Transit board approves RFP for ADA paratransit study; staff warns of potential six‑figure per‑route cost

The South Central Regional Transit District on June 24 authorized staff to release a request for proposals for an ADA complementary paratransit study after staff explained new federal expectations for routes that operate with frequent or Saturday service.

David (executive director) told the board that whether a route is treated as an express or fixed route affects paratransit obligations: Monday–Friday limited‑stop “express” service differs from routes with hourly or Saturday service that may be defined as fixed‑route for ADA purposes. Staff said the study will identify which of the district’s nine routes might trigger complementary paratransit obligations and recommend phased implementation options.

Board discussion flagged cost implications. David estimated that adding paratransit for a route could cost up to $100,000 per route; if all nine routes required service, staff estimated up to $900,000 in annual cost. He said roughly 80% of those costs might be covered by urban funds from El Paso and other regional sources, leaving about 20% local match (roughly $180,000 under the $900,000 scenario). Staff also flagged operational coordination issues with Roadrunner and suggested contracting or operating partnerships as one mitigation path.

Rosa, a staff member working on the scope, said a third‑party study and coordination with New Mexico DOT and FTA civil‑rights review will be part of the timeline. The board approved the RFP by roll call.

Next steps: staff will complete the internal review, finalize the RFP scope, send it to New Mexico DOT for comment (estimated ~30 days for review), and then release the procurement. The study findings are expected to inform later discussions with FTA civil‑rights and potential phased approaches to implementation.