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Paratransit uncertainty: MV/MBcontract questions spur public alarm; RTS prepares as possible emergency CTC
Summary
Board members and riders raised urgent concerns after staff said MV/MB Transportation has not confirmed whether it will remain the Community Transportation Coordinator (CTC); RTS may be asked to serve as an emergency CTC and staff said they were "on target for March" to assume ADA services if necessary.
Board members and audience speakers pressed MTPO and transit staff for answers about paratransit continuity after staff reported ongoing discussions with MV (MB) Transportation and contacts with the State Transportation Disadvantaged commission.
MTPO staff said they had discussed the matter with MV/MB and the state, and that the CTD had asked whether MV/MB intended to continue as the CTC. "They will be asking RTS if they wanna be the emergency CTC," staff reported. Staff added that they were preparing to take over ADA services if necessary and that the operational readiness target was March of next year, contingent on MB/MV actions.
"We're on target for March, of next year," said the transit official who briefed the board, describing internal preparations. Board members and multiple public commenters described the paratransit operation as complex and cautioned that transferring responsibility quickly would be difficult. Commenters stressed the service's role for dialysis, medical trips and riders with high needs and asked whether tickets and fares would be honored and whether drivers and service culture would be maintained.
Members of the public warned that a rushed handoff could interrupt essential trips. One commenter said the city has "no experience with paratransit" compared with private operators that have mapped and managed these services for decades and urged officials to secure a concrete, day-one plan to avoid gaps. MTPO staff said the CTD can declare a state of emergency and assist procuring interim services but warned private providers are limited and the transition would require a named coordinating entity and logistical coordination.
The board did not take a formal vote on the paratransit question at the meeting but directed staff to monitor MV/MB's status and to prepare contingency plans with RTS and state CTD staff.
