TRANSPORTATION SERVICES

General Information on City Transportation Services and Accessibility

One of the main principles of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) is to ensure that all people have equal access to public transportation (Title II).  In order to ensure this access, public transit vehicles and facilities are required to be fully accessible and usable by persons with disabilities. Paratransit service must be provided where a fixed-route bus or rail system operates unless providing such a service would result in an undue burden.  Paratransit is a service for individuals who are unable to use the regular transit system independently (because of a physical or mental impairment) and who are picked up or dropped off at their destinations by paratransit vehicles.

In order to qualify for service based upon a disability, there are two types of applications depending upon the service needed/required: 1) paratransit and 2) fare reduction.  Individuals who believe that they have a qualifying disability preventing them from independently using public fixed-route transportation facilities and/or vehicles can complete the Application for ADA Paratransit Service.  This service is part of a larger regional program allowing cardholders to travel within the system.  For those individuals with a qualifying disability who are able to use fixed route transit, an individual can complete the Disability Identification Card Application for reduced fares within the Vacaville City Coach bus system.   Both applications are available online or from the Department of Public Works at City Hall.

More information can be found at the City Coach website.

About City Coach Buses

All buses are equipped with a wheelchair lift and each bus can accommodate two (2) wheelchairs. All wheelchairs should have a working brake system.

Door-to-door paratransit service and discounted fares on regular buses are available to certified disabled persons. Applications for certification may be obtained at the Public Works Department in City Hall, by printing an application from the City website, or by calling 449-5170. Reservations for door-to-door paratransit rides anywhere in Vacaville must be made by close of normal business the day prior to date of service request.

Fare Information

Persons with disabilities are eligible for a discounted fare on the regular bus service. City Coach requires proper identification (Disability Identification, Medicare, DMV Disability ID Card, or ADA Paratransit Card) fare reductions for persons with disabilities. For more information about the bus fare requirements for persons with disabilities, contact (707) 449-5170.

Click here for the ADA (SPECIAL SERVICES) RESERVATIONS POLICY.

Click here for the CITY COACH BROCHURE.

GUIDE TO ACCESSIBLE BUSES

To make your first ride on City Coach’s accessible buses safe and enjoyable, individuals are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the features of City Coach’s accessible buses before taking a trip. Individuals may also want to take a companion on the first bus trip.

All City Coach buses are equipped with a wheelchair lift and a "kneeling" feature. The wheelchair lift will lower a platform to the ground and lift a wheelchair onto the bus. The lift is also available for use by individuals who cannot maneuver the bus steps. The passenger stands on the lift as it raises to the bus level. The "kneeling" feature mechanically lowers or kneels the front of the bus closer to the curb. It can be used by individuals who have difficulty stepping up onto the bus, yet can maneuver the other steps by using the handrails once inside the bus.
 
All City Coach buses can accommodate two wheelchair passengers simultaneously. The wheelchair lift is at the front door of all buses. One wheelchair station is on the curbside of the bus and the other station is on the street side of the bus, as show in the diagram.

For an Individual in a Wheelchair

The wheelchair brakes should be in good working order at the time of boarding a bus. This recommendation is for individual safety during operation of the lift and during the ride.

An individual who is able to transfer from a wheelchair to a regular bus seat may do so. The City driver will secure the wheelchair in a wheelchair station. It is the passenger’s option whether to remain in a wheelchair or sit in a regular bus seat.

How to Board in a Wheelchair

1.   When the bus stops at the curb, position your wheelchair approximately six feet from the wheelchair accessible doorway.

2.   BEFORE the City Coach driver operates the wheelchair lift, ambulatory passengers will get on and off the bus.

3.   AFTER the City Coach driver lowers the lift platform all the way to the ground, position your chair directly onto the platform. You may find it easier to back onto the platform.

4.   When the chair is completely on the platform secure the chair brakes. The driver will raise the safety flap and elevate the lift. The chair breaks should be locked (either manually or electronically) before the platform rises.

5.   Wait until the platform is fully elevated and level with the floor of the bus before wheeling on board.

6.   The driver will raise the regular passenger seats to expose the wheelchair station. Position your chair in the wheelchair station space. The driver will secure the wheelchair to the floor with the tie-downs, which are required.

7.   Wheelchair securement straps may be used if provided by the passenger.

How to Get off the Bus in a Wheelchair

Generally, leaving the bus is just the reverse of boarding. Do not attempt to remove the tie-downs on your own; the driver will remove them after the bus stops.

When leaving the bus, the driver will position the lift for your departure. The chair brakes should be applied before the platform descends.

Once the platform has been lowered completely and the safety flap lowers, release the brakes if used and wheel onto the sidewalk.

How to Board by Standing on the Lift

If you are unable to maneuver the bus steps, let the driver know you need to use the lift to board the bus. The driver will lower the lift. Once the lift is fully lowered, step onto the platform and hold onto the handrails. The driver will raise the lift and once it is level with the bus floor, simply walk onto the bus.

If you are unable to step up to the first step, ask the driver to "kneel the bus." Once the front of the bus will lower, step forward to the first step and use the handrails to maneuver the other two steps.