Petaluma staff update paratransit rider guide: clearer pickup window, safety rules, one‑page summary

Petaluma Transit staff presented an updated 2026 paratransit rider guide and one‑page summary at the Feb. 17 meeting, saying the changes respond to federal guidance and rider feedback.

Araceli, the staff presenter, said the guide was revised to reflect an updated agency logo and clearer language on eligibility, rider responsibilities, and operational details required under the Americans with Disabilities Act and Federal Transit Administration guidance. "We made it a point to be more clear on what that pickup window is for both pickups and drop offs," Araceli said. "So we have about a 30 minute window there." She described that window as typically 15 minutes before to 15 minutes after a requested time.

Other clarifications include tighter language on safety and mobility (how walkers and collapsible wheelchairs should be secured for transport), an expanded no‑show policy that counts missed trips when a required personal care attendant does not accompany a rider, and a new statement that drivers are not expected to provide medical or personal care. Staff also clarified the policy on strollers and shopping carts consistent with a 2025 Petaluma transit policy, removing a prior requirement to empty or fully collapse units in some cases.

Distribution: staff said full printed booklets and the one‑page fridge reference will be included with paratransit approval letters, printed copies will be available on buses, and PDFs posted on the transit website; staff said they can also email PDFs to agency partners. A committee member asked whether the guide was being sent to council; staff said they will include a simple summary table and the numeric claim amount when the item is routed to council.

Next step: the committee had no changes to the guide and staff will update the staff memo to correct a typographical instruction referenced during discussion.