Connecticut River Transit

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Paratransit Plan

October 23, 2007

Prepared by CRT in consultation with “Southeastern Vermont Advisory Committee” and

"VTrans"

Revised January 17, 2011

1

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

Section 1: General Information about entity submitting the Plan…………. 2 Section 2: Description of the current CRT Fixed Route System……….. 2 Section 3: Description of existing Paratransit Services…………………… 3 Section 4: Description of the Proposed Complementary Paratransit Service 3 Section 5: Description of the Proposed Eligibility Determination Process… 7 Section 6: Description of the Public Participation Process Used to Develop the Plan…. 10 Section 7: Efforts to Coordinate the Provisions of Complementary Paratransit Service with Other Public Entities…… 11 Section 8: Certifications and Resolutions…………………………………… 11 Section 9: Request for a Waiver (not applicable)…………………………… na Section 10: Service Animals………………………………………………….. 12 Appendix A: Map of Okemo Seasonal Commuter Route……………………… A-1 Updated Okemo Seasonal Commuter Map ……………………… A-2 Appendix B: Brattleboro Fixed Route Red Line…………………………. ……. B-1 Brattleboro Fixed Route Blue Line...……………………………... B-2 Brattleboro Fixed Route Yellow Weekend Line………………….. B-3 Map of Brattleboro Routes………………………………………... B-4 Appendix C Dec. 14, 2010 Public Hearing……………………………… ……. C-1 Dec. 14, 2010 Public Hearing Agenda…………………………… C-2 Dec. 14, 2010 Public Hearing Minutes…………………………… C-3 Appendix D Mar. 4, 2011 Notice of Public Hearing ………………………….. D-1 Mar. 11, 2011 Minutes from ADA Advisory Comm. Meeting …. D-2 Mar. 11, 2011 Minutes from E&D Meeting ……………………… D-3 Mar. 18, 2011 Public Hearing Agenda …………………………… D-4 Mar. 18, 2011 Public Hearing Minutes …………………………… D-5

2

Section 1 – General Information about entity submitting the Plan Name and Address of Entity Connecticut River Transit 706 Rockingham Rd Rockingham, Vermont 05101 Contact Person: Mary E. Habig Telephone: 802-460-7433 Fax: 802-460-1004 Section 2 – Description of the current CRT Fixed Route Systems CRT is the public transportation provider serving a number of communities in southern Vermont including the Bellows Falls, Chester, Springfield, Brattleboro and Ludlow area. CRT operates a non-commuter fixed route, the Okemo Seasonal Commuter Route, which is a seasonal fixed route. CRT also provides two fixed routes in Brattleboro, Vermont. CRT support personnel located in Rockingham, Vermont oversee the operation of these public transit operations. CRT receives funding from multiple sources including 5311 grant funds through the Vermont Agency of Transportation. 1. Description of Services

a. The Okemo Seasonal Commuter Route is a non-commuter fixed route operated by CRT. This route provides service only during the winter skiing season. Bus service on the Okemo Seasonal Commuter Route begins in mid November and terminates in early April.

i. One Accessible vehicle serves Route 5 between Bellows Falls and Springfield, Route 11 between Springfield and Chester and Route 103 between Chester and Ludlow with stops at the inns and town centers along the route. The Okemo Seasonal Commuter Route is shown in (Appendix A), (Figure A-1).

ii. During the winter ski season late November into April), this route operates seven days a week Monday – Friday 7:30 am – 9:00 am and 4:20 pm – 5:50 pm, one trip each period. Weekend operating hours are 5:45 am – 9:00 am with 2 trips and 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm with one trip. Peak service requires two vehicles, while off-peak service requires one.

iii. During the summer season there is no service. iv. There is no fare collected for riding on this route.

b. CRT also provides fixed route services in Brattleboro using three accessible vehicles.

3

i. These routes operate seven days a week; Monday through Saturday, 6:30 am to 6:30 pm with two accessible vehicles making eighty-one trips and Sunday 9:30 am to 3:30 pm with one accessible vehicle making 26 trips. (Appendix B) Fare for these trips: $1.00 per adult and $.50 per child.

2. Vehicle Fleet CRT uses a total of seven vehicles for the fixed routes. CRT’s fleet includes a total of thirty three buses. All thirty three buses are accessible; therefore, all vehicles and routes are 100% accessible to and usable by persons with disabilities, including persons who use wheelchairs. The vehicles are fueled, operated, maintained, and cleaned by CRT. Buses are stored at the CRT facility; 706 Rockingham Rd, Rockingham, Vermont. CRT also leases bus storage space at 1077 Putney Road, Brattleboro, Vermont for the buses that provide the fixed route services in Brattleboro. For route information including service hours, please see Appendix B CRT personnel are also responsible for:

a. Maintaining daily ridership counts, mileage records, and operator hours.

b. Providing a local telephone number for community inquires. Section 3- Description of existing Paratransit Services. Paratransit transportation is available in all of CRT’s service area.

1. CRT operates a mid-day deviated route service for patrons traveling in the Brattleboro area and patrons traveling between the Towns of Bellows Falls and Springfield, Springfield and Chester and Springfield and Ludlow. All vehicles used to provide this service are accessible vehicles. November 15, 2010 ADA Paratransit Service was started in the town of Brattleboro.

2. Special paratransit service is also available Region wide. CRT coordinates

medical trips for income eligible residents and provides transportation for Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (E&D) through State and Federal grants.

3. Other than the CRT buses, the only lift equipped vehicles operating from within

the town of Ludlow are a few school buses and Ludlow Municipal Transit. The company operating the lift equipped school buses does not have the capacity to, nor the interest in, providing additional paratransit service.

4. Addionally, Okemo Mountain Shuttle Buses in Ludlow are available to those

individuals who can travel without the use of special transportation equipment. Section 4- Description of the Proposed Complementary Paratransit Service CRT will provide paratransit services effective November 15, 2010 in the town of Brattleboro. This service will be available seven days a week. Eligible patrons will be

4

able to make an unlimited number of paratransit trip requests, on a previous day request basis. There is a fare charge for this service. For the Ludlow area the service will begin operating when the November 2010 Okemo Seasonal Commuter Route service opens. Eligible patrons will be able to make an unlimited number of paratransit trip requests at a no fare, on demand response basis. Revenues from the Towns of Brattleboro, Bellows Falls, Chester, Springfield, Ludlow and Okemo Seasonal Commuter Route stakeholders and eligible State and Federal funds will be applied to the additional expense for these services. 1. An Estimate of Demand and Description of the Estimation Methodology We estimate the need/demand to be seven trips a day (approximately 2%). The actual FY05 demand generated in Chittenden County was 33,000 paratransit trips with a fixed route system total of 1.8 million trips or 1.8%. During FY07 the Okemo Seasonal Commuter Route generated 1891 trips. Using 2% of fixed route trips, the demand for this service will be 38 for the season, or 2 per week. Considering this is a no-fare service we could foresee reaching 2% within the first year of operation. With the passing of time we foresee a slight increase in demand simply due to the increase in demand for the fixed route itself. We estimate the need/demand to be 10 trips a day in Brattleboro. “Dial a Ride” busses in the Rockingham and Springfield area act as ADA feeders to the Okemo fixed route service. Dial a Ride and E&D buses in Brattleboro act as ADA feeders to the Brattleboro fixed routes. This allows our fixed route services to keep commuters on schedule while fulfilling our complementary paratransit trips within three quarters of a mile of our fixed routes. We estimate the highest estimated cost for a separate feeder vehicle to supply these trips per week when no other CRT vehicle is available is $168.00 per trip or $6,384 for the season. Our lowest estimated cost in peak CRT Dial-A-Ride service is $14.00 per trip or $532.00 for the season. The general service area can normally be traverse in sixty (60) minutes and serviced with one vehicle. Table 4-1 Town Total Population % of Population Population having a disability with a disability Rockingham 5309 1298 26.1% Springfield 9078 1978 23.4% Chester 3044 514 17.7% Ludlow 2449 386 16.9% Cavendish 1470 249 18.1% Brattleboro 12005 2563 21.1%

5

2000 Census Data Population figures; Population having a disability is based upon people who self-identified themselves and their disabilities and does not include either ‘temporary disabilities’ (i.e. healable injuries) or social factors such as mainstreaming or community-based treatment programs. 2. Analysis of Differences between Current Service and Required Service. The intent of this plan is to describe those services which comply with fixed route complementary paratransit service only since it does not alter in any way the current services available in Southeastern Vermont. 3. Description of Planned Modifications to Existing Paratransit Service and Fixed Route

Service.

a. Fixed Route Service: There are no planned changes in CRT’s fixed routes.

b. Paratransit Service: CRT will provide this required complementary service as a new paratransit service.

4. Description of How the Proposed Paratransit Service Will Meet Each of the Six Service Criteria.

a. Eligibility Requirements:

A person must be functionally unable to use the fixed route system (The Okemo Seasonal Commuter Route and Brattleboro Fixed Routes)

FTA (Federal Transit Administration) Requirements: Section 370125(a) of the implementing regulations require that each entity “shall strictly limit “Paratransit Eligibility” to individuals specified” in the regulations. Paratransit eligibility is based on a functional, rather than medical, model. Persons are not qualified or disqualified on the basis of a specific diagnosis or disability. An individual will be certified as paratransit eligible if there is any part of the system in the designated service area which cannot be used or navigated by that individual because of a disability. In operation, paratransit eligibility will be based upon whether the fixed route transit system can provide its service to the particular individual for a particular trip. Even within a particular system, eligibility will be applied, in most cases, on a trip-by-trip basis. The application of a person’s eligibility will be determined by both needs of the individual, established by the eligibility certification process, and by the operation of the system along a specific route. Eligibility will effectively be determined by using a set of “tests”, particularized to the transit system and its operation. A particular trip request’s eligibility will also be determined in consideration of its beginning and end points.

b. Service Areas: The complementary paratransit service area map depicts the service area as the area within ¾ mile of the Okemo Seasonal Commuter Route (see Appendix A) and the Brattleboro Fixed Route (see Appendix B).

6

FTA Requirements: At minimum, paratransit service will be provided in a corridor centered on the fixed route and extending ¾ of a mile to either side of the route and at the end of each fixed route.

c. Response Time: Next day service on demand basis.

FTA Requirement: Next day service on demand basis for eligible trips.

d. Fares: No Fares are collected from patron on the Okemo Seasonal Commuter Route. Fares are collected on the Brattleboro Fixed Routes; $1.00 per adult and $.50 per child.

FTA Requirement: Up to double fixed route adult fare.

e. Restrictions on trip purpose: No restrictions on trip purpose.

FTA Requirement: No restrictions on trip purpose.

f. Hours and Days of Service: Currently, late-November through early April, equal to operation hours and dates of Okemo Seasonal Commuter Route. Seven days a week Monday – Friday 7:30 am – 9:00 am and 4:20 pm – 5:50 pm, one stop each period. Weekend operating hours are 5:45 am – 9:00 am with 2 stops and 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm with onestop. Operation hours and dates of the Brattleboro Fixed Routes are Seven days a week Monday – Friday 6:30 am – 6:30 pm with 81 stops. Weekend operating hours are 9:30 am – 3:30 pm with 26 stops.

FTA Requirement: Same hours and days as fixed route service.

g. Timetable for Implementation, including milestones that can be objectively measured each year.

1. Plan Milestones (Timetable for Plan Implementation)

October 26, 2007 ……. Southeastern Vermont Public Transit Advisory Committee October 31, 2007 …….. Southeastern Vermont ADA Advisory Committee November 20, 2007 ………CRT Board Approval November 23, 2007…….. Implement Southeastern Vermont ADA Service November 15, 2010 ……..CRT took over Beeline and its existing paratransit service

7

December 14, 2010 ………..Paratransit meeting held at CRT Offices March 18, 2011…………….Paratransit meeting held at the CRT Office

May 13, 2011……………....Scheduled Paratransit meeting held at Marlboro College July 29, 2011……………….Scheduled Paratransit meeting held at Marlboro College

Section 5- Description of the Proposed Eligibility Determination Process

A. Availability of Application Materials and Information in Accessible Formats.

1. Telecommunications device for the Deaf (TDD):

VT 711 has TDD equipment. In connection with the determination process, applications materials will be sent pursuant to requests from interested applicants.

2. Tape readings of application/information: The Association of the Blind and Visually Impaired will provide application and general information in taped format upon request for CRT and patrons.

3. Braille: The Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired will provide application and general information in Braille format upon request for CRT and patrons.

4. Large Print: CRT will make available large print editions of applications and general information upon request.

Accessible Formats can be obtained at the CRT Office.

B. Description of the Determination Process

1. CRT will provide information about the fixed route complementary paratransit eligibility process in timetables, in general information format(s), and in appropriate media. This information will include appropriate instructions for persons interested in accessible paratransit services to obtain an eligible application.

2. Applications will be sent in appropriate format to interested persons. 3. Completed applications will be forwarded to CRT Paratransit Eligibility

Coordinator. 4. The Eligibility Coordinator will follow assessment procedures required for

certification as outlined in FTA regulations. This screening process will provide a “second person” review of all denials before making final determination of ineligibility. Applications will be processed such that the certification process is concluded within 21 days of the receipt of the completed application.

5. CRT will mail determination letter to applicants providing eligibility or reasons for ineligibility as applicable.

8

6. Persons determined to be “not eligible” will be mailed determinations providing information about appeals process in the appropriate (accessible) format. The time period permitted for appeal will be filed within 60 days. The individual will be notified that if s/he makes an appeal, s/he has the right to be heard in person and to have necessary support, such as a sign language interpreter (if applicable), and shall be notified that s/he may be represented by an individual of her/his choice. This representative may or may not be a lawyer and might (as the applicant determines appropriate) include an independent living or rehabilitation counselor, or other such professional.

7. No service need be provided while the appeal is heard. If however, an appeal has not been decided within 30 days, presumptive eligibility applies until a final decision is reached.

8. There are certain circumstances under which an individual, otherwise eligible for paratransit, may be denied those services. A person, whose behavior threatens or has threatened the safety of paratransit personnel or other customers, may be denied the service. Additionally, persons who demonstrate the consistent pattern of missing scheduled paratransit trips, “no-shows”, may lose their eligibility for a reasonable, specific period of time. Such temporary suspensions of eligibility, as well as permanent loss of eligibility because of violent or threatening behavior, may be appealed through the administrative appeals procedure set up under FTA regulations. In the case of temporary suspension of “no-shows”, suspension of service must not begin until the appeals process is complete.

9. The determination made upon appeal will, like the initial determination, be in writing (and in an appropriate medium, if requested) and shall state the basis for the determination. Full documentation of the process shall be made. There is no requirement for transcribing any part of the determination process.

C. Timetable for Processing Application and Allowing Presumptive Eligibility

1. Application will be processed such that the certification process is

concluded within 21 days of the receipt of the completed application. If an applicant’s initial determination is not made within 21 days of the receipt of a completed application that individual will be provided service on a presumption of eligibility.

2. The time period permitted for appeal will be clearly stated; however, this period shall not be less than 60 days. No service need be provided while the appeal is heard. If however an appeal has not been decided within 30 days, presumptive eligibility applies until a final decision is reached.

D. Documentation that Will Be Provided to Persons Determined Paratransit Eligible.

A person determined to be eligible for paratransit services shall be provided documentation that can be used as identification when the person travels to another transit area. A simple letter stating eligibility and/or ID card is acceptable. This documentation shall include the name of the eligible individual,

9

the name of the certifying transit provider, telephone number of the provider’s paratransit coordinator, an expiration date (if any), and any conditions or limitations on eligibility. If the individual has indicated a need for a care attendant, this shall be noted.

E. Description of the Administrative Appeals Process.

1. An administrative appeal board shall consist of: a. A representative from CRT b. A representative from the CRT Advisory Committee c. A paratransit eligible patron, chosen by CRT Advisory

Committee 2. The appeals Board shall hear presentations by the Eligibility Coordinator

and the party denied certification and conducts such further investigation as it may deem appropriate. The Appeals Board shall render a decision in written format (and in an appropriate medium, if requested), and shall state the basis for the determination. The Board shall fully document the appeals process. There is no requirement for transcribing any part of the determination process.

3. See subsections B and C above for specific requirements for the appeals process.

F. Policy for Visitors

Residency in a service area or political jurisdiction of the transit system is not required for paratransit eligibility. There are two circumstances in which a transit provider will need to deal with requests for paratransit service from individuals living outside of the local community.

1. An “out-of-town” individual seeking to utilize the paratransit service may be certified by another transit system. When a specific request is made, the scheduler may ask if the person making the request has such certification. If so, that certification must be honored by the host jurisdiction. The limitations placed upon a certification of eligibility may be observed. For example if the certification indicates that the individual can utilize accessible vehicles, and the host system runs accessible vehicles for the trip requested, no paratransit service need be provided on that basis.

2. If an “out-of-town” individual does not have such certification, but makes a claim of eligibility in a host system, that claim must be honored on a presumption of eligibility. In such cases, the transit provider may require proof that the individual is, in fact, not a resident of the local transit district and, if the request for service is based upon hidden impairment (e.g., a cardiac condition), medical documentation may be required. Such a presumption of eligibility, for a period of twenty-one days, is required by FTA regulations. Service must be provided on the same basis as for locally certified individuals. A system may, however, require such an individual to make a request for paratransit eligibility certification through that system if the individual plans to use the system for more than twenty-

10

one days. During the period while the certification is being processed, up to the twenty-one day limit, the individual will be entitled to presumptive eligibility.

When an out-of town customer, or occasional visitor, first makes a request to use paratransit service on the basis of presumptive eligibility, s/he shall be advised of the local eligibility policy and process for longer stays or accumulation of more than twenty-one days over a period of time. Additionally, the customer/visitor shall be encouraged to apply for local certification of her/his eligibility (as appropriate).

Section 6 – Description of the Public Participation Process Used to Develop the Plan 1. October 8, 2006: The Executive Director advised the Southeastern Vermont Public

Transit Advisory Board Meeting members, area Disability Agencies and Advocacy Groups of the requirement to provide complementary paratransit service for the non-commuter fixed route service provided within their system. Respondents agreed to search within the community to identify those individuals and agencies which could use the service and provide an outreach within the community to ensure potential patron’s needs were fulfilled. Members found a local community member with a disability and eligible for ADA Paratransit Services.

2. October 2007: CRT conducted a search thru 2000 National Census data base, General

Demographic Characteristics, Disability, and Poverty Status to estimate a base line for the potential Paratransit users.

3. Invited Advisory Committee members and other participants identified by disabled

community to Advisory Committee planning session convened October 26, 2006 and continue through November 2, 2007.

4. Sent out “Solicitation for Public Input and Notice Hearings for CRT Paratransit

Plan” to list of parties including; public official, and area media. 5. At November 2, 2007 Transportation Advisory Committee meeting a Complimentary

Paratransit Advisory Committee was established 6. Held public hearing on the Proposed Plan November 13th at 8:00 AM at the Great

Falls Area Services Board Room (see Appendix B.) 7. Advisory Committee met to consider public comments, and finalize the Plan for the

Board of Commissioners consideration and approval. 8. Contact Human Service Providers

VCIL (Vermont Center Independent Living) AHS (Agency of Human Services) COASEV (Council on Aging South East Vermont)

a. Establish contact with:

11

i.VCIL (Vermont Center Independent Living) ii. VABVI (VT. Assoc. of Blind & Visually Impaired)

iii. ROVER (Riders of Vermont)

9. Public Hearing Notice was published in the Brattleboro Reformer on December 2, 2010 for the Updated ADA Paratransit Plan. (See Appendix C-1) 10. Public Hearing was held at the CRT Office with CRT and VTrans Representatives on December 14, 2010 at 7:30 am for the Updated ADA Paratransit Plan. (See Appendix C-2 and C-3) 11. Public Hearing Notice was published in the Eagle Times on March 4, 2011 for the Updated ADA Paratransit Plan. ( See Appendix D-1) 12. March 11, 2011, the Executive Director advised and invited the ADA Advisory Committee in Brattleboro; CRT was hosting a Public Hearing on the revised/updated ADA Paratransit Plan. Executive Director will be an advocate for the ADA Advisory Committee. (See Appendix D-2) 13. March 11, 2011, during the Elderly and Disabled Monthly Meeting, they participates were invited to participate in the Public Hearing for the ADA Paratransit Plan on March 18, 2011. (Appendix D-3) 14. Public Hearing was held at the CRT Office on March 18, 2011 at 3:00 pm for the Updated ADA Paratransit Plan. (See Appendix D-4 and D-5). Section 7 – Efforts to Coordinate the Provisions of Complementary Paratransit Service with Other Public Entities. There is no public entity in the area or in a contiguous area that is responsible for developing plans. CRT did encourage other public entities (not responsible for developing plans) to give input into the development of the plan as follows:

1. CRT invited the Towns of Bellows Falls, Chester, Springfield, Brattleboro & Ludlow to fully participate in the planning process. Towns of Bellows Falls, Chester, Springfield, Brattleboro & Ludlow served as an active member of the “Interim Paratransit Advisory Committee”, providing useful information and assistance upon request.

2. The draft plan was provided for review and input to members of the CRT Board of Directors, and the Southeastern Vermont Public Paratransit Advisory Committee.

Section 8 – Certification and Resolutions

A. Resolution by the Board of Director Authorizing the Plan as Submitted.

12

This is to certify that the Board of Directors of the Connecticut River Transit approved and adopted the Paratransit Plan which is attached at a meeting on December 14, 2010.

__________________________________ ______________________________ Mary E. Habig, Executive Director Date

B. Certification that a Survey of Existing Paratransit Service was conducted. This is to certify that the Connecticut River Transit has conducted a survey of existing paratransit services as required by 49 CFR 37.137 (a).

___________________________________ ______________________________ Mary E. Habig, Executive Director Date Section 10- Service Animals

The ADA defines a service animal as any guide dog, signal dog, or other animal individually trained to provide assistance to an individual with a disability. If they meet this definition, animals are considered service animals under the ADA regardless of whether they have been licensed or certified by a state or local government.

Service animals perform some of the functions and tasks that the individual with a disability cannot perform for him or herself. Guide dogs are one type of service animal, used by some individuals who are blind. This is the type of service animal with which most people are familiar. But there are service animals that assist persons with other kinds of disabilities in their day-to-day activities. Some examples include:

A. Alerting persons with hearing impairments to sounds.

Β. Pulling wheelchairs or carrying and picking up things for persons with mobility impairments.

C Assisting persons with mobility impairments with balance.

A service animal is not a pet.

13

CRT Policy

ADA Complementary Paratransit Services Late Cancellation Policy

I. Purpose Early cancellations provide more service opportunities for all customers. If a customer needs to cancel a ride s/he must do so by calling CRT’s ADA complementary paratransit service as soon as possible, but no later that (2) hours before the scheduled pick-up times. II. Policy Cancellations that occur because of an emergency situation beyond the customer’s control will be considered “non-chargeable late cancellations,” provided the customer provides an explanation with a phone call and with documentation when requested. Customers may incur penalties for a pattern of repeated cancellations and cancellations called in less that two hours before the scheduled pick up. The penalties for chargeable cancellations are as follows:

1. First Cancellation – warning letter reminding customer of the importance of canceling early.

2. Three (3) chargeable cancellations in a row – one week suspension of service. 3. Six (6) chargeable cancellations in a row – two week suspension of service. 4. More that six (6) chargeable cancellations in a row – three month suspension

of service. III. Appeals Under the American with Disabilities Act, before any paratransit customer can be suspended from the service, the individual must have an opportunity to appeal. Appeals must be forwarded in writing to CRT Paratransit Advisory Committee, 300 Clinton Street, Springfield, Vermont 05156 within 14 days of receipt of a notice of suspension. CRT will respond to all appeals in writing within seven days of the receipt. If a customer chooses not to appeal, the suspension will become effective 30 days after the postmark of the official notification. Adopted by the CRT Board of Directors on ________________________________. By: ______________________________________________________ Linda Stowell, Secretary of the Board

14

CRT Policy

ADA Complementary Paratransit Services No Show Policy

I. Purpose Scheduling a trip and then failing to use the service without properly canceling causes serious transportation and scheduling problems for the ADA complementary paratransit service provider and for all of our customers. The reduction of No Shows provides more service opportunities for all customers. If a customer cannot make a scheduled trip; s/he should make every effort to cancel no later than two (2) hours before the scheduled pick-up time. II. Policy A driver shall arrive within 30 minutes of their estimated pick up time. A driver shall wait 5 minutes after arrival for customers to board the bus. If a customer fails to board the vehicle within 5 minutes of the arrival of the vehicle, as long as the driver arrives within the 30 minute pick-up window, the customer will be charged with a No Show. Should a customer be a No Show for a scheduled trip, all subsequent trips for the day will be automatically canceled (to prevent additional No Shows) unless the customer requests, at least two hours before the next trip, that the trip be maintained. No Shows that occur because of an emergency situation beyond the customer’s control will be considered “non-chargeable no shows”, provided the customer provides an explanation with a phone call and with documentation when requested. Chargeable No Shows A no show violation will occur when:

1. The vehicle arrives on time and the customer fails to board within the five minutes grace period, or

2. The customer fails to cancel a scheduled trip, or

3. The customer chooses not to ride the vehicle after it arrives on time at the

scheduled pick-up location.

15

Penalties for Chargeable No Shows After each occurrence of a No Show, the customer will receive an invoice and a letter documenting the violation, resulting fee and the results of subsequent violations. If there is a pattern of repeated no show occurrences ridership will be temporarily suspended as follows: 1. Each No Show: The customer is billed for the full cost for each leg of the trip.

Service can be discontinued when the customer is in arrears for No Show billings.

2. Three No Show occurrences in a row: Two week suspension

3. Five No Show occurrences in a row: Two month suspension

4. More than five no shows in a row: Six month suspension III. Appeals Under the ADA before any paratransit customer can be suspended from the service, the individual must have an opportunity to appeal. Appeals must be forwarded in writing to CRT Paratransit Advisory Committee, 706 Rockingham Rd, Rockingham, Vermont, 05101 within 14 days of receipt of a notice of suspension. CRT will respond to all appeals in writing within seven days of the receipt. If a customer chooses not to appeal, the suspension will become effective 30 days after the official notification. Adopted by the CRT Board of Directors on ________________________________ By: ___________________________________________ Linda Stowell, Secretary of the Board

16

CRT Policy

ADA Complementary Paratransit Services Reservation Policy

I. Purpose CRT provides rides for eligible passengers in response to a request made the previous day. In many cases, eligible passengers can call more than one day ahead to assist in more efficient scheduling for themselves and for the ADA complementary paratransit service provider. II Policy Trip reservations can be made up to seven (7) days in advance and not later than 4:00 pm the day before the trip. Reservations made on weekends and holidays will be answered by voicemail or answering machine and the provider will confirm the reservation. In order to efficiently schedule and accommodate as many eligible passengers as possible, pick up times will be negotiated up to one hour before or after the pick-up time requested by the passenger. The passenger has a right to next day service within plus or minus one hour of his/her requested pick-up time. Adopted by the CRT Board of Directors on ________________________________ BY: ______________________________________________________ Linda Stowell, Secretary of the Board

17

CRT Policy

CRT ADA Complementary Paratransit Services

Service Area and Availability Policy

I. Purpose CRT ADA complementary paratransit service shall be available for individuals functionally unable to make use of the fixed route system throughout the same hours and days as their fixed route service. Currently this service is available only when the Okemo Seasonal Commuter Route is operating. Therefore CRT’s paratransit service is only a seasonal service with availability beginning as weekends, expanding to seven days a week, and closing as a weekend only service. II. Policy CRT provides complementary paratransit service for individuals functionally unable to make use of the fixed route system to origins and destinations within a corridor three-fourths (3/4) miles on each side of the fixed routes, the Okemo Seasonal Commuter Route and the Brattleboro Fixed Routes. These corridor includes the area within three-fourths (3/4) miles radius at the ends of each fixed route. When CRT makes changes to fixed route services, whether they be reductions in or additions to service, the complementary paratransit services will also be altered. In this manner, the complementary paratransit services will always be available throughout the same hours and days as the CRT fixed route service. Adopted by the CRT Board of Directors on _________________________________ BY: ______________________________________________________ Linda Stowell, Secretary of the Board

18

Appendix A: Map of Okemo Seasonal Commuter Route A-1

19

A-2 Updated Service Area Map of Okemo Seasonal Commuter

20

Appendix B: Brattleboro Fixed Routes B – 1 of 3 Red Line

21

Blue Line B – 2 of 3

22

Yellow Weekend Line B – 3 of 3

23

B - 4

24

Appendix C: Notice of Public Hearing C - 1

The Current Operated by CONNECTICUT RIVER TRANSIT, INC. (CRT)

Notice of Public Hearing Connecticut River Transit, Inc. seeks comment on the

Complementary Paratransit plan for the In-Town Brattleboro Service The American with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires Connecticut River Transit to extend Complementary Paratransit to ADA eligible persons within ¾ mile of fixed route service at concurrent times and dates to the routes hours of operation. As of November 15, 2010 Connecticut River Transit has taken over the In-Town Brattleboro Public Transit Service formerly know as the Beeline. Presentation of the complimentary paratransit policy and plan shall be December 14, 2010 at 7:30 am in the meeting room at The Current Offices 706 Rockingham Road, Rockingham, Vermont 05101

For further information, or to view a copy of the plan, please contact: Mary E. Habig Executive Director, CRT, (802) 460-7433

706 Rockingham Road Rockingham, Vermont 05101

or e-mail to admin@crtransit.org.

Connecticut River Transit (CRT): Connecticut River Transit, Inc. (CRT) is the public transportation system that serves 30 towns in Southern Windsor County

and Windham County, EEO DBE November 30, 2010

25

C-2 ADA Public Hearing The Current (CRT) Board of Directors

To be held Tuesday, December 14, 2010, 7:30 a.m. at The Current Offices ~ 706 Rockingham Road ~ Rockingham, Vermont

ADA Public Hearing Agenda 1. Call to order 2. Review of the ADA Paratransit Policy 3. Updates Brattleboro Fixed Routes Okemo Fixed Route Future ADA Hearings in 2011/12 4. Public Input 5. Adjourn

26

C-3 MINUTES OF ADA Paratransit Public Hearing

Connecticut River Transit, Inc. Held Tuesday, December 14, 2010@ 7:30AM

The Current Offices ~ 706 Rockingham Road ~ Rockingham, Vermont 05101 Staff Members Present: Mary Habig, Brian Waterman, Cathy Bullock and Stacey Hill Others Present: Ross MacDonald - VTrans

1. Call to order: At 7:30 A.M., Mary Habig called the meeting to order.

2. Review of ADA Paratransit Policy a. No Significant Issues Raised b. No Public Input

3. Meeting Adjourned at 7:45 am

27

D-1 Ad for Opportunity for Public Hearing (March 4, 2011 Eagle Times)

28

D-2 Minutes from Brattleboro ADA Advisory Committee Meeting 3-11-11 Brattleboro Town ADA Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes for March 11, 2011 Meeting began at 10:00 with Whitney Nichols presiding as Chair. Minutes from February, 2011 meeting approved unanimously. Attendees: Whitney Nichols, Gary Snyder, Elizabeth Snyder, Missy Boothroyd, Patrick Harris, Jodi Walshueol, Mary Habig, Donald Matthews, Candace Stoumen, Rick Ethier Absent: Jeannie TamerAttia, Steve Steidle, Leah Stuart, Bob Sisler Old Business: Gary Snyder reported that he had spoken at the Planning Commission and the select board meetings about the challenges PwDs are having with new sidewalk light buttons and access during the wintry conditions on sidewalks and curbs. Meeting with Barb Sondag was cancelled due to a family emergency. Gary spoke about the need for safe bus lifts. Mary did speak to discussions on increasing the lift weight to 800 lbs. If this should happen, CRT would put that in the specs for the buses they purchase. Discussion items: Mary Habig from Connecticut River Transit is the Executive Director and has 18 years in the field of transportation and ADA advocacy. She mentioned that CRT inherited 5 Beeline buses and 3 of them are down. CRT has been awarded $20,000 for planning for the improvement of transportation in Brattleboro. Mary informed the group that CRT is having a Public Meeting on the ADA Paratransit Policy on Friday 3/18/11 at 3 PM. Another meeting will be scheduled in July in Brattleboro. Missy asked about signage for the inside of buses, a visual display (crawling text). Mary agreed to look into this.

29

Jodi said she has tried to contact Barb Sondag (Town Manager/ADA Coordinator) to discuss closed captioning for movies shown at our local movie theater. She has been trying to contact Barb since November and has no response. Identification tags for ADA committee members United Way will update Survivor’s Guide to Brattleboro Since Barb is unable to attend meetings, Rick Ethier will attend as the Town representative On the movie screen, Whitney showed attendees the ADA homepage and discussed the information available to the committee Also discussed are these excellent resource materials: www.ada.gov www.samsa.gov www.mentalhealthrecovery.com www.hudhre.info Meeting adjourned at 11:10am Respectfully submitted, Candace Stoumen candace@vcil.org

30

D-3 E&D Meeting Minutes announcing ADA Paratransit Plan 3-11-11

Regional E&D Committee Meeting Friday, March 11, 2011

Present: Brian Waterman, Cathy Bullock, Cheryl Baxley, Matt Mann, Katharine Otto, Joanne Bohen, Lynn Bedell, Jan Terk The meeting commenced at 10:00am. Minutes from the February 4th meeting were accepted. Brian presented CRT’s numbers showing that January had the lowest service level so far this fiscal year. This is due primarily to holidays and weather cancellations. YTD through January BFSC has spent down 16.05% of their grant allocation; COASEV, 54.77%; Brattleboro Taxi, 51.143%; GP, 38.809%; SHAD, 42.323%. Cathy reports that we are still on track to under-spend the grant. Cheryl asked if there are still unmet needs, and suggested that Brian ask Brattleboro Taxi if they are receiving any additional requests for shopping. The group discussed opening up the program 100% through the end of the year. Cheryl asked if there was any demand for Van-Go at DVTA. Jan explained that this program has been unfunded for several years and very few people request the services that were once provided by Van-Go. All riders who previously rode Van-Go are no longer here. Cheryl asked and Jan agreed to investigate Van-Go needs. The group discussed the fact that because programs have been opened up gradually over the course of the fiscal year, the grant application for FY12 needs to project funding needs based on service levels at the end of the year, not what was actually spent. The group agreed to increase out of town non-Medicaid medical trips from four per month to eight. Joanne asked about shopping trips for Springfield. Brian explained that CRT is currently doing Springfield/Chester to Claremont to shop. Discussion ensued regarding E&D qualifications -- 60 or over or with an ADA defined disability. Providers are not allowed to ask what type of disability the individual has. Brian will look into the legality of confirming medical appoints of E&D riders. If, because of opening up the program, there may be suspected abuse, this may alleviate it. Jan discussed DVTA’s numbers. COA has spent down 51% of their grant allocation; volunteer, 149%; and GP 76%. The demand for non-Medicaid medical trips has decreased substantially over the last several weeks, but it is expected to increase as the weather improves.

31

Brian gave an update on the BeeLine planning grant application, and indicated that they expect to see the Grant Amendment within a month. CRT will then will be able to proceed with an RFP. Matt has put together a draft RFP, so it will be ready to go when the time comes. Brian informed the group that there will be a public hearing for CRT and BeeLine ADA service on Friday, 3/18 at 3pm. Discussion followed regarding transportation for clients residing in New Hampshire to GP and SHAD. Next meeting is scheduled for Friday, April 15, 2011, 10:00 am at CRT Meeting adjourned at 11:30 am.

32

D-4

ADA Public Hearing The Current (CRT) Board of Directors

To be held Tuesday, March 18, 2011 3:00 a.m. at The Current Offices ~ 706 Rockingham Road ~ Rockingham, Vermont

ADA Public Hearing Agenda 1. Call to order 4. Review of the ADA Paratransit Policy 5. Updates Brattleboro Fixed Routes Okemo Fixed Route Future ADA Hearings in 2011/12 4. Public Input 5. Adjourn

33

D-5

MINUTES OF ADA Paratransit Public Hearing Connecticut River Transit, Inc.

Held Tuesday, March 18, 2011 @ 3:00 pm The Current Offices ~ 706 Rockingham Road ~ Rockingham, Vermont 05101

Staff Members Present: Mary Habig, Brian Waterman, Cathy Bullock and Stacey Hill Others Present: None

4. Call to order: At 3:00 P.M., Mary Habig called the meeting to order.

5. Review of ADA Paratransit Policy a. No Significant Issues Raised b. No Public Input

6. Meeting Adjourned at 3:15 pm