LAKE TAHOE BASIN AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT PARATRANSIT PLAN PREPARED FOR Tahoe Regional Planning Agency PREPARED BY [ TRA N ~f'o RTATI ON C ON~l l l T \ N T~, INC.
LAKE TAHOE BASIN AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT PARA TRANSIT PLAN Final Report Prepared for the Tahoe Metropolitan Planning Organization Under the direction of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency 308 Doria Court Zephyr Cove, NV 89448 Prepared by P.O. Box 5875 2690 Lake Forest Road, Suite C Tahoe City, California 96145 (530)583-4053 October 26, 2001 LSC #017030 Final Report.wpd
Table of Contents Chapter Page Number Executive Summary... 1 Section 1- General Information... 3 Section 2 - Description of Existing Fixed Route Services... 5 TART... 5 STAGE... 5 Other Fixed Route Providers... 5 Section 3 - Description of Existing Paratransit Services... 6 Bus Plus... -... 6 TART Complementary Paratransit Services... 6 Douglas County Bus Plus... 7 Handi-Van... 7 Section 4 - Complementary Paratransit... 7 Demand Estimates... 7 Service Requirements Identified in the ADA... 10 Other Requirements..................................................... 11 Five Year Capital Budget... 14 Section 5 - Eligibility Determination Process... 14 Accessible Formats... 14 Presumptive Eligibility... 15 Determination In Writing... 15 Documentation ofeligibility... 15 Re-certification Process... 15 Administrative Appeals Process for Individuals Denied Eligibility... 15 Policy for Visitors... 16 Section 6 - Public Participation Process... 16 Section 7 - Efforts to Coordinate Service... 17
Table Number List of Tables Description Page Number 1 Potential Number of ADA Paratransit Eligible Persons... 9 2 ADA Annual Ridership & Expenses.............. 9 List of Figures Figure Number Description Page Number 1 Study Area... 4 L
Executive Summary Introduction The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) requires that public entities which operate non-commuter fixed route transportation services also provide complementary paratransit service for individuals unable to use the fixed route system. The regulations issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation, which implement this portion of the law, specify to whom and under what circumstances this service is to be provided. In addition, the regulations require public entities which are subject to the complementary paratransit requirements to develop and administer a process for determining if individuals who request service meet the regulatory criteria for eligibility. Federal Transit Administration (FTA) grantees and sub-grantees are required to comply with Title I and Title II of the ADA, which states that no entity will discriminate against an individual with a disability in connection with the provision of transportation service. The law sets forth specific requirements for vehicle and facility accessibility and the provision of complementary paratransit service. The ADA specifies that if a public agency operates a fixed route public transit service it is required to develop and submit a plan indicating how and when complementary paratransit service requirements will be met. Both the City of South Lake Tahoe and the County ofplacer developed and submitted complementary paratransit plans that met the original January 26, 1992 deadline, and subsequent annual update deadlines. It should be noted that the service currently provided by the City of South Lake Tahoe is materially different from the service described in its original ADA Paratransit Plan and subsequent annual updates. The service described in ADA Plan documents was a traditional fixed route service with complementary paratransit service; the current service is a route deviated service, which is defined in the ADA as a demand response service and therefore does not require complementary paratransit service. This Plan describes the current route deviated service, its relationship with existing general public paratransit services, and implications regarding ADA service requirements. Although not specifically required by statute, the Tahoe Transit District, in conjunction with the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and the Tahoe Metropolitan Planning Organization, has developed this region-wide ADA Paratransit Plan for the TRP A designated jurisdictions, including the Lake Tahoe Basin and the portion of the Truckee River corridor between the town of Tahoe City and Alpine Meadows Road. No state or federal adoption of this plan is required. Findings 1. TART is in full compliance with the ADA, and STAGE is materially in compliance. l Tahoe Regional Planning Agency Page I
2. STAGE's map/schedule does not present information on how ADA-eligible persons can request a route deviation or how to schedule an ADA trip on the STAGE-Bus Plus Connection service at a reduced fare. 3. STAGE only schedules ADA trip requests on weekdays from 9:00A.M. to Noon, and uses mechanical methods during all other hours. Thus, it does not meet the response time requirements of the ADA since it does not currently schedule trip requests during normal administrative office hours. Recommendations 1. STAGE should take immediate steps to amend its marketing materials to include information on ADA services. 2. STAGE should take immediate steps to extend the time period that ADA trip requests can be scheduled during normal administrative business hours. Tahoe Regional Planning Agency Page2
SECTION 1-GENERAL INFORMATION The following entities are jointly publishing this Plan for the Lake Tahoe Basin: Will Garner, Transportation Manager Tahoe Area Regional Transit (TART) County of Placer Public Works 11444 B Avenue Auburn, CA 95603 (530)889-7500 (530)885-3159 fax Sue Schlerf, Assistant City Manager South Tahoe Area Ground Express (STAGE) City of South Lake Tahoe 1052 Tata Lane South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150-6324 (530)542-6042 (530)542-4054 fax The Lake Tahoe Basin is bisected by the California-Nevada state line, with approximately onethird of the region in Nevada and two-thirds in California. On the California side, portions ofel Dorado County and Placer County are within the Lake Tahoe Basin. On the Nevada side, portions of Carson City, Douglas County and Washoe County are within the Lake Tahoe Basin. The major population centers include Incline Village, Kings Beach, Tahoe City, Tahoma, South Lake Tahoe and Meyers. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the 1990 population of the region was approximately 52,591, with 74 percent residing in California. Due to the resort nature of the region, the population can reach 200,000 on a summer peak-season day. The County of Placer Public Works Department operates the Tahoe Area Regional Transit (TART) system, which has served the north and west shores of Lake Tahoe since January 1975. Fixed route service is provided between Sugar Pine Point State Park in El Dorado County on the west shore to Incline Village on the north shore. Service in Nevada is provided under contract with the Regional Transportation Commission in Reno, Nevada, and funding for service in El Dorado County is provided by the County of El Dorado. In addition, a second fixed route operates between Tahoe City and Truckee. Management oversight is provided by a Senior Transportation Systems Supervisor in Auburn, who meets regularly with local staff at its ADAaccessible facility located near Truckee. The City of South Lake Tahoe provides the South Tahoe Area Ground Express (STAGE) service, a route deviated system operated under contract to Area Transit Management. Service is offered for the most part within city limits, although route deviations at the eastern terminus of routes would extend service into Douglas County, Nevada. Contract oversight is provided by the Assistant City Manager, and operations oversight is provided by Area Transit Management staff. According to US Census Bureau estimates, the 1990 population of the TART service area within the Lake Tahoe Basin was 14,151 and the 1990 population of the STAGE service area was 21,558. In 2000, the population increased to 18,957 in the TART service area and 23,609 in the STAGE service area (reflecting annual growth rates of2.97 percent and 0.91 percent, respectively). Tahoe Regional Planning Agency Page3
FIGURE 1 LAKE TAHOE BASIN ADA PLAN STUDY AREA! ' : _B~ j h. v"< ''<\ [;! ~~- : 0 2 3 4 ': ---- """"!!!~..;...~~ ; SCALE IN MILES ) (ll - - LEGEND SERVICE BOUNDARY --- HIGHWAYS -- LAKES e COMMUNITIES - t'grc'~88-~~~~~~c. - L TA HOE BASIN ADA PLAN Tahoe Regional Planning Agency Page4
Section 2 - Description of Existing Fixed Route and Deviated Fixed Route Services TART TART operates from roughly 6:10A.M. to 6:30P.M., seven days a week. Service is generally provided on hourly headways along the lakeshore, and on two hour headways between Truckee and Tahoe City. See the maps on the following two pages for details. These services are provided by a division within the Placer County Public Works Department. TART's fleet of seven buses is ADA-accessible. Fares are $1.25 for an adult one-way ride, and $1.00 for disabled passengers. Children under the age of five ride for free. Senior citizens (55 years old and up) can buy an au-day pass for $2.00, and general public all-day passes are $3.00. Other multi-ride passes include a 10-ride pass for $12.50, a 20-ride pass for $21.00, and a 40-ride pass for $42.00. STAGE The STAGE system began service on the south shore of Lake Tahoe in 1970. It currently operates three deviated fixed routes, seven days a week from 6:00A.M. to midnight. Service is generally provided on hourly headways, with twenty minute headways along U.S. Highway 50 between 10:00 A.M. and 7:30P.M. The buses will deviate up to 3/4 of one mile from the route to accommodate ADA trip requests. These services are contracted to Area Transit Management, a private for-profit contractor, using the City of South Lake Tahoe's fleet of medium-heavy duty vehicles. The base fare for service is $1.25. Low-income, elderly and disabled persons who qualify for a "special needs" pass pay $0.25 per passenger trip; El Dorado County Community Services Department pays the difference between the base fare and reduced fare on a per-trip basis. All STAGE buses are ADA-accessible. Note that since STAGE operates a route deviation service, complementary paratransit service is not required by the ADA. However, the STAGE route map/schedule does not include details on route deviations for ADA-eligible persons nor is the reduced fare presented. Other Fixed Route Providers Although not covered directly by this ADA Paratransit Plan, below is a summary of other fixed route service providers in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Tahoe City Trolley During the summer only, the Tahoe Trolley provides service along the northern and western shores of Lake Tahoe along three coordinated routes: Crystal Bay-Tahoe City, Tahoe City Squaw Valley and Tahoe City-Emerald Bay. Passengers can transfer between north/south segments and east/west segments. Trolleys operate from 10:30 A.M. until 10:30 P.M. seven days per week. This service is operated by a division within the Placer County Department of Tahoe Regional Planning Agency PageS
Public Works, under contract to the Truckee-North Tahoe Transportation Management Association. ADA trip requests are accommodated on the Complementary Paratransit Service, described below. Nifty Fifty Trolley and Emerald Bay Tram The Nifty Fifty Trolley was established in 1994 and currently operates two deviated fixed routes on the South Shore. The buses will deviate up to 3/4 of one mile from the route to accommodate ADA trip requests. Route A runs from Stateline to the South "Y" to Camp Richardson's Resort. Route B runs from Zephyr Cove to Stateline to Heavenly. In conjunction with these routes, during the summer season the Emerald Bay Tram runs every half-hour between Camp Richardson and Vikingsholm/Emerald Bay. The base fare is $3.00 per trip. This service is operated by Area Transportation Management, Inc., under contract to the South Shore Transportation Management Association, using FT A Section 5311 funds. Section 3 - Description of Existing Para transit Services Bus Plus Bus Plus-STAGE Connection is a general public demand response service which began service in July, 1991. This program serves all points within the South Lake Tahoe city limits using a varied fleet of ADA-accessible and non-ada accessible minibuses and vans. In addition, the Bus Plus-El Dorado County program provides demand response service for the outlying areas of ElDorado County within the Lake Tahoe Basin. Fares are $3.00 per trip for general public, and $1.00 per trip for "special needs" riders. "Special Needs" passengers include low-income, elderly and disabled persons. These services are contracted to Area Transit Management, a private for-profit contractor, using its own fleet of four vehicles. During the last fiscal year, Bus Plus provided 6,293 special needs passenger trips. However, no records were maintained which detail ADA-eligible passenger trips. TART Complementary Paratransit Services Since the implementation of the ADA in 1991, TART has contracted with private providers for complementary paratransit services for persons who are unable to use its fixed route services. Since April2000, TART has contracted with Tahoe-Truckee Taxi, a local taxicab company. The service area for TART Complementary Paratransit Services (CPS) program is 3/4 mile from all TART fixed routes, and pre-purchased $2.50 per trip vouchers are used by patrons to pay for services. TART's ADA Paratransit Plan and subsequent annual updates have met the eligibility and six service criteria requirements as detailed in the ADA regulation and approved by the Federal Transit Administration. Since April 2000, when the new service contractor began providing service, CPS's per passenger costs have dropped significantly. Over the past twelve months, 870 passenger trips (849 in California and 21 in Nevada) were provided through the CPS program. Total expenses for these services were $19,620 ($19,246.25 in California and $373.75 in Nevada). These ridership l Tahoe Regional Planning Agency Page6
figures are significantly lower than those reported by the prior contractor in previous years; however, the current ridership figures are considered more reliable than the previous figures. Other Paratransit Providers Douglas County Bus Plus Between September and May an additional demand response flex route van (previously called DART) operates in Douglas County serving the lower Kingsbury area between Zephyr Cove/Round Hill and the south shore Stateline area along Highway 50. This service essentially replaces the Nifty Fifty service during the non-summer months, and is contracted to Area Transit Management. Handi-Van The El Dorado County Department of Community Services provides specialized transportation for low income, disabled and senior citizens (over the age of 60). This service is available from Monday through Friday from 8:00A.M. to 5:00P.M. The service area encompasses the city limits of South Lake Tahoe, Meyers, along Pioneer Trail, to Fallen Leaf Lake, and the Lakeside Inn in Nevada. A service expansion is planned in July 2001 which will extend the weekday operating hours to 6:30P.M. and add weekend service between 8:00A.M. and 5:00P.M. This service is contracted to Area Transit Management, using its own fleet of vehicles. Section 4 - Complementary Paratransit As discussed above, both TART and STAGE previously submitted locally-adopted ADA Paratransit Plans and subsequent annual updates to the Federal Transit Administration. Nonetheless, this region-wide ADA Paratransit Plan was developed to incorporate the policies and procedures identified in those two previous Plans, to provide updated demand estimates and to address projected financial impacts of providing ADA paratransit services in the region over the next five years. This Plan also addresses the service requirements detailed in the ADA regulations - service area, absence of restrictions or priorities based on trip purpose, response time, fares, hours and days of service, and lack of capacity constraints. Demand Estimates As detailed in the ADA, complementary paratransit service must be provided to the following three general groups of persons with disabilities: 1. Persons who are unable to board, ride, or disembark from a vehicle even if they are able to get to the bus stop and even if the vehicle is wheelchair-accessible. 2. Persons who cannot use vehicles without wheelchair lifts or other accommodations. These persons are eligible for paratransit service if accessible fixed route vehicles are not available on the route on which they need to travel when they need transportation. Tahoe Basin ADA Pla11 Tahoe Regional Planning Agency Page 7
3. Persons with specific impairment related conditions who cannot travel to a boarding location or from a disembarking location to their fmal destination. According to the ADA Paratransit Handbook 1, approximately 1.5 percent of the nation's population is ADA paratransit eligible under either category 1 or 3 above. In addition, between 0.7 and 1.0 percent of the nation's population is ADA paratransit eligible under Category 2 above. However, this latter estimate is not valid as part of the demand estimation technique discussed below since all TART and STAGE fixed route buses are wheelchair-accessible. Applying the 1.5 percent figure to the service area population figures presented above, we can estimate the total number of persons in each of the two service areas who may be eligible for ADA paratransit service. As presented in Table 1 below, approximately 42,566 persons reside in the TART and STAGE service areas (combined). Of these, approximately 638 persons are eligible for ADA paratransit service (284 in the TART service area and 354 in the STAGE service area). Applying a typical rate of 1.2 trips per person per month 2, the estimated annual demand for ADA trips in the TART service area is approximately 3,931 ADA passenger trips, and 6,941 ADA passenger trips in the STAGE service area. However, the demand estimates presented above were developed for large urban areas with a multitude of services and opportunities for persons with transportation disabilities. The Lake Tahoe Basin is largely a tourist area, with steep terrain, inclement weather and relatively few services. Thus, the traditional markets encountered by paratransit providers nationwide (seniors and persons with mobility limitations) are noticeably lower in this region. According to the US Census statewide figures for California indicated that 10.5 percent of the population was elderly and 10.8 percent had a mobility limitation. In comparison, only 8.8 percent of population was elderly and only 3.0 percent had a mobility limitation in the Lake Tahoe Basin. A more appropriate estimation of future demand would be to conduct a trend analysis using ridership data from prior years, and project forward the potential ridership. Typically, data from several years is analyzed to determine trends. However, the ridership data from TART's previous contractor has been determined to be unreliable and thus cannot be used for this analysis. Similarly, STAGE has not maintained previous year ridership data for route deviations. Therefore, the estimates presented below are based upon ridership data for a limited time period and should be updated as more reliable data becomes available. Over the past twelve months, TART has averaged 71 passengers per month in California and 2 per month in Nevada. Using the annual population growth experienced in the TART service area over the past ten years (2.97 percent), it can be assumed that Fiscal Year 2005-06 ridership will reach 1,020. Assuming 3 percent annual inflation, the Fiscal Year 2005-06 annual operating and administrative costs for ADA service will reach approximately $22,740 for TART. See Table 2 below for details. Note that the administrative, operating and capital costs presented are the incremental costs of providing ADA paratransit passenger trips and do not include costs for 1 ADA Paratransit Handbook, U.S. Department of Transportation, September 1991, p.7-11. 2 Ibid, p. 7-25. Tahoe Regional Planning Agency Page8
TABLE 1: Potential Number of ADA Paratransit Eligible Persons Lake Tahoe Basin Estimated ADA Service Area Total Population (1) Eligible (2) TART- California 9,005 135 TART- Nevada 9,952 149 TART Subtotal 18,957 284 STAGE - California 23,609 354 Notes: (1): 2000 US Census Bureau. STAGE Subtotal 23,609 354 Combined Service Areas 42,566 638 (2): Assumes 1.5 percent of the population has a transportation disability. TABLE 2: ADA Annual Ridership & Expenses Lake Tahoe Basin Fiscal Year Service Description 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 Ridership TART 900 930 960 990 1,020 STAGE 730 740 750 760 770 Administrative & Operating Costs (1) TART $20,820 $21,440 $22,080 $22,740 $23,420 STAGE (2) - - - - - Capital Costs (3) TART - - - - - STAGE - - - - - Note 1: Assumes 3.0 percent annual in nation. Note 2: Since ADA trips are accommodated on the route deviation service, no additional operating or administrative costs are assumed. Note 3: Neither TART nor STAGE will replace vehicles over this Plan period. Tahoe Regional Planning Agency Page 9
providing passenger trips to non-ada eligible persons. As discussed above, STAGE provides route deviated service in order to meet the ADA requirements for equal facilitation for ADA-eligible persons. However, the demand for ADA route deviations is likely to increase because of the following two factors: 1. Since STAGE has not correctly advertised its ADA route deviation service in its marketing materials, it can be assumed that some ADA-eligible riders are instead using the STAGE-Bus Plus Connection service. 2. Since the ADA-eligible fare on the STAGE system is substantially lower than the STAGE-Bus Plus Connection fare ($0.25 versus $1.00), it can be assumed that route deviation requests on the STAGE system will increase once ADA-eligible riders become aware of the route deviation service. In the last fiscal year, STAGE provided only two ADA route deviations. It is likely that ADA trips will increase on both the STAGE and Bus Plus programs once information on ADA trips is published, although it is difficult to determine how this will actually affect riding patterns between the two services. As presented in Table 2 above, it is assumed that ADA route deviations will increase to approximately two per day in Fiscal Year 2001-02, and will increase annually by the anticipated population growth rate for the remainder of the Plan period. If the inclusion of ADA trip information in STAGE marketing materials results in additional route deviations, and these deviations adversely affect on-time performance of the STAGE system (which is likely given the relatively tight STAGE schedules), STAGE could consider reducing demand for route deviations by raising the fares for route deviations. The ADA allows transit providers to charge up to twice the base general public fare for ADA trips. Thus, STAGE could raise the route deviation fare from the current "Special Needs" fare $0.25 per one-way passenger trip to $2.50. The fare for general public route deviations can be set at any level STAGE desires since general public fares are entirely a local issue not restricted by current state or federal mandates. ADA-eligible persons could still ride the STAGE system for $0.25 as long as a route deviation is not required for their trip, or choose to ride the Bus Plus service for $1.00 per one-way passenger trip. Service Requirements Identified in the ADA Service Area: TART meets the service area requirements by providing complementary paratransit service to origins and destinations within a 3/4 mile corridor on each side of each fixed route, including the terminus of each route. STAGE is not subject to complementary paratransit requirement since it operates route deviated service. Nonetheless, it must immediately amend its marketing materials to include details on how ADA trips are accommodated. No modification to either TART's or STAGE's service area is necessary. Restrictions or Priorities Based on Trip Purpose: Neither TART nor STAGE impose restrictions or priorities based on trip purpose. Thus, no modification to TART's or STAGE's Tahoe Regional Planning Agency Page 10
scheduling policies and procedures is necessary with regard to restrictions or priorities based on trip purpose. Response Time: Both TART and STAGE accommodate trip requests using a "next day" response time. In addition, same-day trip requests are accommodated on a space-available basis. No subscription service is provided by either TART or STAGE. TART's current scheduling policies and procedures meet the requirements of the ADA, and thus no modification is necessary. However, STAGE's current scheduling policies and procedures are not compliant with the ADA since the hours available for scheduling trips are fewer than its normal administrative office hours, and no apparatus is available to communicate with hearing-impaired persons. STAGE is currently taking steps to rectify these issues. Fares: Neither TART nor STAGE charge eligible ADA paratransit patrons greater than twice the comparable fixed route fare for ADA paratransit trips. In fact, the ADA fare for route deviations is lower than the general public fare. Thus, no modification to TART's or STAGE's fare structure is necessary. Hours and Days of Service: TART provides complementary ADA paratransit service during the same hours and days as the fixed route service, and STAGE offers route deviations during its entire service day. Thus, no modification to TART's or STAGE's span of service is necessary. Capacity Constraints: Neither TART nor STAGE have any documented trip denials as defined in the ADA. During development of this report, the consultants gathered anecdotal information from area stakeholders that suggests capacity constraints exist on the Bus Plus service. However, since the City of South Lake Tahoe provides route deviated service, the Bus Plus service is not required to meet the complementary paratransit capacity constraint standards of the ADA. Thus, no modification to TART's or STAGE's scheduling policies and procedures is necessary with regard to capacity constraints. Other Requirements Transportation Facility Accessibility: TART and STAGE will construct all new facilities to be used in providing designated public transportation services so that the facility is readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities. Acquisition of Accessible Vehicles: TART and STAGE ensure that all vehicles procured or leased will provide equal facilitation for individuals with disabilities. Maintenance of Facilities and Vehicles: TART and STAGE maintain in operative condition those features of vehicles and facilities that are required to make the vehicles and facilities readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities. These features include, but are not limited to, wheelchair lifts and other means of access to vehicles, securement devices, elevators, signs and systems to facilitate communications with persons with impaired vision or hearing. Tahoe Regional Planning Agency Page 11
Accessibility features are repaired promptly if they become damaged or inoperable. When an accessibility feature is out of order, TART or STAGE takes reasonable steps to accommodate individuals with disabilities who would otherwise use the feature. This section does not prohibit isolated or temporary interruptions in service or access due to maintenance or repairs. Procedures to Ensure Wheelchair Lift Availability: TART and STAGE ensure, through their adopted vehicle maintenance inspection programs, that a system of regular and frequent maintenance checks of wheelchair lifts is sufficient to determine if they are operable. Vehicle operators are required to report to the appropriate maintenance personnel, by the most immediate means available, any failure of a wheelchair lift to operate in service. When a wheelchair lift is discovered to be inoperative, except as noted below, the vehicle is taken out of service immediately and replaced with a vehicle that has an operative wheelchair lift. If no vehicle with an operative wheelchair lift is available (and removing the vehicle with the inoperative wheelchair lift would result in a reduction of transportation service), the vehicle with the inoperative wheelchair lift may remain in service for a period not to exceed three service days. In any case in which a vehicle is operating on a fixed route or route deviated service with an inoperative wheelchair lift, and the headway to the next accessible vehicle on the route exceeds 30 minutes, TART and STAGE attempts to provide alternative transportation to individuals with disabilities who are unable to use the vehicle because its wheelchair lift does not work. Wheelchair Lift and Securement Use: All common wheelchairs (as defined in the ADA) and their users are transported in TART and STAGE vehicles. TART and STAGE do not permit wheelchairs to be secured in places other than designated securement locations in the vehicle. TART and STAGE require that all wheelchairs be secured in the vehicle using the vehicle's securement system. Lap belts are not required for wheelchair users on fixed route buses. However, all users of paratransit services must use a lap belt whether or not they are using a wheelchair. Wheelchair users on paratransit services may forego the lap belt included in the vehicle's securement system ifthe user has a lap belt as part of the wheelchair. TART and STAGE may inquire if a wheelchair user wishes to transfer to a vehicle seat, but the vehicle operator will not require a user to transfer. TART and STAGE personnel control the use of securement systems and wheelchair lifts. Individuals with disabilities who do not use wheelchairs (including standees who use walkers, canes or braces or who otherwise have difficulty using steps) are permitted to use the wheelchair lift. TART and STAGE personnel assist these standees in the safe use of the wheelchair lift to enter the vehicle. TART and STAGE permit both inboard and outboard facing of wheelchair and mobility aid users; however, TART and STAGE prefer that the user board the vehicle facing outward and advise users of this preference. Tahoe Regional Planning Agency Page 12
Announcements on Tahoe Basin Providers Fixed Route/Route Deviated Vehicles: On fixed route and route deviated services, TART and STAGE vehicle operators announce the following: 1. transfer points common to two or more buses or other conveyances; 2. major intersections; 3. major destination points; and 4. intervals along a route sufficient to permit individuals with visual impairments or other disabilities to be oriented to their location. In addition, vehicle operators will announce specific points upon request. Vehicle Identification Mechanisms: TART and STAGE procure or lease vehicles that feature destination signs that meet the requirements of the ADA. Despite these signs, persons with visual impairments or other disabilities may have difficulty identifying the proper vehicle to enter. Where vehicles or other conveyances for more than one route serve the same stop, TART or STAGE vehicle operators attempt to make visual contact with prospective riders to determine if service is desired. If visual contact cannot be made, the vehicle operator will stop the bus and make verbal contact to inform the person(s) of route information (that route's destination, other destinations served by that bus stop, etc.). Although not required by the ADA, STAGE should consider applying larger logos to its buses so that persons with low vision can better discern an approaching STAGE vehicle. Service Animals: TART and STAGE permit service animals to accompany individuals with disabilities in vehicles and facilities. In addition, animals that are being professionally trained as service animals are permitted in TART and STAGE vehicles and facilities. Use of Accessibility Features: TART and STAGE ensure that vehicle operators and other personnel make use of accessibility-related equipment as required by the ADA. Willful failure to use these features as needed will result in disciplinary action up to and including termination. Public Information/Communications: As discussed above, STAGE must immediately revise its marketing materials to identify services available to individuals with disabilities. This obligation includes making adequate communications capacity available, through accessible formats and technology, to enable users to obtain information and schedule service. This also includes the need for TTY/TDD capability at the STAGE operations facility. TART and STAGE will work with local accessibility groups if requests for different media are made. Wheelchair Lift Deployment At Any Designated Bus Stop: TART and STAGE does not refuse to permit a passenger who uses a wheelchair lift to disembark from a vehicle at any designated bus stop, unless: 1. the wheelchair lift cannot be deployed; Tahoe Regional Planning Agency Page 13
2. the wheelchair lift will be damaged if it is deployed; or 3. temporary conditions at the bus stop, not under control oft ART or STAGE, preclude the safe use of the bus stop by all passengers. It is the responsibility of operations personnel to inform TART and STAGE administrative staff (dispatchers, supervisory staff and/or management) of problems at bus stops so that appropriate remedies may be undertaken. Service To Persons Using Respirators Or Portable Oxygen: TART and STAGE do not prohibit an individual with a disability from traveling with a respirator or portable oxygen supply, consistent with applicable Department of Transportation rules on the transportation of hazardous materials (49 CFR subtitle B, Chapter 1, Subchapter C). Adequate Scheduled Time For Fixed Route Vehicle Boarding and Disembarking: TART and STAGE strive to provide adequate time in its fixed route and/or route deviated schedule to allow individuals with disabilities to safely complete boarding or disembarking from the vehicle. TART and STAGE staff will periodically review on-time performance data and/or passenger complaints to determine if schedule adjustments are warranted. Training Requirements: TART and STAGE ensure that personnel are trained to proficiency, as appropriate to their duties, so that they operate vehicles and equipment safely. Personnel are trained to properly assist and treat passengers with disabilities in a respectful and courteous manner, with appropriate attention to the differences among individuals with disabilities. TART and STAGE ensure this by reviewing its respective training regimen on a regular basis. Five Year Capital Budget No ADA paratransit vehicle purchases are anticipated by TART over the Plan period since its complementary paratransit contractor provides ADA-accessible vehicles as part of the operating contract. STAGE also does not anticipate purchases of vehicles over the next five years since its deviated fixed route vehicles will not need replacement during the Plan period. Section 5 - Eligibility Determination Process Accessible Formats TART and STAGE will strive to provide information about the eligibility process, materials necessary to apply for eligibility, and notices and determinations concerning eligibility in accessible formats. The application packages used by TART and STAGE are materially the same, and provide a consistent and fair basis for determining eligibility. If a request is made for a format not currently offered, TART and/or STAGE staff will work with local accessibility groups to produce the requested media. l Tahoe Regional Planning Agency Page 14
Presumptive Eligibility Staff from TART and the ElDorado County Community Services Department review applications to determine eligibility for their respective services. As soon as a completed application is received, the applicant becomes presumptively eligible- he or she may begin using the respective ADA service. If, by a date 21 calendar days following submission of a complete application staff has not made a determination of eligibility, the applicant will be treated as eligible and provided service until and unless TART or STAGE denies the application. Determination In Writing TART or STAGE's determination concerning eligibility will be in writing. If the determination is that the individual is ineligible, the determination will state the reason(s) for the finding. Documentation of Eligibility TART or STAGE staff will provide documentation to each eligible individual stating that he or she is "ADA Paratransit Eligible." Re-certification Process TART or STAGE may require re-certification of the eligibility of ADA paratransit eligible individuals at reasonable intervals, or as needed. Administrative Appeals Process for Individuals Denied Eligibility TART and STAGE require that an applicant file a written appeal within 60 days of receipt of denial. Notification of denial will be in writing by the TART or STAGE chief administrative officer, and will be sent within 30 days of determination by Registered Mail via the U.S. Postal Service; a copy of the denial will also be sent to the chief administrative officer of the Tahoe Metropolitan Planning Organization (TMPO). TART and STAGE will provide an opportunity to be heard and to present information and arguments to an Appeals Committee within 30 days of receipt of the appeal. The Appeals Committee is comprised of: 1. the Tahoe Area Coordinating Council for the Disabled Chairperson; 2. an individual appointed by the TMPO; and 3. an individual appointed by the Tahoe Transportation District Advisory Committee. Written notification of the decision and reasons for the decision will be forwarded to the applicant by the Tahoe Area Coordinating Council for the Disabled Chairperson via Registered Mail. L Tahoe Regional Planning Agency Page 15
Neither TART nor STAGE will provide paratransit service to the individual pending the determination on appeal. However, if the Appeals Committee has not made a decision within 30 days of the completion of the appeal process, TART or STAGE will provide ADA service from that time until and unless a decision to deny the appeal is issued. Policy for Visitors TART and STAGE will make its complementary paratransit service available to visitors within their respective service areas. A "visitor" is defined as an individual with disabilities who does not reside in either the TART or STAGE service areas. TART and STAGE will treat as eligible for its ADA service all visitors who present documentation that they are ADA paratransit eligible in the jurisdiction in which they reside. Visitors who do not have documentation from another jurisdiction may apply for eligibility as defined above. TART and STAGE will provide ADA service to a visitor who has documentation of ADA paratransit eligibility from another jurisdiction for a period of up to 21 calendar days; service beyond that period will require formal TART or STAGE eligibility. Section 6 - Public Participation Process During development of this ADA Paratransit Plan, members of the disabled community in both the north and south shore regions of the Tahoe Basin were contacted to solicit comments on the effectiveness of existing ADA services. These comments were used to develop alternatives that could make the services easier to use, to address perceived unmet needs and to provide direction for decision-makers in implementing recommended changes. The Tahoe Area Coordinating Council for the Disabled (TACCD) and the Tahoe Transportation District (TID) Advisory Board acted as steering committees for this Plan. The TACCD is made up of access advocacy representatives in and adjacent to the region. The TID is made up of area transportation providers, TRP A staff, and the executive directors of the South Shore Transportation ' Management Association (SSTMA) and the Truckee North Tahoe Transportation Management Association (TNT/!TMA). The comments received to date include the following: 1. Two passenger shelters in recently constructed in Incline Village are not ADAaccessible; 2. TART daily service hours are too short; 3. Snow build-up at TART bus stops makes it difficult for riders with disabilities to board/de-hoard buses; 4. The Bus Plus service has capacity constraints that make it difficult to schedule trips during peak hours; 5. The hours passengers can schedule Bus Plus trips are too restrictive- trips can only be scheduled between 9:00A.M. and Noon on weekdays; 6. The on-time performance of the Bus Plus is poor; and 7. 90-day Special Needs eligibility is too short- should be longer for ADA-eligible persons with permanent disabilities. Tahoe Regional Planning Agency Page 16
Section 7- Efforts to Coordinate Service One of the goals in developing this region-wide ADA Paratransit Plan was to determine if the anticipated benefits of coordinating service would be worth any additional effort. The consultant discussed with area providers possible benefits and costs for each of the following alternatives: ~ uniform scheduling policies and procedures; ~ a uniform administrative appeals process with peer review of all applications that do not meet eligibility requirements in the initial screening process; ~a uniform policy on accommodating the ADA paratransit travel needs of visitors; and ~ a uniform eligibility process for all providers in the region. Before reviewing the results of this analysis, it is important to review the results of past and ongoing efforts to coordinate regional services. Coordination was enhanced through the development of a region-wide Tahoe Basin Short Range Transit Plan in 1995. Although not all of the recommendations made in this Tahoe Basin Short Range Transit Plan were ultimately implemented, the Plan made strides in defining regional needs and methods for area providers to improve coordination. In addition, ongoing meetings of the TID Board and Advisory Committee, the TNT//TMA and the SSTMA have provided forums for improving coordination. As discussed above, this Plan recommends changes to STAGE's passenger scheduling policies and procedures to bring it into compliance with the ADA. As such, the scheduling policies and procedures of both TART and STAGE will essentially be the same. In addition, this Plan recommends the establishment of a universal appeals process within the Tahoe Basin for persons whose ADA application has been denied, and a uniform policy for accommodating trip requests from visitors. The ADA eligibility applications for both TART and STAGE are essentially the same. However, the evaluation process and the eligibility cards provided to users are significantly different between the two transit programs. TART evaluates ADA applications in-house, and provides a card that is unique to ADA-eligible persons. TheEl Dorado County Community Services Department evaluates eligibility for discounted STAGE/Bus Plus services with regard to lowincome, senior and disabled persons, and issues a single "Special Needs" eligibility card for all groups. In addition, the El Dorado County Community Services Department pays the difference between the discounted fare and the regular fare through a monthly reconciliation process. As such, it is not recommended in this Plan that the method be changed in which eligibility is determined since the objectives of the ElDorado Community Services Department are materially different from those oft ART. It is recommended, however, that the ElDorado County Community Services Department develop two different STAGE eligibility cards so that a distinct card is issued to ADA-eligible persons. This will allow ADA-eligible persons to use their cards when visiting other regions. For example, an ADA-eligible person could present a STAGE ADA card on TART's Complementary Paratransit Services vehicles to receive services as a "visitor" according to the "Policy for Visitors" section above. Tahoe Regional Planning Agency Page 17