New SamTrans Paratransit Fares Takes Effect July 1

Beginning July 1, the SamTrans paratransit fare will increase 25 cents to $3.75.

SamTrans provides paratransit service using Redi-Wheels on the bayside of the county and RediCoast on the Coastside. Paratransit is for persons with disabilities who cannot independently use regular SamTrans bus service all of the time.

The increases are part of the fare and service changes approved by the SamTrans Board in 2009. The fares were increased 25 cents last year; this is the second, and last, phase of the increase. 

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, better known as ADA, is federal legislation that guarantees persons with disabilities full and equal access to the same services and accommodations that are available to people without disabilities. The law requires public transit operators to provide paratransit service to persons with disabilities that is comparable to fixed-route service.

The fare increase will help cover the increasing cost of providing the service. Paratransit fares cover about 5 percent of the service.