The first no-show: Letter stating date of no-show and a copy of the no-show policy.
• The second no-show: Letter stating date of the no-show and a copy of the no-show policy.
• The third no-show: After three (3) no shows within a 30-day period, AND if more than 50% of all trips scheduled during that period were no-shows that were not beyond the rider’s control, a one-week (7 days) suspension of service may occur.

Any person suspended from service has the right to appeal the decision. ADA Service may continue during the appeals process.

L. Driver Assistance

Drivers are able to assist all riders with wheelchair when boarding and alighting vehicles, including securement. Driver limitations include: (1) assistance up or down more than two (2) steps; or (2) assistance transferring an individual in or out of a wheelchair.

M. Prohibited Behaviors

To ensure safety, our rider policy prohibits seriously disruptive behavior, public health threats, and refusal to comply with rules. If the prohibited behavior results from a disability, RYDE Racine may require that a personal care attendant ride with the rider to control the prohibited behavior.

N. Personal Care Attendants and Companions

One personal care attendant (PCA) per ADA program rider is permitted to ride free.

One companion may accompany a program rider, but must pay the current cost for each one-way trip. Additional companions may ride and pay a fare, if space is available for safe transport. PCA’s and companions must have the same origin and destination as the program rider.

Arrangements for all additional companions must be made at the time of the reservation. Program rider must supply child safety seat for accompanying infants and small children.

O. Visitors and Reciprocal Eligibility

Visitors are eligible for 21 days of service in a 365-day period beginning on the first day the service is used by the visitor. For additional days of service, the individual is expected to register under RYDE Racine’s eligibility procedures.

For individuals who reside outside of the RYDE Racine service jurisdictions, RYDE Racine shall certify an individual with a disability as a visitor when providing documentation of residence, a statement that because of their disability they are unable to access the fixed route, and, if requested, documentation of disability.

RYDE Racine shall accept the certification of another transit agency for visitor service.

Individuals from outside RYDE Racine service jurisdiction may also self-certify that they are unable to use the fixed route system for visitor service.

P. Medical Equipment

RYDE Racine allows riders to bring medical equipment such as respirators and portable oxygen tanks on board vehicles. Oxygen tanks should remain upright at all times and must be secured to the mobility device or held in an upright position.

Q. Carry on

Each eligible rider is allowed to carry on up to two (2) carry on. This includes personal belongings and grocery bags.

R. Reasonable Modification

RYDE Racine will honor and accommodate any reasonable modification to service as long as the request 1) does not fundamentally alter the service; 2) does not create a direct threat to the health and safety of others; and 3) is not necessary to permit the passenger to use the services for their intended purpose (nondiscriminatory). Such modifications should be made in advance to properly consider and plan for such modification but may be made to the driver at the time of boarding.

S. Mobility Devices

Under ADA all “mobility devices” and their users must be transported. A “mobility device” is defined as any device powered by batteries, fuel, or other engines that is used by individuals with mobility disabilities for the purpose of locomotion; whether or not individuals with mobility disabilities designed it primarily for use. A mobility device (including three-wheeled scooters) which safely fits on a lift or ramp and does not exceed the lift or ramp manufacturer’s stated weight limit will be transported.

SECTION IV: RIDER POLICY

The purpose of the rider policy is to set guidelines for refusal or suspension of transportation services administered or provided by RYDE Racine.

This policy applies to circumstances and/or behavior that occurs on RYDE Racine property, vehicles, or while boarding RYDE Racine vehicles.

Services may be refused, suspended, or conditioned due to the following circumstances and/or behaviors:

• Documented Pattern of No-Shows (see Section III L.)
• Seriously Disruptive Behavior
• Public Health Threats
• Refusal to Pay the Applicable Fare
• Refusal to Comply with Safety Rules

A. Seriously Disruptive Behavior

Service may be refused to riders who engage in violent, illegal, or seriously disruptive behavior. Seriously disruptive behavior includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• Getting out of a seat while a Paratransit vehicle is in motion
• Leaving a Paratransit vehicle while it is parked to pickup or drop off another rider
• Disturbing a vehicle operator while the operator is driving
• Violent behavior
• Physically or verbally threatening vehicle operator, dispatcher or other riders
• Smoking while onboard a vehicle
• Damaging or destroying vehicle equipment
• Engaging in conduct or activity that is a danger to the rider, other riders, or the driver
• Offensive language

B. Public Health Threats

Service will be refused to any rider who poses a potential public health threat. Examples of public health threats include, but are not limited to the following:

• The existence of excrement on clothes or on hands
• The existence of other body fluids, such as blood or vomit

C. Refusal to Comply with Safety Rules

A rider that refuses to comply with posted safety rules or driver instructions may be refused service.

Riders must be able to physically board and alight from the bus. If a rider can not physically board or alight from a bus, the rider will need to acquire the resources needed to overcome their disabling condition, such as, a mobility device and/or personal care attendant.

D. Service Refusal Process

The vehicle operator has the authority to refuse service on the day of the violation. Violations of these rules will be reviewed by RYDE Racine staff for further action.

The General Manager, or his/her designee, is authorized to suspend or refuse the provision of service to riders who: (1) violate RYDE Racine’s no-show policy; (2) engage in violent, seriously disruptive, or illegal conduct; (3) pose a public health threat; (4) refuse to pay the applicable fare; or (5)refuse to comply with safety rules. The term of the suspension or refusal of service shall depend on the nature and seriousness of the prohibited conduct.

To the extent feasible, the rider shall be notified in writing. The written notification will state the specific basis for the proposed action, the proposed sanction, and the appeal process.

SECTION V: PARATRANSIT PERFORMANCE MONITORING

RYDE Racine is responsible for ensuring Paratransit service performance complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Service oversight of the provider is completed through review of monthly trip records, on-site meetings, feedback received through the complaint and comment process, and periodic surveys of riders. In general, the ADA requires Paratransit service provided to riders with disabilities to be comparable to what is provided to riders of the fixed-route bus system. RYDE Racine has developed standards based on regulatory requirements and nationally recognized guidance related to Paratransit service. Below is a list of performance measurable to ADA Paratransit service and established standards within each measure.

A. On-Time Performance

A Paratransit vehicle is on-time if the vehicle arrives with a 30 minutes pick-up window. This is defined as Thirty (30) minutes before and Thirty (30) minutes after the scheduled pickup time. RYDE Racine monitors trip records from all ADA trips to track on-time performance. The goal is for 95 percent on-time performance. When on-time performance falls below 95 percent, RYDE Racine will meet with the drivers to determine factors that impact on-time performance and corrective actions, if needed.

B. Phone System Access

The standard is to minimize call hold times. There are 3 phone lines with access to DART dispatch. The operator is readily available for calls regarding both scheduling appointments as well as complaints. In the event that all lines are busy, the message will prompt you to leave a voice message. Your call will be returned within five (5) minutes.

C. Overall Customer Satisfaction

Every year, RYDE Racine surveys a segment of ADA Paratransit riders. Riders are asked to rate their satisfaction with on-time performance, dispatcher courtesy, driver courtesy, driver sensitivity, vehicle cleanliness, and overall ride quality. The survey also allows riders to write in comments and provides valuable information about customer satisfaction over time. The results are reviewed with the provider to identify areas of improvement and areas of success.

D. System Capacity

RYDE Racine’s Paratransit system is prohibited from having any capacity constraints. Trip demand must be adequately served to provide equivalent access when compared to the fix route bus system. RYDE Racine monitors the following to ensure adequate capacity: trip denials; no-shows; subscription rides; customer complaints; and vehicle used.

SECTION VI: THE BELLE URBAN SYSTEM’S ACCESSIBLE BUS SERVICE

ADA Paratransit programs are designed to provide transportation for individuals with disabilities that are unable to board, ride or alight from a bus; or when environmental or architectural barriers prevent a rider with disabilities from getting to or from a bus route stop. When these conditions are not present, riders with disabilities must utilize the fixed route bus routes to meet their mobility needs.

The fixed route bus offers a cost effective and accessible service. By presenting your Paratransit approval letter, you qualify for the reduced cash fare or reduced 30-day pass.

Each bus contains accessible features, including: kneeling capability (bus lowers to make the first step easier); a ramp for wheelchair boarding; on-board wheelchair securement areas; and stop announcements by drivers.

RYDE Racine drivers are trained to safely secure wheelchairs. Mobility aide tie-downs are used to secure mobility aides. The vehicles are designed to utilize four (4) straps to secure the mobility device in a forward facing position. All four straps must be secured to the mobility device prior to the vehicle moving. Each vehicle provides seatbelts for all riders. It is required that all riders utilize them for their safety. RYDE Racine drivers also assist with the use of ramps and securement devices.

RYDE Racine does not provide assistance when safety to drivers or riders is at risk. When a driver’s or rider’s safety is at risk, RYDE Racine staff may recommend use of a personal care attendant or Paratransit service for the rider.

RYDE Racine will provide to its riders, upon request, service materials including maps, applications and policies in an accessible format for disabled riders. If an accessible format is unavailable, RYDE Racine will accommodate the rider’s request to the best of its ability.

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