Americans with Disabilities Act

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires all public transit operators to provide a paratransit (door-to-door) service to persons whose disabilities prevent them from using accessible fixed route public transit.

Eligibility

Individuals interested in using Sonoma County Paratransit service must be registered and certified as ADA eligible before using the service. To apply for ADA paratransit service, call Sonoma County Transit at 707-585-7516, or TDD 707-585-9817 and ask to have the application material mailed to you.

Service Area

Paratransit operators are required by the ADA to service areas within 3/4 of a mile from any public fixed-route service. This includes service within the incorporated areas of Sonoma County, the Greater Santa Rosa Area, and between the County's nine incorporated cities. In addition, service is provided within the following communities: Windsor, Sebastopol, Sonoma, Sonoma Valley (including Agua Caliente and Boyes Hot Springs), Cotati, Rohnert Park, Rio Nido, Guerneville, Monte Rio, Duncans Mills, and Occidental.

Hours of Operation

Service days are:

• Monday through Friday from 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM
• Saturday and Sunday from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM

Office hours for scheduling reservations are:

• Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• Saturday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• Sunday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
  
  A telephone answering system is also available to record messages/cancellations during off hours.

Reserving a Ride

Reservations will be taken for next day and up to seven days in advance of a ride. Volunteer Wheels in Sonoma County:

• (707)573-3377
• (800)992-1006
• TDD: (707)573-3381

Attendants

Passengers who need assistance beyond door-to door transportation (i.e., dressing themselves, locating a doctor, registering for appointments, etc.) have the responsibility of providing a personal care attendant. An attendant is someone who is essential to the passenger for mobility. At the time of certification, it will be determined if a passenger will need a personal care attendant to travel with them. Only the passenger, not the attendant, will be required to pay a fare.

Mobility Aid Devices

Please be sure that wheelchairs or other mobility devices are clean, safe, and in good working condition before traveling. Wheelchairs without working brakes will not be transported. Standard wheelchairs, scooters and other mobility devices are defined as not to exceed 48" in length and 30" in width and 600 lbs. in total weight.

Service Animals

Passengers may travel with a service animal, defined as a guide dog, signal dog, or other animal trained to work or perform tasks for persons with disabilities.

Wheelchair Lift

If a passenger needs a wheelchair lift to board a vehicle, the driver will assist the individual. If necessary, passengers are also allowed to board standing on the lift.

Travel Training

Travel training is available through Sonoma County Transit to assist physically challenged riders to become more independent by familiarizing them with using the fixed-route bus service. This service is also helpful to persons who may be using Sonoma County Transit for the first time. Call Sonoma County Transit at 707-585-7516 for more information.

Out of the Area Visitors

Sonoma County Paratransit service will be provided to ADA eligible persons who are visiting from outside the Sonoma County Transit service area. Visitors will be required to provide proof of eligibility to schedule service during their visit. Call Sonoma County Transit at 707-585-7516 for more information.