Route Deviation:Updates

CalACT Spring ConferenceYosemite, CA

April 2015

Dawn SweetProgram Manager,

Complaints & CommunicationsOffice of Civil Rights

Developments

• Language added to the Triennial/SMR Workbook Explanation section on Route Deviation

• Proposed ADA Circular language

• Dec. 8 letter to Caltrans regarding SMR finding

• Checklist

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The Starting Point: Paratransit Required?

• Non-commuter fixed route = ADA complementary paratransit requirement

• Demand-responsive service = No ADA complementary paratransit requirement

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Central question becomes: Which category does route deviation fall into?

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Option 1: Fixed Route with Separate ADA Paratransit

• Fixed route service does not deviate• Separate ADA complementary paratransit is provided

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Option 2: Route Deviation that is General Public Demand Responsive

with No ADA ParatransitThree Requirements:1. Deviate for people with and without disabilities2. Publically advertise the service as route deviation

service3. Ensure the service is nondiscriminatory

– Look at equivalent service standards in sec. 37.77– E.g., ensure people with disabilities do not encounter more

capacity constraints than others

Also:• Establish reasonable service criteria

– Avoid demand-responsive on paper only (e.g., deviating 2 blocks; high fares)

– As a starting point, consider following the paratransit service criteria when setting RD parameters (e.g., 3/4-mile off-route deviations, no more than double the fare)

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Option 3: ADA Paratransit Provided on the Same Vehicle as the Fixed Route

Service• Deviate only for persons who are ADA complementary

paratransit eligible• Meet Subpart F requirements

– Eligibility process– Service criteria, e.g.:

• ¾-mile service area• Response time (real time or next-day)• Available when the FR is running• Fares no more than twice the FR fare

– Origin-to-destination– Free of capacity constraints

Federal Transit Administrationwww.fta.dot.gov

Contact Us Tool on FTA Website

dawn.sweet@dot.gov(202) 366-0529