HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 03-17-2015 - 5aORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: March 17, 2015
Action Agenda
Item No. 5 -a
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SUBJECT: 2015 Orange Public Transportation Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) Plan
DEPARTMENT: Planning and Inspections
PUBLIC HEARING: (Y /N) Yes
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
1. Draft 2015 ADA Plan Bret Martin, Transportation Planner, 919-
2. Public Participation Notice 245 -2582
3. Resolution of Adoption Peter Murphy, Transportation Administrator,
919- 245 -2002
Craig Benedict, Planning Director, 919-
245 -2592
PURPOSE: To hold a public hearing and consider adoption of a resolution authorizing the draft
2015 Orange Public Transportation Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Plan.
BACKGROUND: The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires Orange Public
Transportation (OPT) to extend complementary ADA - accessible paratransit (disabled) service to
eligible persons within % -mile of its fixed -route service on dates and during times concurrent
with normal fixed -route operations. In order to show compliance with this requirement, each
system providing fixed -route service is required to draft and adopt by resolution an ADA plan
detailing how the service will be provided, as well as the eligibility certification process for ADA -
eligible clients. OPT currently provides two (2) fixed routes and will be expanding to provide two
(2) more this spring. The system will also be expanding the hours of operation associated with
its existing fixed routes. As a result of such profound growth in the system, OPT has updated its
ADA plan to reflect an ADA service plan and service area that captures this expanded system of
services (Attachment 1).
Public Involvement:
To facilitate public participation in the plan's development, Orange County transportation
planning staff advertised and held a public meeting on February 12, 2015. The public meeting
involved a presentation of the draft plan and a question /answer session for public attendees.
Two (2) persons attended this meeting and asked staff questions related to the plan's
implementation. A public hearing for the draft plan was originally scheduled to occur before the
OUTBoard on February 18, 2015; however, the public hearing was canceled due to inclement
weather and was subsequently rescheduled to occur before the BOCC at its March 17, 20157
meeting. Orange County transportation planning staff also advertised a 30 -day public comment
period to be open from February 3, 2015 to March 5, 2015 (Attachment 2).
While the OUTBoard has not taken action to consider recommendation of approval of the draft
plan to the BOCC because the meeting for which it was scheduled was canceled, the draft plan
has been distributed to the OUTBoard for its review and comment. Orange County
transportation planning staff received two comments from a member of the OUTBoard urging
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OPT to issue identification cards for ADA- certified individuals to provide greater accountability of
use of the service and to work with the Department on Aging to coordinate with rural
communities on the parameters of the ADA paratransit service provided.
In addition to soliciting public comments and comments from the OUTBoard, Orange County
transportation planning staff also solicited comments from specific agencies that might have an
interest in the plan, including:
1) Orange County Department on Aging;
2) Orange County Department of Social Services;
3) Orange County Department of Housing, Human Rights and Community Development;
4) Alliance of Disability Advocates; and
5) Project Compassion
A public hearing for the draft ADA plan is required by federal law, and federal law requires
adoption of the plan by resolution by the governing body of the transit system. The North
Carolina Department of Transportation ( NCDOT) has requested that OPT submit an adopted
plan by the end of March 2015. In order to comply with this timeline and because of the
cancellation of the originally scheduled public hearing, the public hearing and
consideration /approval of the plan have been consolidated into a single meeting, and action
on the item at the March 17th meeting is an expectation of NCDOT to comply with its deadline.
Next Steps:
Following the public hearing and the BOCC's consideration of approval of the draft ADA plan,
the ADA plan will then be forwarded for review and approval to agencies that require the plan
for grant eligibility, such as NCDOT and the Federal Transit Administration. Once approved by
those agencies, the plan will be published as OPT's official ADA plan and implemented
accordingly before expansion services begin this spring.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: While the provision of complementary ADA service as detailed in the
plan involves a total estimated cost of approximately $27,265 in FY 2016 dollars, the cost of
ADA service provision associated with the expansion services will be absorbed by the public
transportation expansion '/2 -cent sales tax /vehicle registration fee revenues, as well as any
federal and state grants secured by Orange Public Transportation to operate those services.
ADA service provision will involve no impact to the County's general operating budget.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends the Board-
1 . Open the public hearing;
2. Receive any public comments;
3. Close the public hearing;
4. Consider approval of the attached resolution (Attachment 3) approving and authorizing
the plan; and
5. Authorize the Orange County Transportation Planning staff to submit the plan to the
North Carolina Department of Transportation and Federal Transit Administration.
ATTACHMENT 1: 2015 DRAFT ADA PLAN
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ORANGE COUNTY
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ORANGE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION ADA PARATRANSIT PLAN
Information About Entity Submitting Plan:
Orange County /Orange Public Transportation
P.O. Box 8181
600 Highway 86 N
Hillsborough, NC 27278
Office: (919) 245 -2008
Fax: (919) 732 -2137
Contact for Plan: Bret Martin, AICP, Orange County Transportation Planner
brmartin(a)orangecountync.gov
Introduction:
t
Transit Requirements of ADA
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) requires that public entities that operate
non - commuter fixed -route transportation services also provide complementary paratransit
service for individuals whose disabilities make them unable to use the fixed -route system. In
addition, public entities subject to the ADA regulations must develop and administer a
process for determining if individuals who request service meet the regulatory requirements
for eligibility.
Essentially, the ADA requires that paratransit service be "comparable" to the fixed -route
service in terms of service levels and availability. There are six (6) service criteria that are
used to evaluate ADA paratransit service comparability to the fixed route. These criteria
only represent the minimum service standards and can be exceeded if the local governing
body so chooses. The six (6) basic criteria for determining ADA comparability to fixed -route
service are as follows:
1) Availability in the same area served by fixed routes. Specifically, service must be made
available to all origins and destinations within a width of 3/4 of a mile on each side of each
fixed route. This includes an area within 3/4 of a mile radius at the end of each fixed route as
well;
2) Available to any ADA - paratransit - eligible persons at any requested time on any particular
day during which fixed -route vehicles are operating for the respective 3/4 -mile radius in
response to a request for service made the previous day;
3) ADA paratransit fares that are no more than twice the fare that would be charged to an
individual paying full fare for a trip of similar length, at a similar time of day on the
fixed -route system;
4) There can be no trip restrictions or priorities based on trip purpose;
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5) Service must be made available to eligible persons on a next -day basis; and
6) There can be no constraints on the amount of service that is provided to any eligible
person. Specifically, there can be no operating practice that significantly limits the
availability of service to ADA - paratransit- eligible individuals.
ADA paratransit service must be provided to all individuals who are unable, because of their
disability, to use the fixed -route system, some of the time or all of the time. The criteria for
determining eligibility are also regulated by the ADA, and Orange Public Transportation
(OPT) must have a documented process in place to determine if an individual qualifies for
ADA service.
Who is Entitled to ADA Paratransit Services?
There are three (3) major categories of individuals who are required to be served based
upon their functional disability interacting with conditions of the service and surrounding
environment:
1) Persons who are unable to board, ride, or disembark from accessible fixed -route
vehicles as a result of their disability.
2) Persons who could use accessible fixed -route services, but such services are
being operated using vehicles that are not fully accessible.
3) Persons who cannot travel to or from a bus stop because their disability prevents
it.
It is important to emphasize that only those persons who are prevented from using fixed -
route services because of their disability are required to be served by ADA paratransit,
rather than individuals who would have difficulty using fixed -route services but could, in fact,
use it. Within the ADA paratransit requirements, there are also provisions relating to the
transportation of personal care attendants, other traveling companions, and persons visiting
from other areas.
Difference Between ADA Paratransit and Other Types of Paratransit Services Provided by
OPT.
ADA paratransit is quite different from other types of demand - response and specialized
transit services provided by OPT in that its service parameters are highly prescribed by
federal regulation. ADA paratransit is required only for a narrowly defined population of
individuals who are unable to use fixed -route service because of their disability, unlike
OPT's Elderly and Disabled Transportation Assistance Program (EDTAP), which serves any
elderly person 60 years of age or older or any individual with a disability. EDTAP- funded
services also only provide transportation to medical appointments as opposed to trips for
other purposes, which is required of federal regulations pertaining to ADA paratransit.
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ADA paratransit also requires a much higher level of service than is provided under EDTAP
in terms of response time, days and hours of service, and capacity constraints. For this
reason, it is generally recommended that locally operated transit systems treat these
programs as two (2) distinct services. While both services may be operated using the same
vehicles and drivers, certification processes and community outreach should clearly
differentiate between the programs to ensure that EDTAP registrants do not expect the
same level of service as ADA paratransit registrants.
Orange Public Transportation Background:
Orange Public Transportation (OPT) is a division of the Planning and Inspections
Department of Orange County government that operates fixed - route, demand - response,
contract, and subscription services throughout Orange County, North Carolina, for both
general public and human service transportation needs. OPT operates under the unofficial
name "Orange Bus."
Orange Public Transportation's (OPT's) service area generally involves all areas of Orange
County excluding the Chapel Hill Transit service area located in the southeastern portion of
the county (Exhibit 1). The population of this service area is roughly 56,986 persons and
involves both rural outlying portions of the county and more urbanized areas located along
the 1- 40/1 -85 and U.S. 70 corridors extending through the central part of the county. OPT
provides specialized demand - response, contract and subscription service to persons
deemed eligible for such services within this area. One of OPT's fixed routes connects the
OPT service area to the Chapel Hill Transit service area and serves a small population of
those making trips within the Chapel Hill Transit service area.
In the spring of 2015, OPT will begin providing additional fixed -route and deviated fixed -
route services throughout Orange County that will expand the general public fixed -route or
deviated fixed -route service provided by a total of approximately 6,560 service /revenue
hours per year, a 238% increase in service /revenue hours over what is currently provided.
Of these additional service hours, 5,000 service hours will be purely general public fixed -
route service. When fixed -route service is provided, complementary paratransit service is
federally mandated by the ADA. This document shall serve as the plan for complying with
ADA paratransit requirements.
Description of Current Fixed -Route System:
Currently, OPT operates two (2) general public fixed routes. One such route is the
Hillsborough Circulator, which serves major origins and destinations in Hillsborough with
hourly headways during the hours 8:00am- 5:OOpm, Monday through Friday. This route is
operated using one (1) wheelchair accessible vehicle (with an electric wheelchair lift) that is
100% accessible to and usable by persons with disabilities. No fare is collected for riding
the Hillsborough Circulator service. The location of the Hillsborough Circulator and its
schedule and stop locations are provided in Exhibit 2.
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The other fixed route, the Hillsborough to Chapel Hill shuttle ( "Route 420 Midday "), serves
major origins and destinations in and between Hillsborough and Chapel Hill Monday
through Friday during the hours 10:00am- 11:25am and 1:OOpm- 2:25pm. The 10:00am-
11:25am and 1:OOpm- 2:25pm time periods each involve the operation of one (1) wheelchair
accessible vehicle (equipped with an electric wheelchair lift) that is 100% accessible to and
usable by persons with disabilities traveling from Hillsborough to Chapel Hill and back. The
fare for this service is $2.00 each way for the general public, $1 each way for persons with
disabilities, and free for persons 60 years of age or older. A schedule of stop locations and
service times for the Hillsborough to Chapel Hill shuttle is provided as Exhibit 3.
Description of Current Paratransit Services:
OPT currently provides the following transportation services that involve the provision of
ADA - compliant paratransit service:
Elderly and Disabled Transportation Assistance.
Service is provided to persons 60 years of age or older and to persons of any age with a
disability using EDTAP funding appropriated to Orange County by the State. These funds
are supplemented by a local match and additional general County operating funds
appropriated by the Orange County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) annually. The
service is provided to medical appointments primarily located within Orange and Durham
Counties and involves a fare of $3.00 each way for all patrons. This service is provided on a
demand - responsive, point deviation basis in which advance reservations for pick -ups and
drop -offs are made at least two (2) business days in advance and routes are structured to
efficiently collect clients for a shared ride to medical - related destinations. The service
currently involves the provision of door -to -door assistance by vehicle operators for persons
who lack the independent ability to access the vehicle from the street, and the vehicles used
to provide the service are 100% accessible to and usable by persons with disabilities. The
vehicles are equipped with electric wheelchair lifts.
Medicaid Transportation:
Through agreement with the Orange County Department of Social Services, OPT provides
door -to -door transportation to medical appointments for persons enrolled in Medicaid.
These services are funded through a billing arrangement between OPT and the Department
of Social Services and are provided on a demand - responsive, point deviation basis in which
advance reservations for pick -ups and drop -offs are made at least two (2) business days in
advance. Pick -ups and drop -offs for Medicaid clients are intermingled with those for EDTAP
clients, and routes are structured to efficiently collect clients for a shared ride to Medicaid -
funded, medical - related destinations. The service currently involves the provision of door -to-
door assistance by vehicle operators for persons who lack the independent ability to access
the vehicle from the street, and the vehicles used to provide the service are 100%
accessible to and usable by persons with disabilities. The vehicles are equipped with
electric wheelchair lifts.
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Senior Center Transportation:
Through agreement with the Orange County Department on Aging, OPT provides daily
transportation (Monday- Friday) to two (2) Orange County senior centers. The service is
funded using Home and Community Care Block Grant (HCCBG) funding appropriated to the
Department on Aging and is provided at no cost to seniors electing to use the service. The
service is provided on a subscription, point deviation basis in which standing reservations
for pick -ups at residences and drop -offs at senior centers are maintained by patrons.
Routes are structured to efficiently collect clients for a shared ride to the senior centers. The
service currently involves the provision of door -to -door assistance by vehicle operators for
persons who lack the independent ability to access the vehicle from the street. The vehicles
used to provide the service are 100% accessible to and usable by persons with disabilities.
The vehicles are equipped with electric wheelchair lifts.
General Public Demand - Response Transportation:
General public demand - responsive, point deviation service is provided to persons
throughout Orange County who request pick -ups outside the Chapel Hill Transit service
area. These services are funded using Rural Operating Assistance (ROAP) funding
appropriated to Orange County by the State and supplemented by user fares and the
County's general operating fund. The service is provided for any trip purpose and involves a
$12.75 fare each way. Pick -ups and drop -offs for users are intermingled with those for users
of other specialized services throughout the county, and routes are structured to efficiently
collect users for a shared ride, in many cases with users of other services, to any
destination within the County. Advance reservations for the service are required to be made
two (2) business days in advance. The service currently involves the provision of door -to-
door assistance by vehicle operators for persons who lack the independent ability to access
the vehicle from the street, and the vehicles used to provide the service are 100%
accessible to and usable by persons with disabilities. The vehicles are equipped with
electric wheelchair lifts.
Fixed -Route Transportation:
ADA paratransit service for OPT's fixed routes is provided through a combination of
separate ADA dial -a -ride complementary service and deviation of regular fixed -route
vehicles for ADA - eligible scheduled pick -ups and drop -offs within 3/4 -mile of the fixed -route
corridors served depending on which method can most efficiently and effectively be
dispatched to serve the requested trip without compromising the rights of the ADA - eligible
user and the timing and service integrity associated with fixed -route service. The 3/4 -mile
buffer surrounding OPT's existing fixed -route bus service corridors within which OPT is
responsible for providing ADA paratransit service is depicted in Exhibit 4.
While OPT is still responsible for providing ADA paratransit service within 3/4 -mile of its
fixed -route bus service corridor that overlaps Chapel Hill Transit's 3/4 -mile bus service
corridors during the same days and hours the fixed -route service is provided, OPT does not
typically receive requests to provide the service because Chapel Hill Transit provides the
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same service at no charge to the user. There is no fare for ADA - eligible users to take
advantage of this service within 3/4 -mile of the Hillsborough Circulator route, and the fare is
$4.00 each way to take advantage of the service within 3/4 -mile of the Hillsborough to
Chapel Hill Shuttle ( "Route 420 Midday "), which is twice the full fare for the general public
for using the fixed -route portion of the service. Both the fixed -route vehicles that are
dispatched to deviate for scheduled pick -ups and drop -offs and vehicles used to provide
separate complementary service are 100% accessible to and usable by persons with
disabilities and are equipped with electric wheelchair lifts.
General Service Details.
For demand - responsive specialized transportation services, under normal circumstances,
customers ride no more than one hour to reach their desired destination, and customers are
delivered to their destinations on time. All specialized demand - response services are
provided within a one (1) -hour window to maximize the active fleet's available resources.
Pick -up times are up to one (1) hour before the scheduled appointment with the actual pick-
up times being anytime within that hour. Return trips home are provided within a one (1)-
hour window. Currently there are no capacity constraints placed on ADA - eligible users of
the system for either the specialized services of the fixed -route services.
For fixed -route service, reservations are taken from up to 14 days in advance of the
scheduled service date until the day preceding the day of service for any trip purpose and
for service from any origin to destination during the same days and times of operation and
within the respective 3/4 -mile buffer of each respective fixed - route. Reservation service is
available during the normal business hours of OPT's administrative offices, as well as
during the same time as OPT's normal administrative business hours on days when the
offices are closed preceding a service day.
Description of Current Eligibility Determination Process:
Requirements of Transit System:
As previously noted, there are three (3) major categories of individuals who are required to
be served based on their functional disability upon interacting with conditions of the service
and the surrounding environment:
1) Persons who are unable to board, ride, or disembark from accessible fixed -route
vehicles as a result of their disability. This includes persons with mental or visual
disabilities who cannot navigate the transit system.
2) Persons who could use accessible fixed -route services, but such services are being
operated using vehicles that are not fully accessible. This includes persons who
require a lift or ramp to board a bus. Because OPT uses 100% accessible vehicles
for its general public and specialized services, this category of persons is
inapplicable.
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3) Persons who cannot travel to or from a bus stop because their disability prevents it.
This includes persons whose path of travel between their origin or destination and
the bus stop is inaccessible, such as persons who use wheelchairs but cannot get to
or from the bus stop because there is no sidewalk or the sidewalk is blocked (by lack
of accessible curb cuts or a barrier that reduces the width of the sidewalk to less
than three (3) feet). It also includes persons whose specific disability otherwise
prevents them from traveling to or from or waiting at a bus stop, such as persons
whose health would be endangered by certain weather conditions during this phase
of the trip.
Orange Public Transportation's ADA paratransit service eligibility application screens for
functional disability in order to control service demand and reserve assistance for eligible
persons who are prevented from reaching fixed -route stops due to their disability. It is
important to emphasize that only those persons who are prevented from using fixed -route
services because of their disability are required to be served by ADA paratransit, rather than
individuals who would have difficulty using fixed -route services but could use it.
A formal ADA eligibility determination process is part of federal ADA paratransit
requirements. As such, OPT's ADA eligibility application is used to determine ADA
paratransit eligibility (Exhibit 5). There are also requirements for transporting personal care
attendants (PCAs), other traveling companions, persons visiting from other areas on ADA
paratransit, and the eligibility determination process itself. The application requires
certification from a certified and /or licensed professional as to the presence of a permanent
or temporary disability preventing the applicant from reaching public transportation fixed
routes. The application also collects personal care attendant (PCA) information and
information explaining the eligibility determination process.
Determination of Eli. ibility:
A determination of whether individuals with disabilities are certified eligible for service is
made by completing the attached application and submitting it to the OPT administrative
offices (Exhibit 5). Applications are taken by phone, email, fax, or in- person by OPT staff.
Applicants are required to provide verification of their disability from a certified and /or
licensed professional (doctor, psychiatrist, social worker, case manager, etc.), and
documentation as to why they are unable to access fixed -route service must be provided. A
determination of eligibility is made in these cases based on the functional ability or
inability of a person to access fixed -route service and not solely on their disabled
status.
Applicants may be determined eligible for some trips and not others depending on
circumstances, and eligibility can be temporary based on a temporary disability. ADA
service may also be used as a feeder route to transport individuals to the closest public
transportation route, which they can then access. Applicants are notified of their eligibility
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status by mail within 21 days of submitting a completed application. An eligibility decision
may be full or conditional based on the day or functional ability to make trips. If applicants
are not notified within the 21 -day timeframe, they are presumed eligible and provided
service until such time a determination is made. All applications are updated annually. Once
a determination of approval is made, the registrant /passenger is added to an eligibility list
and can begin scheduling trips.
Personal Care Attendants /Traveling Companions.
The need for a PCA must be noted during the application process. PCAs are not charged a
fare for accompanying an eligible registrant. In addition to a PCA, registrants may have one
traveling companion accompany them who pay the price paid by the ADA registrant.
Additional traveling companions are allowed on a space - available basis only and are
subject to the ADA fare. Traveling companions and PCAs must have the same origin and
destination as the customer.
Visitors to the Transit System:
ADA transportation service is provided to eligible visitors. Visitors are presumed eligible for
service after providing documentation of their ADA paratransit eligibility in the jurisdiction
within which they reside. If a visitor is unable to provide this documentation, documentation
of the applicant's place of residence is required as well as documentation of his /her
disability if the disability is not readily apparent. These persons are additionally required to
sign a certification that they are unable to use fixed -route transit.
ADA paratransit is provided to eligible visitors for no more than 21 days during a rolling 365 -
day period. After 21 days of service within this timeframe, applicants /registrants are
required to complete OPT's full eligibility process, which involves completing an application
and providing professional documentation of ADA transportation eligibility.
Determination of Ineligibility and Appeals:
If it is determined that a person is not eligible for ADA service, he /she is notified in writing of
the reason(s) in a denial letter and will be given 60 days to appeal the decision. If a request
for appeal is received, OPT must render a decision within 30 days. Services are not
provided during this review process. Instructions for appeal that are provided to applicants
that are determined ineligible for ADA paratransit service are provided in Exhibit 6.
The administrative appeals process provides the applicant the opportunity to be heard and
to present information to a third party not involved in the initial determination. The County's
designated hearing /appeals officer is the OPT Administrator, who is not involved in initial
eligibility determinations. A date, time, and location for the meeting to discuss the
applicant's appeal are sent to the applicant by mail within five (5) working days of the
appeal request being received. The meeting is held and a decision rendered within the
required 30 days. Should a decision not be rendered within 30 days, the applicant is
provided ADA service after the 30 -day period until such time a decision is reached. The
applicant is not provided service during the 30 -day appeal period.
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ADA paratransit service may also be affected by a pattern of no -shows in which ADA -
eligible registrants abuse the service by making reservations but not appearing to make use
of the service. To avert the detrimental effects of this behavior on the effectiveness and
efficiency of the service, OPT has adopted an ADA paratransit service no -show policy
(Exhibit 7).
Description of Proposed Complementary Paratransit Service:
As previously noted, in spring 2015, OPT will begin providing additional fixed -route and
deviated fixed -route services throughout Orange County that will expand the general public
fixed -route or deviated fixed -route service provided by a total of approximately 6,560
service /revenue hours per year. With the addition of the fixed -route service, complementary
paratransit service is federally mandated by the ADA. For the additional deviated fixed
routes, curb -to -curb service will be provided for general public, non -ADA- eligible patrons as
well as ADA - eligible registrants for those requesting a deviation. The fare for a requested
deviation for both will be twice the general public fare as for those persons accessing the
deviated fixed -route service at the fixed stop locations.
Table 1 summarizes these services and the proposed ADA service type associated with
each. Exhibit 8 depicts the locations of these service corridors and the 3/4 -mile buffer
surrounding the corridors within which OPT will be responsible for providing ADA paratransit
service. Exhibit 9 depicts the areas of ADA paratransit service responsibility by timeframe
based on the service times indicated for each route in Table 1.
Table 1: Summary of New /Expanded and Existing Fixed -Route Services Beginning
Spring 2015
Service /Route
Service Days
Service Times
ADA Service Type
Fare
Combination of
Orange - Alamance Connector
Monday- Friday
10:00am- 3:00pm
separate dial -a -ride
service and fixed -route
$2 general
public /$4 ADA
deviation
6:00am- 9:00am
Combination of
Efland - Hillsborough Commuter
Monday- Friday
and
separate dial -a -ride
$2 general
Loop
4:OOpm- 7:OOpm
service and fixed -route
public /$4 ADA
deviation
Combination of
Cedar Grove - Hillsborough-
Monday- Friday
10:00am- 3:00pm
separate dial -a -ride
$2 general
Chapel Hill Shuttle
service and fixed -route
public /$4 ADA
deviation
Combination of
No fare for general
Hillsborough Circulator
Monday- Friday
8:00am- 5:00pm
separate dial -a -ride
service and fixed -route
public or ADA
deviation
passengers
The additional fixed -route services are scheduled to begin May 1, 2015. Once the new
services commence, the same method of ADA paratransit service currently provided as
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described in the Description of Current Paratransit Services section of this document will be
implemented and will apply to the new and expanded services. The same eligibility
determination process will also apply to the new and expanded fixed -route services.
Estimate of Demand and Description of Estimation Methodologv:
The current demand for ADA paratransit service in OPT's fixed -route ADA service area is
estimated at 2.7 paratransit trips per day (based on 2014 data). This estimation is based on
an assumption that approximately four (4) percent of trips associated with fixed -route
service would be provided as ADA paratransit trips and borrows from the experience of a
similar system in a similar hybrid rural /urban environment, Apple Country Transit in
Hendersonville, North Carolina. Experiences of other providers in the Triangle region range
from a low of approximately 0.9 percent for Chapel Hill Transit to a high of approximately
7.1 percent for C -Tran, the Town of Cary's local public transportation provider. As such, the
four (4) percent assumption lies safely in the middle of the range for the region. When
OPT's fixed -route ADA service area expands in the spring of 2015, demand is estimated to
increase to approximately eight (8) paratransit trips per day.
Complementary ADA paratransit trips are generally more expensive to provide than fixed -
route trips or ADA paratransit trips provided as deviations from fixed -route service.
However, given that a good portion of OPT's existing service is provided in a demand
response format, OPT can continue to realize the cost per trip benefit of combining
complementary ADA paratransit trips with demand response trips provided for other
purposes. Consequently, the use of OPT's existing cost per trip for the system is a good
estimation of the cost per trip for those dispatched to service ADA paratransit clients. The
current cost per trip for OPT's demand response service (using 2014 data), including both
pure operating and administrative costs, is $12.85. Assuming a demand of eight (8) ADA
paratransit trips per day and 2,000 per year based on an assumption of there being 250
days of service per year, the total cost to provide these trips is anticipated to be $25,700 per
year with an escalation of approximately three (3) percent per year to account for
inflation /increases in costs overtime.
Operating and Capital Budget for Proposed ADA Paratransit Service.
The operating budget for proposed ADA paratransit service for the next five (5) years is
provided in Table 2 and is based on the estimation of demand explained in the previous
section.
Table 2: Five -Year ADA Paratransit Service Operating Budget
Year
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Budget
$27,265
$28,083
$28,926
$29,793
$30,687
Based on the anticipated cost per year to absorb the estimated demand for ADA paratransit
service and in the manner it is anticipated to be provided, no additional capital needs are
foreseen as necessary. OPT vehicles used for fixed -route service that may deviate to
provide service to an ADA - eligible client are ADA - accessible and equipped with lifts. OPT
10
13
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
ORANGE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION ADA PARATRANSIT PLAN
vehicles that may be available to provide complementary ADA service independent of fixed -
route deviation that also provide other demand response services are also ADA - accessible
and equipped with lifts. These vehicles will be used to provide the service exerting no
additional demands for capital expenses on the system than what already exists.
Description of Public Participation Process Used to Develop Plan:
After the development of a draft of the plan, a 30 -day public comment period was opened
between February 3, 2015, and March 5, 2015, for members of the public to submit
comments in response to the draft. A public meeting for the draft plan was held February
12, 2015, by Orange County transportation planning staff, at which a presentation of the
draft plan was provided and public attendees were given an opportunity to ask questions
and comment. A subsequent public hearing for the draft plan was held March 17, 2015,
before the Orange County Board of Commissioners, at which public attendees were given
the opportunity to comment on the draft plan before its adoption by the Board.
Notices for the 30 -day public comment period, public meeting and public hearing were
published in the local paper, visibly posted on all OPT vehicles, and posted on the OPT
website. Notices for the public comment period, public meeting and public hearing were
also distributed to the following agencies having a potential interest in the plan and its
implementation-
1 ) The Orange County Department of Social Services;
2) The Orange County Department on Aging;
3) The Orange County Department of Housing, Human Rights, and Community
Development;
4) Alliance of Disability Advocates; and
5) Project Compassion.
The public participation notice published in the local paper, on the OPT website and within
the OPT vehicles is provided as Exhibit 10. No public comments were received in response
to the draft plan, and no significant issues with the draft plan's effect on ADA paratransit
service in OPT's ADA paratransit service area were raised.
11
EXHIBIT I
Orange Public Transportation Service Area 14
Caswell
Person
49
157
86
57
ii
70
70
Durham
Alamance
86
54
15
501
Chatham
1 in 3 miles
+N 0 1
EM Chapel Hill Transit Service
Orange Public Transportation
Miles
Orange County Planning and Inspections
Area
Service Area
Brian Carson (12/9/2014)
EXHIBIT 2
15
ORANGE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
NEW HILLSBOROUGH CIRCULATOR STOP LOCATIONS AND SCHEDULE - STARTING MARCH 2, 2015
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SCHEDULE
:00
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:11
:12
:14
.18
:21
:25
:28
:28
:31
:36
:n
:45
:49
:51
:56
:58
:59
:00
8:00
8:03
8:06
8:08
8:10
8:11
8:12
8:14
8:1 a
321
8:25
8:28
8:28
8:31
8:36
8:39
8:45
8:49
8:51
8:56
8:58
8:59
9:00
9:00
9:03
9:06
9:08
910
9:11
9:12
9:14
9:18
9:21
9:25
9:28
9:28
931
936
939
9:45
9:49
9:51
9:56
9:58
9:59
10:00
10:00
10:03
10:06
10:08
10:10
10:11
10:12
10:14
10:18
1021
10:25
10:28
10:28
10.31
10:36
10:39
10:45
10:49
10:51
10:56
10:58
10:59
11:00
11:00
11:03
11: D6
11:08
11:10
11:11
11:12
11:14
11:18
11:21
11'25
11:28
11:28
11:31
11:36
11:39
11:45
11:49
11:51
11:56
11:58
11:59
12:00
P.M. CIRCULATOR BUS
SCHEDULE
:00
:03
:06
:08
:10
:11
:12
:14
:18
:21
:25
:28
:28
:31
:36
:39
:45
:49
:51
:56
:58
:59
:00
12 :00
12 :03
12:06
12:08
12:10
12:11
12 :12
12 :14
12 :18
1221
12 :25
12 :28
12 :28
12 :31
12:36
12 :39
12:45
12 :49
12:51
12 :56
12:58
12 :59
1:00
1:00
1:03
1:06
1:08
1 :10
1 :11
1:12
1 :14
1 :18
1:21
1:25
1 :28
1:28
1 :31
1 :36
1 :39
1:45
1 :49
1 :51
1 :56
1:58
1:59
2:00
2:00
2:03
2:06
2:08
2:10
2:11
2:12
2:14
2:18
2:21
2:25
2:28
2 :28
2:31
2:36
2:39
2:45
2:49
2:51
2:56
2:58
2:59
3:00
3:00
3:03
3 :06
3:08
3:10
3:11
3:12
3:14
3:18
3:21
3:25
3:28
3:28
3:31
3.36
3.39
3:45
3 :49
3:51
3:56
3:58
3:59
4:00
4:00
1 4:03
1 4:06
1 4:08
1 4:10
4:11
4:12
4:14
1 4:18
1 4:21
1 4.25
1 4:28
1 4:28
1 4:31
1 4:36
1 4:39
1 4 :45
1 4:49
1 4:51
1 4:56
1 4:58
4:59
5:00
EXHIBIT 2 16
NEW HILLSBOROUGH CIRCULATOR STOP ANU TIMES MAP - BEGINNING MARCH 2, 2015
EXHIBIT 3
ORANGE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION (OPTY 7
MID -DAY SHUTTLE
General Fares - $2.00 Each Way
Disabled Fares - $1.00 Each Way
Senior Citizen (60f) Fares — Free
(OPT does not accept any other transit system passes)
LOCATION PICK -UP TIMES
North Hills Shopping Center
10:00 a.m.
1:00 P.M.
Cornelius St.
10:02 a.m.
1:02 p.m.
Revere Rd.
10:04 a.m.
1:04 p.m.
Hillsborough Police Station
10:06 a.m.
1:06 p.m.
Triangle SportsPlex
10:11 a.m.
1:11 P.M.
Hwy 86 at Home Depot
10:14 a.m.
1:14 p.m.
Durham Tech Campus
10:19 a.m.
1:19 P.M.
MLK across from Harris Teeter
10:23 a.m.
1:23 p.m.
Seymour Senior Center
10:25 a.m.
1:25 p.m.
Columbia & Franklin
10:35 a.m.
1:35 p.m.
State Employee's Credit Union
10:38 a.m.
1:3 8 p.m.
Ambulatory Care Center
10:41 a.m.
1:41 p.m.
Manning Dr at UNC Hospital
10:45 a.m.
1:45 p.m.
Health Science
10:48 a.m.
1:48 p.m.
Sitterson Hall
10:50 a.m.
1:50 p.m.
Columbia & Rosemary
10:52 a.m.
1:52 p.m.
Seymour Senior Center
10:58 a.m.
1:58 p.m.
MLK at Harris Teeter
11:00 a.m.
2:00 p.m.
Durham Tech Campus
11:10 a.m.
2:10 p.m.
Hwy 86 at Home Depot
11:14 a.m.
2:14 p.m.
Triangle SportsPlex
11:17 a.m.
2:17 p.m.
Orange County Court House
11:21 a.m.
2:21 p.m.
North Hills Shopping Center
11:25 a.m.
2:25 p.m.
EXHIBIT 4
Existing ADA Paratransit Service Area 18
L
Hillsborough Circulator Bus
Route
420 Midday Route
Hillsborough Circulator
Route 3/4 Mile Buffer
Route 420 Midday Route 3/4 Mile
Buffer
N1 in = 5,000 feet
o 3,000
p Feet
Orange County
Planning and Inspections
Brian
Carson (10/28/2014)
EXHIBIT 5
19
N E COUNTY
NORTH H C: ROLI .A
ADA Paratransit Eligibility Application Information and Instructions
Orange Public Transportation (OPT) provides complementary paratransit to eligible
persons living within 3/ -mile of OPT's fixed routes or those visiting locations within 3/
mile of the fixed routes.
Through our Complementary Paratransit services, Orange Public Transportation
provides an equivalent accessible transportation option to people who are unable to use
the fixed -route bus service because of a disability. Orange Public Transportation
provides rides, from origin to destination, within the 3/ -mile of its fixed routes.
Transportation services are accessed by completing this application and being
certified through Orange Public Transportation, or if you are visiting from another area,
by providing documentation of ADA certification from a transportation service in another
area of the country.
Who should apply for ADA Paratransit services?
• People who are unable to use the fixed -route public bus services because of
barriers like steep stairs, busy intersections, hills, lack of curb cuts, lack of
sidewalks, unavailability of a lift on a public bus, weather - related heat or cold,
difficulty traveling along and /or recognizing new destinations.
• People with mobility impairments due to visual limitations, arthritis, spinal cord
injury, or other physical and /or cognitive limitations that are a barrier to using
fixed route services.
How do you apply for ADA Paratransit services?
• Complete this application and sign the Applicant Agreement section.
• Have your doctor, rehabilitation specialist, or other qualified health care provider
complete and sign the professional verification section.
• Send the completed application to:
Orange Public Transportation
PO BOX 8181
Hillsborough, NC 27278
Or fax to: (919) 732 -2137
If you need an alternative format of this application or additional information, please
contact us at (919) 245 -2008 or pmurphy @orangecountync.gov.
EXHIBIT 5
c
-A-
ORANGE OUNTY
NORTH CAR01,TNA
ADA PARATRANSIT SERVICE APPLICATION
If you have a physical or functional disability, as defined by the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA), which limits you from using Orange Public Transportation's
fixed -route accessible buses, you may be eligible for Orange Public Transportation ADA
Paratransit service. The information obtained in this certification process will be used by to
determine your eligibility. The information may be shared with other transit providers to
facilitate your travel in other areas.
This application must be filled out completely, including the verification of eligibility by a
qualified professional. Incomplete applications will be returned to applicants.
Step 1: Complete the General Information Section
Name:
Last
First MI
Address:
Street City State Zip
Phone:
Home Work Cell
Date of Birth:
Step 2: Information about your disability
1. What disability prevents you from using Orange Public Transportation Fixed -Route Bus
Service? Please specify all that apply.
2. How does your disability prevent you from using Orange Public Transportation Bus
Service?
3. Please describe the area where you live (e.g., rural, urban, suburban, flat, very steep hill,
gradual hill, etc)?
EXHIBIT 5
21
N E COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
4. Are there sidewalks at your residence? YES NO
5. What is the most difficult part of riding the bus for you?
6. What is the closest bus stop to your home? (Please give location)?
7. Can you get to this bus stop by yourself?
YES NO SOMETIMES
8. Can you board the bus by yourself?
YES NO SOMETIMES
9. If vision - impaired, are you able to travel a distance of 200 feet without assistance?
YES NO SOMETIMES
10. Are you able to travel a distance of 3 blocks (1/4 -mile) without assistance over different
types of terrain?
YES NO SOMETIMES
11. Able to climb three 12 -inch steps without assistance?
YES NO SOMETIMES
EXHIBIT 5
22
N E COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
12. Able to cross: 2 -way stop 4 -way stop?
YES NO SOMETIMES
13. Able to cross traffic light- controlled intersection in the following areas:
residential semi - business business
14. If you have a cognitive disability, are you able to give name, address, and telephone
numbers upon request?
YES NO SOMETIMES
15. Are you able to recognize your destination or landmark?
YES NO SOMETIMES
16. Deal with unexpected situations or unexpected changes in routine?
YES NO SOMETIMES
17. Ask for, understand, and follow directions?
YES NO SOMETIMES
18. Safely and effectively travel through crowded and /or complex facilities?
YES NO SOMETIMES
EXHIBIT 5
23
N E COUNTY
NORTH CAR01,TNA
19. Do you use Orange Public Transportation fixed -route buses now? If NO or SOMETIMES,
what limits or prevents you from using the buses? (e.g. no sidewalks)
YES NO SOMETIMES
20. Have you ever received any training to use the fixed -route bus service?
YES NO
If not, would you like to participate in training? YES NO
21. If you do not ride Orange Public Transportation fixed -route buses, how do you currently
travel? (e.g. family, friends, volunteer drivers)
22. Do you use any of the following assistive devices? Check all that apply:
Manual wheelchair — passenger is able to transfer to a seat
Passenger is not able to transfer to a seat without assistance
High Wheelchair Long Wheel chair Electric Wheelchair
Power Scooter Walker (foldable) Cane
Crutches Service Animal Oxygen
23. If you use a mobility assistance device such as a wheelchair or power scooter, what is the
total weight of the device inclusive of the passenger when the device is in use?
EXHIBIT 5
24
N E COUNTY
NORTH CAR01,TNA
APPLICANT AGREEMENT
I agree that, if I am certified for Orange Public Transportation ADA Paratransit, I will pay the exact
fare, if required, for each trip. I agree to notify the office of any changes in my status that may affect
my eligibility to use the service. I also understand that failure to adhere to the policies and
procedures will be grounds for revoking my application and the right to participate in the program.
I understand and agree to hold Orange County and Orange Public Transportation harmless against
all claims or liability for damages to any person, property, or personal injury occurring as a result of
my failure to equip or maintain the safety of the adaptive equipment or certified guide /service animal
that I require for mobility.
I hereby authorize the release of verification information and any additional information to Orange
County /Orange Public Transportation for the purpose of evaluating my eligibility to participate in the
Program.
I certify that the information provided in this application is true and correct.
Signature Date
If someone assisted you in completing this application, please provide his /her information
and signature below:
NAME: DAYTIME PHONE:
ADDRESS:
Street Apt. #
City State Zip
Signature Date
EXHIBIT 5
25
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH C: R01.T A
The Orange Public Transportation Administrator will review your application and may ask you additional
questions. You may also be required to participate in an assessment so we can further evaluate your
functional abilities.
EXHIBIT 6
26
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH H C: ROLI A
Orange Public Transportation ADA Paratransit Appeals Process
Orange Public Transportation staff will carefully review each application to ensure that only
qualified persons are approved. Upon completion of review, a letter of certification or denial
will be mailed. If your application for ADA paratransit service is denied, you have the right to
appeal this decision.
ADA Application Appeals
To appeal the decision, you will need to submit your request in writing sixty (60) days within
receipt of the denial letter.
Appeals may be mailed to:
Orange Public Transportation
PO BOX 8181
Hillsborough, NC 27278
Or faxed to: (919) 732 -2137
Email to: pmurphya- orangecountync.gov
Your appeal will be heard by an ADA paratransit hearing officer. The ADA paratransit
hearing officer is an individual who was not involved in the initial certification process.
His /her decision is made independently of the ADA Certification Process.
Upon receipt of your letter, Orange Public Transportation will set up a meeting with the ADA
paratransit hearing officer. You will be notified by mail of the date and time of this meeting.
You will have the opportunity to submit any additional information and written evidence
and /or arguments to support your qualifications for service. You may bring a representative
with you to this meeting.
You will be notified of the hearing officer's decision in writing within thirty (30) days of the
hearing. The hearing officer's decision is final.
EXHIBIT 7
27
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH H C: ROLI A
Orange Public Transportation ADA Paratransit No -Show Policy
The mission of Orange Public Transportation (OPT) is to provide quality and efficient ADA
paratransit service to passengers while complying with the Americans Disabilities Act
(ADA). No Shows, as well as late cancellations, result in wasted trips that could have been
used by other passengers. It is the policy of Orange Public Transportation to record each
customer's no -shows and apply appropriate sanctions when customers establish a pattern
of excessive No- Shows. The policy is necessary in order to recognize the negative impact
No -Shows have on the services provided to other passengers.
Procedures
Orange Public Transportation schedules pick -up and return trips separately. We will
assume all scheduled return trips are needed unless notice is given by the passenger. If a
passenger is a No -Show for the first trip of the day, Orange Public Transportation will
automatically cancel subsequent trips for the day. If, however, the passenger does not need
the return or other subsequent trip(s), they will need to cancel them as soon as possible out
of courtesy for other riders.
If a passenger has been transported to his /her destination but is a "no- show" when the bus
returns, the passenger will not be stranded; however, no pick -up window will be guaranteed.
Return trips that are not canceled will be counted as a No -Show.
Definitions
The Orange Public Transportation definition of a "No- Show" is any time a driver goes to pick
up a customer and he or she decides not to use the service or is not at the pick -up site and
has not called to cancel his /her trip at least one (1) hour before the scheduled pick -up time.
Customers who call at least one (1) hour before their scheduled pick -up will not be charged
with a "No- Show."
If a vehicle arrives at the scheduled location within the scheduled pick -up time window and
the bus operator cannot reasonably see the customer approaching the vehicle after waiting
three (3) minutes, passengers will be charged with a "No- Show."
We understand emergencies do occur, and "No- Shows" for reasons that are beyond the
passenger's control will not be counted. Examples of excused "No- Shows" include but are
not limited to:
• Accidents
• Family emergency
• Personal Care Attendant who did not arrive on time to assist the rider
• External acts beyond the control of humans (flood, earthquake, etc.)
EXHIBIT 7
M
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAR01,TNA
"No- Shows" are not excused when the trip is not canceled at least one (1) hour prior to the
scheduled pick -up time and is missed for one of the following reasons:
• Passenger did not want to travel today
Passenger received another ride
Passenger did not contact the OPT administrative offices to convey that they were
not planning to travel.
Should you encounter an emergency situation, please contact Orange Public Transportation
as soon as possible to alert transit staff of your circumstances. Taking these proper steps
may prevent your trip from being recorded as a "No- Show" and deter from any possible
service suspensions.
No Show Policy:
Three (3) "No- Shows" within a 90 -day period will result in suspension from the service for up to
a period of one (1) month.
Appeal Process:
If you have been suspended from service and you feel information regarding your "No-
Show" is incorrect, you have the ability to submit an appeal. You can appeal in writing to
Orange Public Transportation, and a representative will contact the passenger within five (5)
working days of receiving the notification to schedule a time to visit regarding the appeal.
Appeals are granted at the discretion of the Transportation Administrator.
All appeals must be submitted in writing within 30 days. Please include the time, date and
pickup address of the "No- Show" ride you are appealing.
Orange Public Transportation
PO BOX 8181
Hillsborough, NC 27278
Or email at pmurphya- orangecountync.gov
to
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LEGEND N EXHIBIT 8: OPT FIXED ROUTE ADA SERVICE AREA
SHEET 1 OF 2
Route Locations W E 4 V ° Co
Road /Street S
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Fixed Route ADA Paratransit Service Area 0 0.75 1.5 s 4.5 s
Miles Orange County Planning and Inspections Department
BM - 12/8/2014
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LEGEND N EXHIBIT 8: OPT FIXED ROUTE ADA SERVICE AREA
SHEET 2 OF 2
Route Locations W E 4 V ° Co
Road /Street S
z sz
Fixed Route ADA Paratransit Service Area o 0.75 1.5 s 4.5 s
Miles Orange County Planning and Inspections Department
BM - 12/8/2014
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LEGEND N EXHIBIT 9: AREAS OF ADA SERVICE BY TIME
Route Locations SHEET 1 OF 2
Road /Street W
+ E 11
ADA Service Area 6am -7pm S „
ADA Service Area 8anrl
0 0.75 1.5 3 4.5 6
ADA Service Area 10anrl Miles Orange County Planning and Inspections Department
BM - 3/3/2015
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LEGEND N EXHIBIT 9: AREAS OF ADA SERVICE BY TIME
Route Locations SHEET 2 OF 2
Road /Street W+ E
ADA Service Area 6am -7pm S
ADA Service Area 8anrl 0 0.75 1.5 3 4.5 s
ADA Service Area 10anrl Miles Orange County Planning and Inspections Department
BM - 3/3/2015
EXHIBIT 10
ORANGE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
Notice of Public Hearing and 30 -Day Public Comment Period
on a Draft ADA Paratransit Plan
33
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires Orange Public Transportation to
extend complementary ADA - accessible paratransit service to eligible persons within % -
mile of its fixed -route service at concurrent times and dates to the routes and hours of
fixed -route operation.
A presentation of the draft Orange Public Transportation ADA Paratransit Plan and
associated policies was provided at a public meeting held by Orange County staff
February 12, 2015, at 7:OOpm in the Orange County West Campus Office building
located at 131 W. Margaret Lane, Hillsborough, NC 27278.
A public hearing for the draft plan will be held by the Orange County Board of County
Commissioners March 17, 2015, at 7:OOpm in the Orange County Southern Human
Services Center located at 2501 Homestead Road; Chapel Hill, NC 27514, at which
time a brief presentation of the draft plan will be provided and the public will be given an
opportunity to comment. The public hearing originally scheduled for February 18th was
cancelled due to inclement weather.
The draft plan will be available for review and inspection on the Orange Public
Transportation website (hqE://www.co.oranqe.ng.us/transportation/)- in the
administrative offices of Orange Public Transportation located at 600 Highway 86 N,
Hillsborough, NC, 27278; and in the administrative offices of the Orange County
Planning and Inspections Department located at 131 W. Margaret Lane, Suite 201,
Hillsborough, NC 28278. A 30 -day public comment period on the draft plan began
Tuesday, February 3, 2015, and will terminate Thursday, March 5, 2015.
For further information, to view a copy of the draft plan, or to submit comments, please
contact Bret Martin, Orange County Transportation Planner at (919) 245 -2582 or
brmartin(c�oranecount�nc.ov.
ATTACHMENT 2: PUBLIC PARTICIPATION NOTICE 34
ORANGE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
Notice of Public Hearing and 30 -Day Public Comment Period
on a Draft ADA Paratransit Plan
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires Orange Public Transportation to
extend complementary ADA - accessible paratransit service to eligible persons within % -
mile of its fixed -route service at concurrent times and dates to the routes and hours of
fixed -route operation.
A presentation of the draft Orange Public Transportation ADA Paratransit Plan and
associated policies was provided at a public meeting held by Orange County staff
February 12, 2015, at 7:OOpm in the Orange County West Campus Office building
located at 131 W. Margaret Lane, Hillsborough, NC 27278.
A public hearing for the draft plan will be held by the Orange County Board of County
Commissioners March 17, 2015, at 7:OOpm in the Orange County Southern Human
Services Center located at 2501 Homestead Road; Chapel Hill, NC 27514, at which
time a brief presentation of the draft plan will be provided and the public will be given an
opportunity to comment. The public hearing originally scheduled for February 18th was
cancelled due to inclement weather.
The draft plan will be available for review and inspection on the Orange Public
Transportation website (hqE://www.co.oranqe.ng.us/transportation/)- in the
administrative offices of Orange Public Transportation located at 600 Highway 86 N,
Hillsborough, NC, 27278; and in the administrative offices of the Orange County
Planning and Inspections Department located at 131 W. Margaret Lane, Suite 201,
Hillsborough, NC 28278. A 30 -day public comment period on the draft plan began
Tuesday, February 3, 2015, and will terminate Thursday, March 5, 2015.
For further information, to view a copy of the draft plan, or to submit comments, please
contact Bret Martin, Orange County Transportation Planner at (919) 245 -2582 or
brmartin(c�oranecount�nc.ov.
Attachment 3: Resolution of Adoption of Orange Public Transportation ADA Paratransit 35n
RES- 2015 -016
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ORANGE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION AMERICANS WITH
DISABILITIES ACT (ADA) PARATRANSIT PLAN
WHEREAS, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed by Congress and signed into law
by the President in July 1990; and
WHEREAS, the ADA prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities in employment, housing
and transportation; and
WHEREAS, the ADA's intent is to ensure equal opportunity for persons with disabilities to access
public accommodations, public services, telecommunications and transportation; and
WHEREAS, to comply with the ADA, Orange Public Transportation is required to provide paratransit
service to those persons with disabilities who are unable to use or access the fixed -route transit
system; and
WHEREAS, the North Carolina Department of Transportation and U.S. Department of Transportation
require public transit operators providing fixed -route service to submit complementary paratransit
plans and annual updates to the Federal Transit Administration; and
WHEREAS, Orange Public Transportation will be expanding fixed -route service considerably over the
coming year necessitating a need to develop and adopt a major update to its ADA paratransit plan
with an updated service plan and service area.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Orange County Board of Commissioners that the
Board approves and adopts the 2015 Orange Public Transportation ADA Paratransit Plan.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Orange County Board of Commissioners authorizes the
Orange County Transportation Planner to submit the 2015 Orange Public Transportation ADA
Paratransit Plan to the North Carolina Department of Transportation and Federal Transit
Administration.
Upon motion of Commissioner seconded by Commissioner
the foregoing resolution was adopted this the 17th day of March, 2015.
I, Donna Baker, Clerk to the Board of Commissioners for the County of Orange, North Carolina, DO
HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing is a true copy of so much of the proceedings of said Board at a
meeting held on March 17, 2015, as relates in any way to the adoption of the foregoing and that said
proceedings are recorded in the minutes of said Board.
WITNESS my hand and the seal of said County, this day of 12015
Clerk to the Board of Commissioners