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<br />4 <br /> <br />Description of Fixed Route System <br />OCPT operates three (3) fixed routes that operate from 8:00am to 5:00pm, Monday through Friday. <br />All the fixed-route vehicles are mobility aid accessible. 100% of OCPT’s fixed-route fleet is accessible, <br />with at least 2 ADA- compliant wheelchair positions per bus. 100% of OCPT routes are accessible. <br />Not all bus stops are accessible. OCPT accommodates passengers with disabilities by stopping at the <br />nearest safe and accessible location. <br />Definition of Complementary Paratransit Service <br />The Americans with Disabilities Act regulations require Orange County, as a public entity that <br />operates a fixed route system, to provide complementary paratransit services to individuals with <br />disabilities (“complementary” is that service comparable to the level of service provided to <br />individuals without disabilities who use the fixed route system). See 49 CFR Sec. 37.121 (a). <br />ADA of 1990 and ADA Amendments of 2008 <br />The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 prohibits discrimination and ensures equal <br />opportunity and for persons with disabilities. It provides the general framework and approach for <br />ending discrimination for persons with disabilities. The stated national goals of the ADA are to <br />guarantee that persons with disabilities have equality of opportunity, a chance to fully participate <br />in society, ability to live independently and be economically self-sufficient. <br />Section 223 of the ADA of 1990 requires that public entities that operate non-commuter fixed-route <br />transportation service also provide complementary paratransit service for individuals unable to use <br />the fixed-route system. The regulations define minimum service characteristics that must be met <br />for this service to be considered equivalent to the fixed route service it is intended to complement. <br />ADA complementary paratransit standards are provided for in 49 CFR §37.123 of the Code of Federal <br />Regulations. <br />In general, the law prohibits public transit systems from denying individuals with disabilities the <br />opportunity to use public transportation services, if the individuals are capable of using the system. <br />It also prohibits public entities from providing services that discriminate against persons with <br />disabilities. The ADA is an opportunity to develop programs that will ensure the integration of all <br />persons into not just the transportation system of America, but all the opportunities transportation <br />makes possible. The goal is to ensure non-discriminatory, equitable, and safe public transportation <br />and enhancing the social and economic quality of life for people with disabilities. Specific actions <br />must be taken by public transit agencies to avoid discrimination. For example, the law requires that: <br />1. All newly purchased or leased vehicles used in fixed-route service must be able to persons <br />with disabilities. <br />2. Public agencies that provide fixed-route public transportation service also must offer <br />similar complementary paratransit services to individuals with disabilities who are unable <br />to use the fixed-route system. <br />3. New facilities must be accessible. <br />4. Alterations to facilities must include features to make them accessible. <br />46