Access San Joaquin

Under California law, a Consolidated Transportation Services Agency (CTSA) is an agency that coordinates and provides social service transportation, including services for the elderly and individuals with disabilities who cannot use conventional-transit services. The purpose of the state law is to improve the quality of transportation services to low-mobility groups and address the problem of inefficient or duplicative transportation services. In partnership with other local transit operators in San Joaquin County, ASJ administers both new and existing countywide services in an effort to seek efficiency in service delivery. Administration and program costs are currently funded by an allocation from the county's Local Transportation Funds (LTF). These consolidated services commenced on October 1, 2018, with RTD and contractors providing the staffing and resources. Representatives from local transit agencies, jurisdictions, and various social service centers serve as members of the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) to help guide ASJ. The following are descriptions of the origin and purpose of each program offered by ASJ: ADA In-Person Eligibility Assessments The ADA requires transit agencies to provide paratransit services to individuals with disabilities who cannot use the fixed route bus. Paratransit service must be provided within 3/4 of a mile of a bus route, at the same hours and days, for no more than twice the regular fixed-route fare. ASJ has centralized this function which requires only one certification for San Joaquin County residents to use all six transit agencies. Beyond the certification, each transit agency is still responsible for providing paratransit transportation within its service area. Access Pass Program For passengers who are conditionally eligible for paratransit services, the Access Pass Program provides a financial incentive—free fare—for riding fixed-route service instead of the paratransit service whenever possible. Access Pass holders ride free for most local fixed routes and one commuter route that travels to and from the Dublin/Pleasanton BART station several times every day. All ADA-certified passengers are automatically eligible for an Access Pass which is valid for the same term as their current ADA eligibility. My Ride Program VIP offers ADA-eligible passengers an additional mobility option by allowing passengers to find their own volunteer drivers (e.g., family, friends or neighbors) then reimbursing mileage up to a set monthly cap at the current Internal Revenue Service standard rate. Passengers recruit their own properly licensed drivers and arrange transportation that fits their schedules. The program requires that all parties submit liability waivers before participation in the program and provide trips logs by the following month. Staff audits and processes the reimbursements. In the past, only trips to and from senior and adult day programs and centers, places of religious worship, and medically related destinations were eligible for reimbursements. However, the program has now expanded to serve any ADA eligible trip. DFC The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) stipulates that grantees under Section 5307 "must allow the elderly, persons with disabilities, and Medicare cardholders to ride the fixed-route services for a fare that is not more than one-half the base fare charged other persons." ASJ regionalizes and streamlines administrative efforts in reviewing medical certifications and processes applications for qualified persons based on age or other criteria as agreed upon by the TAC. Approved passengers are issued a Discount Fare Card (DFC) to show bus operators for half-fare on any of the fixed routes in the county, except Commuter routes. Travel Training Program Travel training is a service available to the general public and offers the additional support passengers may need to feel comfortable using public transit. Because using public transit can be intimidating for some riders who are unfamiliar with the system, have special needs, or use mobility aids, an effective travel training program is essential to providing equitable access to public transit. Although this program is open to all, it especially provides seniors and individuals with disabilities the skills required to travel safely on fixed-route public transportation. The methods of travel instruction must reflect the individual's needs and travel trainers must have a thorough understanding of a person's specific ability to travel safely, independently, and confidently on any of the available fixed-route systems in San Joaquin County. In addition to improving the quality of life for passengers, travel training offers several operations and financial benefits to the county's transit systems. By encouraging the use of the most appropriate and cost-effective transit option to passengers, travel training aims to increase the use of public transit system and decrease the cost in providing paratransit service. RTD reserves the right to ask the Contractor to modify or discontinue programs and create additional programs during the course of this contract that benefit seniors and persons with disabilities in the spirit of what a CTSA is to provide.