AGENDA CAPTION:
Title
Consider approval of Resolution 2025-152R, adopting the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Complementary Paratransit Plan for the San Marcos Urbanized Area for public transportation services; and declaring an effective date.
Body
Meeting date: September 2, 2025
Department: Public Works
Amount & Source of Funding
Funds Required: NA
Account Number: NA
Funds Available: NA
Account Name: NA
Fiscal Note:
Prior Council Action: December 14, 2022: Approval of the ADA paratransit plan
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Background Information:
The purpose of this item is to approve an update of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Complementary Paratransit Plan that is compliant with The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, that prohibits discrimination based on disability and establishes specific requirements for public transportation services. Any agency offering fixed route bus service and receiving Federal or State transit grant funds must maintain an up-to-date and ADA-compliant Complementary Paratransit Plan.
The ADA of 1990 is a civil rights law that ensures equal access and protection for people with disabilities. It promotes fairness in employment, public services, transportation, business access, telecommunications, and protection from discrimination.
As an agency providing public transit service, the City of San Marcos delivers Complementary Paratransit Services—a curb-to-curb transportation option for individuals who qualify based on specific eligibility criteria. This service helps ensure that everyone in our community has access to vital transportation, particularly those who are unable to use the fixed-route bus system due to a disability.
To apply for Complementary Paratransit services, an individual must complete an eligibility form and provide supporting documentation. Applications are reviewed by Capital Area Rural Transportation Systems (CARTS) staff for eligibility. Once an application is approved, eligible riders can schedule trips for medical appointments, shopping, or other essential travel needs.
If an applicant is denied by CARTS there is an appeals process that allows staff to review the application and make an eligibility decision.
The ADA Paratransit Plan outlines:
- Service overview and eligibility process
- Service area and availability
- Financial projections for the program
- Application and approval steps
The plan follows guidelines from the U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT), the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). Any agency offering fixed route bus service and receiving Federal or State transit grant funds must maintain an up-to-date and ADA-compliant Complementary Paratransit Plan.
The substantive changes to the plan are:
- Five-year budget for Paratransit
- Demand for Paratransit Service
- Response time to meet federal requirements
- Fare Structure
Attached is a copy of the updated policy with track changes.
An update and adoption of this plan is required annually. The updated policy must be submitted to TxDOT and FTA by October 1 each year.
Council Committee, Board/Commission Action:
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Alternatives:
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Recommendation:
Staff recommends approval.