METRO's ADA ServiceMETRO's ADA ServiceThe Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District (METRO) offers shared ride, door-to-door paratransit service as a complement to its regular fixed route bus service, as outlined in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). ParaCruz service is for people certified as unable to use the regular service. This service operates under the name “METRO ParaCruz”.
METRO ParaCruz service is available to anyone certified as unable to use fixed-route service as a result of permanent or temporary physical, cognitive, or psychiatric disabilities.Guidelines have been established by the federal government to qualify for this service. Those in the following situations qualify for the program :
To request an eligibility assessment, contact the METRO ParaCruz Office at 425-4664 to be transferred to the Partatransit Eligibility Coordinator.
Service is available from 6:00 am to 10:30 pm seven days a week, except for New Year's Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. In addition, there are extended hours in certain areas of the county to coincide with fixed route service.
METRO ParaCruz service is offered to any location within 3/4 of a mile of any regular METRO bus route, other than HWY 17 express commuter service .
When should I make a reservation? - Trips must be reserved at the day prior and may be reserved up to fourteen (14) days in advance. Standing or subscription reservations are possible but are limited in number.
How do I reserve a ride? - In order to make a reservation, call the METRO ParaCruz reservation number at 425-4664 from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, at least one day before your trip.
The fare charged for this subsidized service is $3.00 per one-way trip. You may pay with either cash or pre-paid METRO ParaCruz coupons, available at the METRO Center or by mail. For more information about pre-paid coupons, please call: 425-3822.
Please have your identification card available and your money ready when you board. Drivers are not permitted to go into your purse or wallet to get change. If you are not able to get the money out yourself, have $3.00 prepared ahead of time in a small coin purse or container separate from your purse or pocket.
When you reserve your ride, you and the reservationist will agree to a scheduled pick-up time. You are expected to be prepared to go at any time within your "ready window". The "ready window" is the 30 minute period (10 minutes before and 20 minutes after) surrounding your scheduled pick-up time.
Once the vehicle arrives, the driver can not wait longer than five minutes.
Drivers escort you from door-to-door. They may assist you with a limited amount (not to exceed 30 pounds) of groceries or other packages.
Drivers are not permitted to perform personal attendant duties such as transferring to or from a wheelchair, connecting or disconnecting oxygen tanks, or turning appliances off
If you have a compliment, complaint or suggestion about this service, or if you have a question or need additional information, call the office of the METRO Paratransit Administrator at 425-4664.
In addition, riders may call the CCCIL Transportation Ombudsman at 462-8720 to report service problems in a confidential manner.