AGENDA CAPTION:
Title
Consider approval of Resolution 2026-187R, adopting the Americans with Disabilities Act Complementary Paratransit Plan for the San Marcos Urbanized Area for public transportation services; and declaring an effective date.
Body
Meeting date: October 20, 2026
Department: Public Works - Transit
Amount & Source of Funding
Funds Required: $0.00
Account or Project Number (C = CIP funds): N/A
Funds Available: N/A
Account Name: N/A
Fiscal Note:
Prior Council Action: December 14, 2022: Approval of the first ADA paratransit plan
September 2, 2025: Annual approval of the ADA paratransit plan
City Council Strategic Initiative: [Please select from the dropdown menu below]
Mobility & Connectivity
Choose an item.
Choose an item.
Comprehensive Plan Element (s): [Please select the Plan element(s) and Goal # from dropdown menu below]
N/A Arts and Culture - Choose an item.
N/A Economic Development - Choose an item.
N/A Environment & Resource Protection - Choose an item.
N/A Housing + Neighborhoods - Choose an item.
N/A Land Use + Community Design and Character - Choose an item.
N/A Parks & Public Spaces + Health, Safety & Wellness - Choose an item.
N/A Transportation - TR-2: Create a multi-modal, well-connected, and efficient transportation network that minimizes congestion, energy use, and climate pollutants
N/A Core Services
N/A Not Applicable
Master Plan: [Please select the corresponding Master Plan from the dropdown menu below (if applicable)]
Choose an item.
Background Information:
The purpose of this item is to approve an updated Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Complementary Paratransit Plan. This plan ensures compliance with the ADA of 1990, a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on disability and sets specific requirements for public transportation services. Any agency that provides fixed-route bus service and receives Federal or State transit funding must maintain a current, ADA-compliant Complementary Paratransit Plan.
As a public transit provider, the City of San Marcos offers Complementary Paratransit service-a curb-to-curb transportation option for individuals who qualify based on established eligibility criteria. This service is essential in ensuring that residents who cannot use fixed-route buses due to a disability still have access to important destinations such as medical appointments, shopping, and other essential needs.
To apply, individuals must submit an eligibility form along with supporting documentation. CARTS staff review applications to determine eligibility. If an application is denied, an appeals process is available to ensure every applicant receives a fair review.
The updated ADA Paratransit Plan outlines:
• Service overview and eligibility process
• Service area and hours of availability
• Financial projections for the program
• Application and approval steps
The plan follows guidance from the U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT), the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT).
Key updates to the plan include:
• A five-year Paratransit budget
• Updated ridership demand projections for Paratransit service
Council is required to adopt an update on an annual basis for compliance with the FTA.
Council Committee, Board/Commission Action:
Click or tap here to enter text.
Alternatives:
Click or tap here to enter text.
Recommendation:
Staff recommends approval