Complete Regional Transportation Plan 2012 - Cape Cod ...

2.3.7 DEMAND RESPONSE BUS SERVICEDemand response bus service, also known as paratransit, addresses the needs ofpassengers who cannot use standard transit services. Demand response buses do not usea route system, but instead pick up passengers at scheduled locations and times, often attheir homes or offices.2.3.7.1 B-Bus ServiceThe B-Bus operates year round, seven days a week, with the exception of some holidays.In order to use the service, passengers must call the RTA at least one day in advanceduring normal business hours to schedule a pick up and drop off. A telecommunicationsdevice is available for the hearing impaired. Users must be flexible with their pick upand drop off times, in order to allow the driver time to pick up other users. Priorityservice is given to elderly and disabled users.The B-Bus fare system operates on a pre-paid account system. B-Bus operators informusers how much their ride will cost, and then deduct it from their account. When theaccount needs refilling, operators will inform the user. Fares are usually explained whenusers call to schedule service. Regular users will be advised what their average monthlyride costs are so as to allow them to deposit enough money into their pre-paid account.Many passengers use the B-Bus to get to work or school, shopping trips, doctor’sappointments, and even trips to medical centers in Boston. Each B-Bus can carry up to19 passengers. Utilizing 60 buses, the B-Bus comprises a major portion of the CCRTA’sservices and carries over 300,000 passengers a year.2.3.7.2 ADA Paratransit ServiceThe Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal law passed in 1990, which statesthat individuals with disabilities are entitled to a comparable level of publictransportation service as individuals without disabilities. In order to comply with theADA, the CCRTA offers a demand response, or paratransit, that is comparable to theirfixed route services. This paratransit service operates within ¾ mile of existing routesand runs during the same hours as existing bus services. Trips may be requested duringnormal business hours. This new service is referred to as ADA Paratransit Service.The service is available to people with physical, mental, cognitive, and visualimpairments that prevent them from boarding or disembarking fixed route services,from recognizing destinations, from understanding bus transfers, or from distinguishingbetween different buses in different routes. Residents who think they may qualify areencouraged to contact the CCRTA to request an application.Chapter 2.3: Bus Transportation Cape Cod Regional Transportation Plan | August 2011Page 150