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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda_ADA_04.11.2018Notice of Meeting for the Americans with Disabilities Accessibility Adv isory Board of the City of Georgetown April 11, 2018 at 6:00 PM at GMC Building, 300-1 Industrial Av enue, Georgetown, TX 78626 The City o f G eo rgeto wn is committed to comp lianc e with the Americans with Dis abilities Ac t (ADA). If yo u req uire as s is tanc e in participating at a p ublic meeting d ue to a disability, as d efined und er the ADA, reas onab le as s is tance, ad ap tatio ns , or acc o mmo d ations will b e provid ed up o n req uest. P leas e c o ntact the City Sec retary's Office, at leas t three (3) days prior to the sc hed uled meeting d ate, at (512) 930-3652 o r City Hall at 113 Eas t 8th Street fo r add itional info rmation; TTY us ers ro ute through Relay Texas at 711. Regular Session (This Regular S es s io n may, at any time, b e rec es s ed to convene an Exec utive S es s io n fo r any p urpose authorized b y the Op en Meetings Act, Texas Go vernment Co d e 551.) A Call to Ord er B Introduction of Vis itors Legislativ e Regular Agenda C Co nsideration and possible actio n to approve the minutes fro m the Marc h 14, 2018 ADA Board Meeting. -- Laura Wilkins , Board Liaison D Review and p o s s ib le rec o mmendatio n regard ing the City o f Georgetown F Y17 ADA Trans ition Plan, elements related to Title VI and Go Geo operatio ns . Ed ward G. Polasek, AIC P CERTIFICATE OF POSTING I, Shelley No wling, C ity S ecretary fo r the C ity of Geo rgeto wn, Texas , d o hereby c ertify that this Notice of Meeting was p o s ted at City Hall, 113 E. 8th Street, a p lace read ily acc es s ible to the general p ublic at all times , on the ______ d ay o f __________________, 2018, at __________, and remained so p o s ted fo r at leas t 72 c o ntinuo us ho urs p receding the sc heduled time o f s aid meeting. ____________________________________ S helley No wling, City Sec retary Page 1 of 57 City of Georgetown, Texas Americans with Disablilities Accessibility Advisory Board April 11, 2018 SUBJECT: Call to Ord er ITEM SUMMARY: FINANCIAL IMPACT: NONE SUBMITTED BY: Laura Wilkins - Board Liaison Page 2 of 57 City of Georgetown, Texas Americans with Disablilities Accessibility Advisory Board April 11, 2018 SUBJECT: Intro d uc tion o f Vis ito rs ITEM SUMMARY: FINANCIAL IMPACT: NONE SUBMITTED BY: Laura Wilkins - Board Liaison Page 3 of 57 City of Georgetown, Texas Americans with Disablilities Accessibility Advisory Board April 11, 2018 SUBJECT: Cons id eration and p o s s ib le ac tion to approve the minutes from the Marc h 14, 2018 ADA Bo ard Meeting. -- Laura Wilkins , Board Liaison ITEM SUMMARY: FINANCIAL IMPACT: NONE SUBMITTED BY: Laura Wilkins - Board Liaison ATTACHMENTS: Description Type Minutes from the March 14, 2018 ADA Meeting Backup Material Page 4 of 57 Minutes for the Meeting of the Americans with Disabilities Accessibility Advisory Board and the Governing Body of the City of Georgetown, Texas March 14, 2018 at 6:00 PM at 300-1 Industrial Ave., Georgetown, Texas 78626 The City of Georgetown is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you require assistance in participation at a public meeting due to a disability, as defined under the ADA, reasonable assistance, adaptations, or accommodations will be provided upon request. Please contact the City at least four (4) days prior to the scheduled meeting date, at (512)930-3652 or City Hall at 113 East 8th Street for additional information: TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. Board Members: Jonathan Dade – Chair Person, Barbara Bender – Member, Erin Curra-Spurger – Member, Cynthia Eisman – Member, Anya Juan Risco – Member, John Oliver – Member, Levera Patton - Member Board Members Absent: NONE Staff Present: Octavio Garza, Ed Polasek, Laura Wilkins Regular Session (This Regular Session may, at any time, be recessed to convene an Executive Session for any purpose authorized by the Open Meetings Act, Texas government Code 551.) A. Call to Order: 6:00 PM by Dade The Board may, at any time recess the Regular Session to convene in Executive Session at the request of the Chair, a Board Member, The City Manager, Assistant City Manager, General Manager of Utilities, City Council Member, or legal counsel for any purpose authorized by the Open Meetings Act, Texas Government Code Chapter 551, and are subject to action in the Regular Session that follows B. Introduction of New Board Members and Visitors - All Board members and staff introduced themselves C. Review Board/Meeting Procedures – Board Liaison - Went over Roster, Board Bylaws, training requirements, meeting procedures, attendance and quorum requirements, and sign-in sheet. Hand-outs provided. Page 5 of 57 Legislative Regular Agenda D. Nominations and election of Vice-Chair of the ADA Board. – Jonathan Dade – Chair Person for ADA Juan Risco nominated herself for Vice-Chair, Second by Dade APPROVED 7-0 - Anya Juan Risco is the Vice-Chair E. Nominations and election of Secretary of the ADA Board. – Jonathan Dade - ADA Chair Person Oliver nominated himself for Secretary, Second by Patton APPROVED 7-0 - John Oliver is the Secretary F. Review and possible action related to the Day and Time of ADA Board Meetings – Jonathan Dade, ADA Chair Person Board did not want to make any changes to the date and time of meeting NO ACTION G. Consideration and possible approval of the minutes from the ADA Meeting held on September 13, 2017. - Laura Wilkins - Board Liaison Motion by Dade, Second by Juan Risco to approve the minutes but due to the time that had passed since the last meeting and the fact that there are new board officers, that the new officers would sign the minutes. APPROVED 7-0 H. Review and possible recommendation regarding the City of Georgetown FY17 ADA Transition Plan, FY 2018 Work Plan, and discussion of work tasks needed to complete the draft of the FY 17 updated amendment. - Ed Polasek, AICP Polasek explained the process moving forward for the Annual Plan. CIP – sidewalks - Bus plan for Transit Program - incorporate in Title 6. Bus report including Title 6 data will also be added to the Annual Report. No complaints this year to report. Question by Juan Risco - listen Expand bus program area of operations or expand only in the current area of operations?- would like to see expansion out to Eastview High School. Answered by Polasek with federal funding, how do you serve the largest area possible and make it the most efficient? This year is a first attempt. Community has a lot of population of need so we will monitor the para-transit performance. With a fixed route system; we will need to offer complementary service in para-transit equal to the fixed route system in the urbanized areas. Will have to discuss - because this will come at a cost so we will have to work on how to do this moving forward. Question by Patton – on self-assessments. How many departments are due for self-assessments this year? Answered by Polasek- based on last year, police and fire at minimum. Plans to roll Communications back in with Library this year since they have been doing lots of work on the web page. Question by Dade – Will transition plan budget remain the same, expand, or have the same funding? Or will it transition another way? Answered by Polasek – we have fixed funding on transit plan. Transition plan for ADA is funded separately. Page 6 of 57 Patton – Is thinking we will probably do this like we did last year? Answered by Polasek – yes that is right. Polasek explained that items are posted for possible action in case the board needs to give direction or request things – but the board is not being asked to approve the plan right now – we will begin updating the plan at the next meeting. We will make sure the plan is presented prior to the next meeting for the Board Members to review. Various discussion on the process for the plan review for the next meeting. Adjournment Motion by Dade, second by Juan Risco to adjourn the meeting. Approved 7-0 Meeting adjourned at 6:32 PM. Approved: Attested: __________________________ __________________________ Jonathan Dade – Chair Person John Oliver – Secretary _________________________________ Laura Wilkins – ADA Board Liaison Page 7 of 57 City of Georgetown, Texas Americans with Disablilities Accessibility Advisory Board April 11, 2018 SUBJECT: Review and pos s ible recommend ation regarding the City of Geo rgeto wn FY17 ADA Transitio n Plan, elements related to Title VI and Go Geo operations . Edward G. P o las ek, AICP ITEM SUMMARY: Fisc al years 2017 acc o mplis hments include review o f the P lan with Ad vis ory Board , acc es s ib ility imp ro vements to eight City fac ilities, five p arks and mo re than 10 ind ividual ped es trian netwo rk p ro jects . The City als o c ompleted wo rk items related to the the GoGeo Bus p ro gram and Title VI compliance. Disc ussion will fo c us on inclus io n o f these items in the 2017 Annual Rep ort. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: FINANCIAL IMPACT: N/A SUBMITTED BY: Edward Po las ek ATTACHMENTS: Description Type GoGEO ADA Plan Backup Material ADA TGo Geo Plan Exhibit Title VI Report Backup Material Page 8 of 57 Georgetown Transit ADA Plan Page 9 of 57 GoGeo ADA/Paratransit Plan 1 Adopted: July 25, 2017 INTRODUCTION The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) requires that public entities that operate non-commuter fixed route transportation services also provide complementary paratransit service for individuals whose disabilities make them unable to use the fixe d route system. In addition, public entities subject to the ADA regulations must develop and administer a process for determining if individuals who request service meet the regulatory requirements for eligibility. Essentially, the ADA requires that Paratransit service be “comparable” to the fixed route service in terms of service levels and availability. There are six (6) service criteria that are used to evaluate ADA Paratransit service comparability to the fixed route. These criteria only represent the minimum service standards and can be exceeded if the local governing body so chooses. The six (6) basic criteria for determining ADA comparability to fixed route service are as follows: 1. Availability in the same area served by the fixed route; 2. Available to any ADA Paratransit eligible persons at any requested time on any particular day in response to a request for service made the previous day; 3. ADA Paratransit fares that are no more than twice the fare that would be charged to an individual paying full fare for a trip of similar length, at a similar time of day on the fixed route system; 4. There can be no trip restrictions or priorities based on trip purpose; 5. Service must be made available to eligible persons on a next day basis; and 6. There can be no constraints on the amount of service that is provided to any eligible person. Specifically, there can be no operating practice that significantly limits the availability of service to ADA Paratransit eligible individuals. ADA Paratransit service must be provided to all individuals who are unable, because of their disability, to use the fixed route system, some of the time or all of the time. The criteria for determining eligibility are also regulated by the ADA and GoGeo Paratransit must have a documented process in place to determine if an individual qualifies for ADA service. Background: The City of Georgetown is in the Austin Urbanized Area (UZA). The Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Capital Metro) is the designated transit service provider for the Austin UZA; however, Georgetown is not part of the Capital Metro service area, which requires a commitment of one cent sales tax. Capital Metro’s Service Expansion Policy provides a mechanism for cities inside the UZA, but outside the Capital Metro service area, to contract for transit service. Georgetown has been contracting for Demand Response transit service through the Service Expansion Policy, which Capital Metro then contracts with the Capital Area Rural Transportation System (CARTS) to operate. Page 10 of 57 GoGeo ADA/Paratransit Plan 2 Adopted: July 25, 2017 The City of Georgetown currently uses FTA Section 5307 funds from Capital Metro to partially fund the Demand Response transit service. The Service Expansion Policy requires cities using Section 5307 for transit service complete a Transit Development Plan (TDP). Georgetown’s TDP was completed and adopted in September 2016. The TDP recommended that Georgetown transition from Demand Response transit to Fixed Route tra nsit. The City of Georgetown is transitioning from Demand Response to Fixed Route transit in August 2017. The Fixed Route service is branded GoGeo. CARTS will operate the GoGeo Fixed Route service and complementary paratransit service in Georgetown through a contract with Capital Metro. Public Participation Process: The City of Georgetown will conduct a public meeting to solicit input prior to implementing the ADA plan for GoGeo Paratransit. Notices will be posted on the City of Georgetown website, in vehicles operating in Georgetown and in local news for public participation and comment on the draft plan. All comments and input received from the public will be presented to the Georgetown City Council for final approval prior to full implementation. Description of Fixed Route System: GoGeo consists of four (4) routes that operate from 7:00am to 7:00pm, Monday through Friday and from 8:00am to 6:00pm on Saturdays. Each of the four, 30 minute fixed routes is paired with another route on one of two (2) buses creating a one hour re-circulation on each route. All routes are accessible to persons with disabilities and persons who use wheelchairs. A map of the current fixed route is attached as Appendix A. Fleet Inventory: As required by the ADA, GoGeo has a 100% wheelchair accessible transit fleet to ensure that persons needing a wheelchair have equivalent access to our transportation services as ambulatory persons. Maintenance of accessible features on vehicles as required by the ADA is maintained to a high level, so that persons needing these features receive equivalent service. If for some reason the lift is not working, another lift-equipped vehicle will be provided within 30 minutes. Bus operators will also make major stop announcements. Transit Working Group: The GoGeo Working Group has been established by the City of Georgetown to assist with providing direction and input on transit services and will serve to provide input into the ADA plan regarding policies, eligibility, appeals or other related items. Additional Information: For additional information about GoGeo ADA Paratransit, visit GoGeo.Georgetown.org or call the Office of Mobility Management at (512) 369-6047. To schedule a paratransit ride, call (512) 478-7433 (RIDE). GoGeo ADA PARATRANSIT SERVICE PLAN Page 11 of 57 GoGeo ADA/Paratransit Plan 3 Adopted: July 25, 2017 Six service criteria are included in the ADA regulations for complementary paratransit. The following is a description of how the GoGeo complementary paratransit service meets or exceeds the six service criteria: Service Area: The GoGeo service will provide ADA paratransit to origins and destinations within the city limits of Georgetown. This does not include the City of Georgetown Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ). Eligibility Requirements: A passenger interested in riding GoGeo Paratransit will submit a completed application to CARTS C/O: GoGeo Paratransit, PO Box 988, Georgetown, TX 78627. Within 21 days of receipt of the completed application, the application will be reviewed and a decision made. The completed application will include a medical professional attesting to the passenger’s disability and that such disability would prevent the passenger’s ability to independently use the fixed route transit or access a fixed route transit bus stop. Once approved, the passenger would be added to the eligibility list and they can begin scheduling rides 24 hours after notification of eligibility. The application is included as Appendix B. Reservations: Next-day service is provided on GoGeo Paratransit for requests made any time during the preceding day prior to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Reservations are taken by calling (512) 478-7433 (RIDE) on Monday through Friday during the normal business hours of 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., except on designated holidays or weekends. Reservations can also be made online at: http://ridecarts.weebly.com/online-services.html. Reservations can be made up to two weeks in advance. On days when the offices are closed and no reservations can otherwise be made and when the following day is a service day, an answering machine or similar recording device is available to patrons for scheduling or canceling reservations. At opening of next business day, all messages will be checked and calls returned to confirm reservations or cancellation. Subscription Service Policy: Passengers who use the GoGeo Paratransit service to make regular trips (daily, weekly, etc.) can qualify for a standing reservation service through the Dispatch office. These reservations allow passengers to not have to call and schedule each recurring trip. The ADA does not allow more than 50% of its service to be “subscription” in nature. GoGeo will take subscription requests on a first come first serve basis. If a passenger makes a standing reservation and has two no-shows, per the GoGeo no-show policy, the standing reservation will be cancelled and that passenger will no t be eligible to qualify for subscription service for 30 days. Trips missed by the individual for reasons beyond his or her control (including, but not limited to, trips that are missed due to operator error) shall not be a basis for determining that such a pattern or practice exists. Fares: Fares charged for GoGeo Paratransit will be no more than twice the fixed route adult fare. ADA fares can and will be adjusted when and if the fixed route fares change . Service Days and Hours: Paratransit service will be provided during the same time period as the GoGeo fixed route system, which currently operates Monday through Friday 7:00am to 7:00pm and on Saturday 8:00am to 6:00pm. Service is not provided on major holidays on fixed route or complementary paratransit service. Page 12 of 57 GoGeo ADA/Paratransit Plan 4 Adopted: July 25, 2017 Trip Purpose: GoGeo will accept and handle all disability trip requests on an equal basis. GoGeo District will not prioritize or restrict trip purposes for paratransit riders. Capacity Constraints: Disability service will not be limited because of capacity constraints. No waiting lists will be maintained, and the number of trips provided to an individual will not be restricted. Reservation times may be negotiated within one hour of the requested pickup time. System capacity will be continually monitored and evaluated to determine the need for modification of resources, such as number of drivers, number of support staff, and number of vehicles. System capacity is considered to be 1 passengers/hour. System performance is measured by the number of passengers/hour the system is carrying, the number of trip denials, and the number of late pickups the syste m is experiencing. Types of Paratransit Service: GoGeo complementary paratransit service for ADA eligible users will be origin-to destination service. This includes:  Paratransit feeder service to an accessible fixed route, where such service enables the individual to use the fixed route bus system for part of the trip;  Coordinated paratransit service with other 5310 or 5311 programs and with commercial bus lines, such as Greyhound.  Service from a person’s home to their requested destination. Pick Up Time: Passengers will be given an approximate time of pick up when scheduling an appointment. GoGeo is a federally subsidized, shared ride system and cannot offer exact pick up or drop off times. Drivers strive to maintain prompt schedules to ensure that all rider reservations are honored. Passengers are asked to allow a 30 -minute window of time for arrival. For example, if passengers have a pick-up scheduled for 2:00pm, the Driver may arrive between 1:45pm and 2:15pm. Passengers must be ready to board the vehicle when the Driver arrives within the 30 minute window. Drivers are instructed to wait at the place of pick up for five minutes before departing from the pick-up location. There may be times when traffic, road conditions and/or weather conditions may delay arrival. Return Trips after Appointment: When arranging for transportation, passengers will be asked to schedule a return time if necessary at a pre-arranged location. Attendant and Companion Policies: Personal care attendants (PCA) will be permitted to accompany ADA eligible riders on ADA eligible trips at no charge. GoGeo will require that passengers state the need for a PCA when they request ADA eligibility certification. All riders must have the same origin and destination as the ADA-eligible rider. Additional companions will be allowed to accompany an ADA eligible complementary paratransit passenger on their ADA eligible paratransit trip on a space available basis. The PCA is not considered to be a companion or guest. Companions/guests are required to pay the applicable paratransit fare. Origin-to-Destination Assistance Policy: It is the policy of GoGeo to provide complementary paratransit services within the service area boundary of Georgetown. Transportation service is provided by ADA accessible buses. Drivers are trained to provide minimal assistance only. Drivers are not trained to provide medical assistance. Page 13 of 57 GoGeo ADA/Paratransit Plan 5 Adopted: July 25, 2017 No Show Definition and Policy: GoGeo Paratransit maintains a no show policy and is included as Appendix C. This policy requests that passengers be ready to be transported within the scheduled 30 minute pick-up window. A GoGeo No Show occurs when all four of the following circumstances have occurred: 1. The customer (or the customer’s representative) has scheduled ADA paratransit service. 2. There has been no call, or online cancellation by the customer or his/her representative to cancel the scheduled trip one or more hours before the start of the pick-up window. 3. The paratransit vehicle has arrived at the scheduled pickup point within the scheduled pick up time. 4. The driver has waited at least five (5) minutes beyond the scheduled pick up time, but the customer has failed to board the vehicle or refuses a trip. Packages: Passengers are expected only to bring what they can s afely carry on their own in one trip or with assistance of a personal care attendant (PCA). Lift and Securement Use Policy: In accordance with ADA regulations, GoGeo Paratransit will provide service to all individuals using mobility devices that fit within the capacity of the lift being operated. Passengers are advised that drivers are not permitted to operate a scooter or electric wheelchair onto the lift. The passenger is responsible for getting onto the lift with minimal driver assistance for these devices. Use of the securement system on GoGeo Paratransit vehicles will be a required condition of service. All wheelchairs and mobility devices must be secured to the passenger’s satisfaction before transport. When transporting passengers using mobility devices, GoGeo Paratransit can suggest but not require passengers transfer to a van/bus seat. The passenger, in this case, has the final decision as to whether a transfer is appropriate given the passengers’ particular disability. As the regulations require, a passenger who cannot enter the vehicle using the stairs or ramp, but who does not use a wheelchair, will be allowed to enter the vehicle using the lift. GoGeo Paratransit does not provide wheelchairs or other mobility devices. Accommodating Other Mobility Devices, Life Support Equipment or Service Animals : GoGeo will permit the use of a lift for Segway or other personal transportation devices when used as a mobility device by eligible customers as long as it does not exceed the capacity of the lift utilized including the user, per 49 CFR §38. All paratransit passengers will be permitted to travel with service animals trained to assist them. Use of Portable Oxygen/Respirator Equipment: As required by the ADA, persons using our transportation service may bring respirator, portable oxygen, and/or other life support equipment on board our vehicles, as long as they do not violate the law or rules relating to the transportation of hazardous materials. All equipment must be small enough to fit into our vans safely without obstructing the aisle and/or blocking emergency exits. Other Assistance: All material made available to applicants and passengers of GoGeo complementary paratransit service will be provided in accessible formats upon request. For Page 14 of 57 GoGeo ADA/Paratransit Plan 6 Adopted: July 25, 2017 visually-impaired customers, phone calls will be made in addition to letters referenced in this document. Mobility training will be made available upon request. Visitor Policy: Individuals who are visitors from another area or region do have access to the use of complementary paratransit service provided by GoGeo Paratransit. A visitor will be asked to provide documentation stating that they are ADA paratransit eligible in the area in which they reside in order to utilize the service. This service is available for a total of 21 days during any 365-day period. If a visitor exceeds any combination of 21 days within a 365 -day period, then that individual would be required to submit the GoGeoTransit ADA application. Appeals Process: If you have been denied ADA paratransit eligibility or suspended from service for no-shows or other reasons you have the ability to submit an appeal. The appeal process is outlined in Appendix D. Attachments Appendix A: GoGeo Fixed Route Map Appendix B: GoGeo ADA Paratransit Eligibility Application Appendix C: GoGeo No Show Policy Appendix D: GoGeo Appeal Process Appendix A – GoGeo Fixed Route Map Page 15 of 57 GoGeo ADA/Paratransit Plan 7 Adopted: July 25, 2017 Page 16 of 57 GoGeo ADA/Paratransit Plan 8 Adopted: July 25, 2017 Appendix B – GoGeo ADA Paratransit Eligibility Application Page 17 of 57 GoGeo ADA/Paratransit Plan 9 Adopted: July 25, 2017 Appendix C – GoGeo No Show Policy The mission of GoGeo is to provide quality and efficient Paratransit service to passengers while complying with the Americans Disabilities Act (ADA). No Shows, as well as late cancellations, result in wasted trips which could have been used by other passengers. It is the policy of GoGeo to record each customer’s no-shows and apply appropriate sanctions when customers establish a pattern of excessive No-Shows. The policy is necessary in order to recognize the negative impact No-Shows have on the services provided to other passengers. Each approved applicant for ADA service will be furnished a copy of the GoGeo ADA No-Show policy with their receipt of the letter certifying, if applicable, their ADA eligibility. Procedures GoGeo Paratransit schedules pick-up and return trips separately. We will assume all scheduled return trips are needed unless notice is given by the passenger. If a passenger is a No-Show their first trip of the day, GoGeo will not automatically cancel subsequent trips of the day. If; however, the passenger does not need the return or other subsequent trip(s), they will need to cancel them as soon as possible out of courtesy for other riders. If a passenger has been transported to their destination, but who is a “no-show” when the bus returns, the passenger will not be stranded, however no pick-up window will be guaranteed. Return trips that are not cancelled will be counted as a no-show. Definitions The GoGeo definition of a “no-show” is any time a driver goes to pick up a customer and he or she decides not to use the service or is not at the pickup site and has not called in to cancel their trip at least one (1) hour before the scheduled pick-up time. Customers who call at least one (1) hour before their scheduled pickup will not be charged with a “no-show.” If a vehicle arrives at the scheduled location within the 30 -minute window and the bus operator cannot reasonably see the customer approaching the vehicle after waiting five minutes, passengers will be charged with a No-Show. We understand emergencies do occur and no-shows for reasons that are beyond the passengers control will not be counted. Examples of excused no-shows include but are not limited to:  Illness  Accidents  Family emergency  Personal Care Attendant who did not arrive on time to assist the rider  Passenger’s appointment ran longer than expected and customer could not call to cancel  Acts of God (flood, earthquake, etc.) No-Shows are not excused when the trip is not canceled at least one (1) hour prior to the scheduled pick-up time and is missed for one of the following reasons:  Passenger did not want to travel today Page 18 of 57 GoGeo ADA/Paratransit Plan 10 Adopted: July 25, 2017  Passenger received another ride  Passenger told someone other than Customer Service (driver, facility, etc.) that they were not planning to travel. Should you encounter an emergency situation please contact reservations as soon as possible to alert them of your circumstances. Taking these proper steps may prevent your trip from being recorded as a “no-show” and deter from any possible service suspensions. No Show per 30 day Period. Maximum of 2 no shows per month If the rider exceeds these limits on a monthly basis, they are then subject to the following schedule for suspension of service. 1st violation – letter of warning 2nd violation – 30 day suspension of service Appeal Process If you have been suspended from service and you feel information regarding your no -show is incorrect, you have the ability to submit an appeal. You can appeal in writing to Customer Service and a Representative will contact the passenger within five working days of receiving the notification to schedule a time to visit regarding the appeal. Appeals are granted at the discretion of City of Georgetown ADA Coordinator or his/her representative. All appeals must be submitted in writing within 30 days . Please include the time, date and pickup address of the no-showed ride you are appealing. GoGeo c/o CARTS PO Box 988 Georgetown, TX 78627 Or email at GoGeo@ridecarts.com Page 19 of 57 GoGeo ADA/Paratransit Plan 11 Adopted: July 25, 2017 Appendix D – GoGeo Appeal Process GoGeo will carefully review each application to ensure that only qualified persons are approved. Upon completion of review, a letter of certification or denial will be mailed. If your application for paratransit service was denied, you have the right to appeal this decision. To appeal the decision, you will need to submit your request in writing, sixty (60) days within receipt of the denial letter. Appeals may be mailed to: GoGeo c/o CARTS PO Box 988 Georgetown, TX 78627 Or email at GoGeo@ridecarts.com Your appeal will be heard by an ADA Appeals Board. The ADA Appeals Board consists of individuals who are not involved in the initial certification process. Their decision is made independently of the ADA Certification Process. Upon receipt of your letter, GoGeo will set up a meeting with the ADA Appeals Board. You will be notified by mail of the date and time of this meeting. You will have the opportunity to submit any additional information and written evidence and/or arguments to support your qualifications for service. You may bring a representative with you to this meeting. You will be notified of the Appeals Board’s decision in writing within thirty (30) days of the hearing. The Board’s decision is final. Page 20 of 57 ADA ELIGIBILITY APPLICATION GoGeo provides complementary paratransit to eligible people living in or visiting the City of Georgetown. GoGeo complementary paratransit services are operated by the Capital Area Rural Transportation System (CARTS) through a contract with Capital Metropolitan Transpor- tation Authority (Capital Metro). Through our Complementary Paratransit services, GoGeo provides an equivalent accessible transportation option to people who are unable to use the fixed-route bus service because of a disability. GoGeo provides rides, from origin to destination, within the city limits of Georgetown. Transportation services are accessed by completing this application and being certified through CARTS, or if you are visiting from another area, by providing documentation of ADA certification from a transportation service in another area of the country. Who should apply for ADA services? How to Apply:  People with mobility impairments due to visual limitations, arthritis, spinal cord injury, or other physical and/or cognitive limitations that are a barrier to using fixed route services.  Complete this application and sign the Applicant Agreement/Release of Information sec- tion.  Have your doctor, rehabilitation specialist, or other qualified health care provider com- plete and sign the professional verification section.  Send the completed application to: GoGeo c/o CARTS PO Box 988 Georgetown, TX 78627 Page 21 of 57 If you have a physical or functional disability, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which limits you from using fixed-route accessible buses, you may be eligible for GoGeo Paratransit service. The information obtained in this certification process will be used to determine your eligibility. The information may be shared with other transit providers to facilitate your travel in other areas. This application must be filled out completely, including the verification of eligibility by a qualified professional. Incomplete applications will be returned to applicants. Step 1: Complete the General Information Section Step 2: Information about your disability NAME: Last__________________________________First___________________________________MI_________ ADDRESS: Street________________________________City_________________________State______Zip_________ PHONE: Home_________________________Work_________________________Cell_________________________ DATE OF BIRTH: ____/____/_____ What disability prevents you from using the Fixed Route Bus Service? Please specify all that apply.__________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ How does your disability prevent you from using the Fixed Route Bus Service? _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Please describe the area where you live (e.g., flat, very steep hill, long, gradual hill, etc.)Are there sidewalks ? _____________________________________________________________________________ What is the most difficult part of riding the bus for you? (N/A__)___________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ What is the closest bus stop to your home? (Please give location)________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ 1 2 3 4 5 EMERGENCY CONTACT: NAME:__________________________________________PHONE #:_________________________________ ADDRESS:_________________________________________________________________________________ Page 22 of 57 In the next section, please check “YES”, “NO”, OR “SOMETIMES”. If you answer “NO” or “SOMETIMES” to any of these questions, you must explain your answer in the space provided below the question. Can you get to this bus stop by yourself? ____YES ____NO ____SOMETIMES ___N/A__ _____________________________________________________________________________________ Can you board the bus by yourself? ____YES ____NO ____SOMETIMES___N/A__ _____________________________________________________________________________________ If vision-impaired, are you able to travel a distance of 200 feet without assistance? ____YES ____NO ____SOMETIMES___N/A__ ____________________________________________________________________________________ Are you able to travel a distance of 3 blocks (1/4 mile) without assistance over different types of terrain? ____YES ____NO ____SOMETIMES___N/A__ ____________________________________________________________________________________ Are you able to climb three 12-inch steps without assistance? ____YES ____NO ____SOMETIMES___N/A__ ____________________________________________________________________________________ Are you able to cross: _______2-way stop _______4-way stop ____YES ____NO ____SOMETIMES___N/A__ ____________________________________________________________________________________ Are you able to cross traffic light-controlled intersections in the following areas? _______Residential _______Semi-Business_______Business ____YES ____NO ____SOMETIMES___N/A__ ____________________________________________________________________________________ If you have a cognitive disability, are you able to give your name, address, and telephone number upon request? ____YES ____NO ____SOMETIMES___N/A__ ____________________________________________________________________________________ Are you able to recognize your destination or landmark? ____YES ____NO ____SOMETIMES___N/A__ ____________________________________________________________________________________ 9 8 7 6 10 11 12 13 14 Page 23 of 57 Are you able to deal with unexpected situations or unexpected changes in routine? ____YES ____NO ____SOMETIMES___N/A__ ____________________________________________________________________________________ Are you able to ask for, understand, and follow directions? ____YES ____NO ____SOMETIMES___N/A__ ____________________________________________________________________________________ Are you able to safely and effectively travel through crowded and/or complex facilities? ____YES ____NO ____SOMETIMES___N/A__ ____________________________________________________________________________________ Do you use the Fixed Route buses now? If NO or SOMETIMES, what limits or prevents you from using the buses? (e.g. no sidewalks) ____YES ____NO ____SOMETIMES___N/A__ ____________________________________________________________________________________ If you do not ride the fixed route buses, how do you currently travel? (e.g. family, friends) ____________________________________________________________________________________ Have you ever received any training to use the fixed route bus service? ____YES ____NO If not, would you like to participate in training? ____YES ____NO If you are visually impaired, have you received mobility training from another organization such as Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services or ARCIL? ____YES ____NO Do you use any of the following assistive devices? (Check all that apply) ____Manual wheelchair—passenger is able to transfer to a seat ____Passenger is not able to transfer to a seat without assistance ____High Wheelchair ____Long Wheelchair ____Electric Wheelchair ____Power Scooter ____Walker (foldable) ____Cane ____Crutches ____Guide Dog ____Oxygen 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 Page 24 of 57 APPLICANT AGREEMENT AND RELEASE I agree that, if I am certified for GoGeo Paratransit service, I will pay the exact fare, if required, for each trip. I agree to notify the office of any changes in my status which may affect my eligibility to use the service. I also understand that failure to adhere to the policies and procedures will be grounds for revoking my appli- cation and the right to participate in the program. I understand and agree to hold GoGeo harmless against all claims or liability for damages to any person, property, or personal injury occurring as a result of my failure to equip or maintain the safety of the adaptive equipment or certified guide/service animal that I require for mobility. I have read and fully understand the conditions for service outlined in the Rider’s Guide and agree to abide by them. I hereby authorize the release of verification information and any additional information to GoGeo for the purpose of evaluating my eligibility to participate in the Program. I certify that the information provided in this application is true and correct. __________________________________ ______________________ Signature Date NAME:____________________________________ DAYTIME PHONE #:____________________________ ADDRESS: Street_____________________________________________Apt. #__________ City____________________________________State_________Zip__________ __________________________________ ______________________ Signature Date An Eligibility Specialist will review your application and may ask you additional questions. You may also be required to participate in an assessment in the community so we can further evaluate your functional abili- ties. If someone assisted you in completing this application, please provide their information and their signature below. Page 25 of 57 Health Care Professional Verification of Eligibility PERSON COMPLETING VERIFICATION:_____________________________________________________________________________ PROFESSIONAL TITLE: _______________________________________________________________________ AGENCY AFFILIATION: _______________________________________________________________________ STATE OF TEXAS CERTIFICATION ID#____________________________________________________________ BUSINESS ADDRESS: ________________________________________________________________________ Street Ste. # _________________________________________________________________________________________ City State Zip BUSINESS PHONE NUMBER __________________________________________________________________ ALL INFORMATION FOR VERIFICATION OF ELIGIBILITY MUST BE FILLED IN BY A QUALIFIED HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL. What is the medical diagnosis that causes the disability? _________________________________________________________________________________________ Is this condition: Temporary_____ Permanent_____ If temporary, what is the expected duration?____________________________________________________ Dates of Duration I verify that the information provided above for verification is true and correct to the best of my knowledge. _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Signature of Qualified Professional Date Page 26 of 57 Page 27 of 57 Page 28 of 57 Page 29 of 57 Page 30 of 57 Page 31 of 57 Page 32 of 57 Page 33 of 57 Page 34 of 57 Page 35 of 57 Page 36 of 57 Page 37 of 57 Page 38 of 57 Page 39 of 57 Page 40 of 57 Page 41 of 57 Page 42 of 57 Page 43 of 57 Page 44 of 57 Page 45 of 57 Page 46 of 57 Page 47 of 57 Page 48 of 57 Page 49 of 57 Page 50 of 57 Page 51 of 57 Page 52 of 57 Page 53 of 57 Page 54 of 57 Page 55 of 57 Page 56 of 57 Page 57 of 57