Petaluma Paratransit

Petaluma Paratransit Vehicle

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 requires all public transportation agencies to provide specialized transportation that is comparable to the public transit bus service for individuals who do not have the functional ability to ride public transit.

Petaluma Paratransit provides pre-scheduled bus transportation for persons with disabilities who cannot independently use regular Petaluma Transit service some or all of the time. 

If you are interested in using the Petaluma Paratransit service, you must apply and be eligible for the service according to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines.

Service Area

Eligibility

To utilize Petaluma Paratransit, you must meet one of the following criteria:

As part of the certification process, you must complete an application and provide a licensed medical professional’s statement to verify your disability. All applicants must qualify for certification under the guidelines established by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

If you need assistance filling out one of these applications or have questions on any part of the application, please call Petaluma Paratransit’s administrative office (707) 778-4460. All forms and procedures are available in alternative texts upon request (forms can be found at the bottom of this page).

Visitors

You do not need to be a resident of Petaluma to use Petaluma Paratransit. Suppose you have been certified to use paratransit in any of the nine Bay Area counties. In that case, Petaluma Paratransit will be able to provide your ride after checking the Regional Eligibility Database and confirming your eligibility (please inform our dispatcher of your status upon scheduling a ride).

ADA-eligible visitors from outside the Bay Area may use Petaluma Paratransit service for up to 21 days during any 365 days. Visitors do not need to re-certify in Petaluma during these 21 days.

Reservations

To reserve a ride on Petaluma Paratransit, call the scheduling number provided in your welcome packet between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm Monday through Friday, and 9:00 am and 3:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Fares

The one-way fare for travel within the Petaluma Paratransit service area is an exact fare of $3.00 payable at the time of boarding. Drivers do not carry change. For your convenience, please consider purchasing a Rider Card.

CASH$3 Single Ride
Rider CARD*$33 (Good for 12 one-way rides.) BUY 

*Rider Cards are available on Petaluma Paratransit vehicles and at our Transit Office located at the address listed below and on our secure website.  Rider Cards are not available at other pass sales outlets. Rider Cards are valid only on Petaluma Paratransit and are not good for intercounty rides. Rider Cards have no cash value, and all sales are final. No refunds or credits will be issued.

Petaluma Transit Offices: 555 N McDowell Blvd Petaluma CA 94954

Documents

Petaluma Paratransit Application (English)

Petaluma Paratransit Application (Spanish)

Petaluma Paratransit Rider Guide

Contact Information

Have more questions?

707-778-4460

email: petpara@cityofpetaluma.org

Paratransit Fares

Petaluma Paratransit Fares

One-Way Fare $3.00
Rider Card (12 one-way trips)* $33.00
*Note: Rider Cards are available on buses ONLY, not at pass sales outlets!

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) & Reasonable Modification

Petaluma Transit grants all citizens equal access to all its transportation services. It is further the intent of Petaluma Transit, that all citizens are aware of their rights to such access. The information presented below is designed to serve as an educational tool for citizens so that they may understand the laws that protect their benefit of Petaluma Transit programs and services, specifically, as it relates to 1990 Americans with Disability Act (ADA).

Passed by Congress in 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a civil rights law aimed at addressing the needs of people with disabilities, prohibiting discrimination in public services and public accommodations. To be protected by the ADA, one must have a disability, which is defined by the ADA as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, a person who has a history or record of such an impairment, or a person who is perceived by others as having such an impairment. The ADA does not specifically name all of the impairments that are covered.

Petaluma Transit is committed to ensuring that no person is denied access to its services, programs, or activities on the basis of their disabilities, as provided by title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (“ADA”). If you believe you have been subjected to discrimination under ADA, you may file a written complaint with Petaluma Transit. The complaint must be filed no later than 180 calendar days of the alleged discriminatory incident.

Pursuant to the regulations of the United States Department of Justice, which require the designation of an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or Disability Access Coordinator, the Transit Manager for Petaluma Transit shall be responsible for and designate qualified staff as the ADA and/or Disability Access Coordinator (DAC) who will administer the processing of all complaints or grievances as well as coordinate Petaluma Transit’s overall efforts to comply with and carry out its responsibilities under the Act. The Transit Manager or DAC shall also administer all complaints brought pursuant to Title 24, California Code of Regulations, concerning both privately and publicly funded accommodations.

Reasonable Modifications

Reasonable Modification Requests

A rider may request a modification to Petaluma Transit policies, practices or procedures to accommodate his/her disability. Modifications will be considered and granted as long as it is determined that the rider is not able to fully use Petaluma Transit’s services, programs, or activities for their intended purpose without the requested modification and said modification does not:

  1. Fundamentally alter the nature of Petaluma Transit services, programs or activities;
  2. Create a direct threat to the health or safety of others;
  3. Cause unreasonable financial or administrative burden

To request a reasonable modification to current policies, practices, or procedures complete the Reasonable Modification Request Form (click here for Pdf) or submit an Online Reasonable Modification Request Form (click here).

ADA Complaints

Any person who wishes to file a complaint alleging any action by Petaluma Transit prohibited by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations may file a written complain as soon as possible, but no later than 60 calendar days after the alleged violation or discriminatory act. Your complaint must be in writing. Click here for a copy of the complaint form or click here to submit an online form. If you need assistance in making the request or completing the request form, Petaluma Transit staff will provide assistance. Please contact Petaluma Transit at (707) 778-4421 or dial 711 for the California Relay Service.

ADA Complaint Procedure

The complaint should be submitted by the complainant or his/her designee as soon as possible but no later than 180 calendar days after the alleged violation or discriminatory act.

All complaints or grievances shall be in writing and contain information about the alleged violation or discrimination, including name address, phone number of complainant and location, date, and description of the problem. The complaint should be submitted by the complainant or his/her designee as soon as possible but no later than 180 calendar days after the alleged violation or discriminatory act. Anonymous complaints or grievances will not be taken. Complaints or grievances will, to the greatest extent possible (see Evidence Code 1040), be kept confidential unless ordered released by a court of competent jurisdiction. Alternative means of filing complaints or grievances may be registered by phone, email (confidentiality cannot be assured), letter, personal interview, or tape recording for persons with a disability upon request.

The preferred method is to file your complaint in writing using the ADA & Accessibility Complaint Form, available in hard copy, PDF Form (click here), or as an Online Form (click here), and sending it to:

Transit Manager
Attn: ADA & Accessibility Comment
Petaluma Transit
555 N McDowell Blvd
Petaluma, CA 94954

Verbal complaints will also be accepted and transcribed by Petaluma Transit staff. To make a verbal complaint or to receive more information on Petaluma Transit’s ADA & Accessibility Program, call (707) 778-4421 or dial 711 for the California Relay Service.

Complaints may also be filed directly with the Federal Transit Administration by filing a complaint with:

Federal Transit Administration
Office of Civil Rights
Attention: Complaint Team
East Building, 5th Floor –TCR
1200 New Jersey Ave. SE
Washington, DC 20590

Should a complaint be filed with Petaluma Transit and an external entity simultaneously, the external complaint shall supersede the Petaluma Transit complaint and Petaluma Transit’s complaint procedures will be suspended pending the external entity’s findings.

Investigations

Within 10 working days of receipt of the formal complaint, the Transit Manager will notify the complainant and begin an investigation (unless the complaint is filed with an external entity first or simultaneously). The investigation will address complaints against Petaluma Transit and Petaluma Paratransit employees and contractors and it will be conducted in conjunction with and under the advice of The City of Petaluma’s Risk Manager. The investigation may include discussion(s) of the complaint with all affected parties to determine the problem. The complainant may be represented by an attorney or another representative of his/her own choosing and may present testimony and evidence in the course of the investigation. The investigation will be conducted and completed within 60 days of the receipt of the formal complaint. Based upon all the information received, an investigation report will be written for submittal to the Transit Manager. The complainant will receive a letter stating the final decision of the Transit Manager by the end of the 60-day time limit. The complainant shall be notified of his/her right to appeal the decision.   Appeals may be made to the DOT, the EEOC, or the DFEH.

If the information is needed in another language please call (707) 778-4421.

Si se necesita información en otro idioma, por favor llame al (707) 778-4421.

Documents

2018 ADA & Accessibility Plan

Online Reasonable Modification Request Form

Reasonable Modification Request Form (Pdf)

Online ADA Complaint Form

ADA Complaint Form (Pdf)

Title VI Civil Rights Program

PUBLIC NOTICE

“No person in the United States shall, on the ground of race, color or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance”

Petaluma Transit is committed to ensuring that no person is excluded from participation in, or denied the benefits of its services on the basis of race, color or national origin as protected by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended (“Title VI”). If you believe you have been subjected to discrimination under Title VI, you may file a written complaint with Petaluma Transit.   The complaint must be filed no later than 180 calendar days of the alleged discriminatory incident.

The preferred method is to file your complaint in writing using the Title VI Complaint Form, available in hard copy, PDF format, or as an online form, and sending it to:

Transit Manager
Attn: Title VI
Petaluma Transit
555 N McDowell Blvd
Petaluma, CA 94954

Verbal complaints will also be accepted and transcribed by the Transit Manager.  To make a verbal complaint or to receive more information on Petaluma Transit’s Title VI Program, call (707) 778-4421.

Complaints may also be filed directly with the Federal Transit Administration by filing a complaint with:

Office of Civil Rights
Attention: Title VI Program Coordinator
East Building, 5th Floor –TCR
1200 New Jersey Ave. SE
Washington, DC 20590

If information is needed in another language please call (707) 778-4421.

Si se necesita información en otro idioma, por favor llame al ( 707) 778-4421.

 

Petaluma Transit Title VI Complaint Process

Petaluma Transit grants all citizens equal access to all its transportation services. It is further the intent of Petaluma Transit, that all citizens are aware of their rights to such access. This site is designed to serve as an educational tool for citizens so that they may understand one of the civil rights laws that protect their benefit of Petaluma Transit programs and services, specifically, as it relates to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

What is Title VI?

Title VI is a section of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 requiring that “No person in the United States shall on the grounds of race, color or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.”   Note that Title VI does not address gender discrimination. It only covers race, color and national origin.  Other Civil Rights laws prohibit gender discrimination.

Complaint Process

How do I file a complaint?

If you believe that you have received discriminatory treatment by Petaluma Transit on the basis of your race, color or national origin, you have the right to file a complaint with the Transit Manager.   The complaint must be filed no later than 180 calendar days of the alleged discriminatory incident.

 Methods of filing a complaint

The preferred method is to file your complaint in writing using the Title VI Complaint Form, available in hard copy, PDF format, or as an online form and sending it to:

Transit Manager
Attn: Title VI
Petaluma Transit
555 N McDowell Blvd
Petaluma, CA 94954

Verbal complaints will also be accepted and transcribed by the Transit Manager.  To make a verbal complaint, call (707) 778-4421.

You also have the right to file a complaint with an external entity such as the Department of Transportation (DOT), a federal or state agency, or a federal or state court.

Should a complaint be filed with Petaluma Transit and an external entity simultaneously, the external complaint shall supersede the Petaluma Transit complaint and Petaluma Transit’s complaint procedures will be suspended pending the external entity’s findings.

Investigations

Within 10 working days of receipt of the formal complaint, the Transit Manager will notify the complainant and begin an investigation (unless the complaint is filed with an external entity first or simultaneously).

The investigation will address complaints against Petaluma Transit and Petaluma Paratransit employees and contractors.  The investigation will be conducted in conjunction with and under the advice of The City of Petaluma’s Risk Manager.

The investigation may include discussion(s) of the complaint with all affected parties to determine the problem. The complainant may be represented by an attorney or other representative of his/her own choosing and may present testimony and evidence in the course of the investigation.

The investigation will be conducted and completed within 60 days of the receipt of the formal complaint.

Based upon all the information received, an investigation report will be written for submittal to the Transit Manager.

The complainant will receive a letter stating the final decision of the Transit Manager by the end of the 60-day time limit.

The complainant shall be notified of his/her right to appeal the decision.   Appeals may be made to the DOT, the EEOC, or the DFEH.

Documents

Petaluma Transit Title VI Online Complaint Form

Petaluma Transit Title VI Complaint Form

2018 Title VI Program

 

Advertising Opportunities

Why Advertise with Petaluma Transit?

We provide over 375,000 trips a year and travel an annual average of 333,000 miles!  This means that in a town with an estimated population of 58,000 and 14.5 square miles, everyone will likely be traveling behind a Petaluma Transit vehicle, and will have no choice but to look at your ad!

You can’t ignore it.  It can’t be turned off like television. It reaches drivers and passengers no matter what radio stations they’re listening to. The large, colorful, innovative designs demand attention. You have exclusivity in your space. It delivers to a varied audience. It is cost-effective and affordable and you help support public transit in your community!

Petaluma Paratransit

 

Petaluma Transit 

Bus Stop

Fee

$130 per month

The longer you advertise the more people you’ll reach.

$260 per month

The longer you advertise the more people you’ll reach.

$130 per month

The longer you advertise the more people you’ll reach.

Exposure Paratransit vehicles travel all over Petaluma picking up and dropping of seniors and/or individuals in neighborhoods, shopping centers, hospitals, etc. The bus travels a set path on main roads in Petaluma. These bus stop shelters are located throughout Petaluma at popular destinations.  For bus stop shelter locations, please click the following link: Bus Shelter Advertising Locations.
Signage Graphic size:  46.250 x 19.375 inchesNeeds to be printed on weather-resistant vinyl using UV resistant ink (it will pretty much be a large decal/sticker). Graphic size:  46.250 x 19.375 inches  & thickness  over .125”  & up to .250” thickNeeds to be printed with UV resistant ink Graphic size:  48 x 70 inches with a 3” border.Needs to be printed on backlit material .020″ White Polystyrene Film that is UV and waterproof, with high-quality UV archival ink,
The advertiser will provide a digital copy of the proposed advertising poster to PT prior to commencing poster production.  All advertising must be approved by PT.  PT will not be liable for any production costs associated with unapproved posters.Additional Information:

The minimum contract is one calendar month. Costs include installation and removal of the artwork. The advertiser is responsible for the design, production, and delivery of artwork. Creative change beyond the original installation is $60 per bus shelter and $40 per vehicle.

Advertising Contact

Maria Arce

Transit Specialist, Marketing & Outreach

707-778-4506

marce@cityofpetaluma.org

Regional Transit Connection (RTC) Discount ID Card

RTC Overview

The Regional Transit Connection (RTC) Discount ID Card is available to persons with qualifying disabilities. You may use the card as proof of eligibility to receive discount fares on fixed-route, rail and ferry systems throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. The RTC Program does not apply to paratransit services.

Applications are accepted at Petaluma Transit and then forwarded to a central office where applications are reviewed, information is verified and an eligibility determination is made. An RTC Discount ID Card will be mailed to eligible applicants within 21 days.

Applying for an RTC Card

When applying for a Discount ID Card:

When you receive your RTC Discount ID card, you will be immediately eligible for reduced fares on all participating transit systems. No additional proof of eligibility is required, but you must show the Discount ID Card at the time you pay the fare.

Renewing a Card

A renewal notice will be sent to you two months prior to the expiration date on your card if you have a permanent disability, or if you provided a Medicare card as proof of eligibility. Other “non-permanent” cardholders must complete the application process each time their card expires. It is your responsibility to ensure that the transit agency has your current address.

If you are a Senior who has been using an RTC card, you will be asked to apply for a Senior Clipper card when your RTC card expires.

If you do not receive a mail reminder,

  1. Download the Renewal Application (PDF) or you may contact us to and request a renewal application.
  2. Mail your completed application to the RTC Central Processor (address below) with a $3 personal or cashier’s check (Do NOT send cash). Or you may bring your completed application and $3 fee to your transit agency.

RTC Central Processor
P.O. Box 70040
Oakland CA 94612-0040

For those using DMV Disabled Parking Placards

Your renewal application cannot be processed until your new DMV Placard number is submitted and verified.

Replacing Lost or Stolen Cards

First, check with your local transit agency to see if the card has been returned. If so, you may reclaim your old card at no cost.

If not, download the Lost/Replacement Card Application (PDF). You can contact us and request a form.

You can also mail the application or a written request for a replacement directly to:

RTC Central Processor
P.O. Box 70040
Oakland CA 94612-0040

Be sure to include your name (as it appears on your card), card identification number (if you have it), date of birth and current address with a written request. You must include the $5 payment in the form of a personal or cashier’s check. Do not send cash.

You will receive a replacement card by mail within 7-10 days. We are not able to issue a temporary card in the interim.

Be sure to take good care of your RTC Discount ID Card! We will only replace your card up to three (3) times within a 12-month period at a cost of $5.00 for each time. You will not be issued another card within that period. However, if you feel that your disability is such that you are prone to losing personal items, you may submit a “Disability Justification” form for additional replacements. This form can be requested at the time of your 4th replacement application. Your doctor must complete this form and mail it directly to the Central Processor.

You will also be charged the $5 replacement fee if the card is damaged due to poor care.

Have more questions? View our RTC FAQs

RTC Forms

Basic Eligibility Form

Renewal Application

Lost / Replacement Card Application

Attendant Supplemental Card

Contact us if you would like us to mail you any of the listed forms.

More information on this regional program can be found at 511.org.

Rider Guide

Petaluma Transit’s Rider Guide

Check out our digital Rider Guide for our route maps, service hours, and other important information. Hard copies are available on all Petaluma Transit vehicles.  Please contact us if you would like a Rider Guide mailed to you.

Petaluma Transit Videos

Check out our videos on how to ride Petaluma Transit.  Remember we offer free Group Presentations and Transit Tours if you would like more help/information riding Petaluma Transit, just call our Travel Trainer at 707-778-4506 or send us an email at transit@cityofpetaluma.org.

Where to Get a Schedule

Petaluma Transit schedules are available at City Hall, the Community Center, the Public Library, and at various locations throughout Petaluma. All buses carry our schedules, or you can call for transit information at 707-778-4460. We will be glad to send you one.

Bus Stops

Buses stop at designated Petaluma Transit stops, generally every few blocks along the route. Bus stop location information can be obtained by calling 707-778-4460. If you wish to board a Petaluma Transit bus and cannot find a designated bus stop, waive to the approaching bus to signal it to pull over at the nearest safe location. Ask your bus driver where the nearest stop is located.

Be Early

Always get to your bus stop five minutes before your bus is scheduled to arrive. We will do our best, but variations in weather and traffic conditions sometimes make it impossible to operate exactly at the scheduled times.

Paratransit

Transportation for ADA-eligible persons in Petaluma is available by calling Petaluma Paratransit Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 9 am to 3 pm. Trips can be booked for travel on Monday through Friday, 6:20 am to 7:15 pm, Saturday, 7:20 am to 7:45 pm, and Sunday, 8:20 am to 5:45 pm at 707-778-4460. Fare is $3.00 per trip.

Handicap Accessibility – Passengers in Wheelchairs

All of our routes are accessible to wheelchair passengers. We ask that all wheelchairs have a working brake system.

Transporting Life-Support Equipment

You may bring with you during your trip a respirator, portable oxygen, and/or other life-supporting equipment; this equipment must not violate laws or rules regarding the transportation of hazardous materials. Equipment must be of an appropriate size to fit in our paratransit and fixed-route vehicles and be under your continuous control (or your attendant’s continuous control).

Kneeling the Bus

Ask the driver to “kneel the bus if you have difficulty climbing the step.” Our buses have a kneeling feature which lowers the bus to curb level for easier boarding.

Bicycles on Buses

Petaluma Transit buses are equipped with front-mounted bicycle racks. These racks can accommodate two to three bicycles very quickly and easily. Riders are responsible for loading and unloading bicycles on a first-come, first-served basis.

Rules for Safe Riders

It’s Against State Law To:

Please see our Rider Code of Conduct for more information.

Contact / Contacto

If any information and/or materials on this website are needed in another language or format, please contact us at 707-778-4421 or send us an email at transit@cityofpetaluma.org.

Si necesita información y/o materiales en este sitio web en otro idioma o formato, comuníquese con nosotros al 707-778-4421 o envíenos un correo electrónico a transit@cityofpetaluma.org.

Main Line: 707-778-4460

Title VI Civil Rights Program

If you believe that you have received discriminatory treatment by Petaluma Transit on the basis of your race, color or national origin, you have the right to file a Title VI complaint click here.

American with Disabilities Act & Reasonable Modification

If you believe you have been excluded from, denied the benefits of, or been subjected to discrimination due to your disability while using any Petaluma Transit services,  you have the right to file an ADA complaint click here.  You may also ask for a change to make the transit system more accessible to you.

Advertising Opportunities.

Are you interested in advertising on our vehicles or at our Bus stops? Click here.

Petaluma Transit Information:

 Monday-FridaySaturdaySundayHoliday Sunday Service*Holiday No Service**
Service Hours6:15 AM – 8:00 PM7:45 AM – 8:00 PM8:45 AM – 5:00 PM8:45 AM – 5:00 PMCLOSED
Call Center Hours 

 

707-778-4460

6:15 AM – 8:00 PM6:15 AM – 8:00 PM6:15 AM – 8:00 PM8:45 AM – 5:00 PMCLOSED
Public Office Hours8:00 AM – 6:00 PM9:00 AM – 3:00 PM9:00 AM – 3:00 PM9:00 AM – 3:00 PMCLOSED

Petaluma Paratransit Information:

 Monday-FridaySaturdaySundayHoliday Sunday Service*Holiday No Service**
Service Hours6:15 AM – 8:00 PM7:45 AM – 8:00 PM8:45 AM – 5:00 PM8:45 AM – 5:00 PMCLOSED
Reservation Hours 

 

707-778-4460

9:00 AM – 5:00 PM9:00 AM – 5:00 PM9:00 AM – 3:00 PM9:00 AM – 3:00 PMCLOSED
Cancelation Hours 

 

707-778-4460

Open 24 hours a day.  Please leave a message.Open 24 hours a day.  Please leave a message.Open 24 hours a day.  Please leave a message.Open 24 hours a day.  Please leave a message.Open 24 hours a day.  Please leave a message.
* Holiday Sunday Service** Holiday No Service
We provide Sunday service on the following holidays: 

 

  • Martin Luther King Jr.
  • Presidents Day
  • Memorial Day
  • Labor Day
  • Veterans Day
  • Day after Thanksgiving
  • Christmas Eve
**We are closed and do not provide service on the following holidays: 

 

  • New Year’s Day
  • 4th of July
  • Thanksgiving
  • Christmas

Additional Contact Information

Transit Division Manager, Jared Hall
555 North McDowell Blvd

Petaluma, CA 94954
Phone: 707.778.4421
email: jhall@cityofpetaluma.org

Transit Specialist Marketing & Outreach, Maria Arce

Phone: 707-778-4506

email: marce@cityofpetaluma.org

Fares & Passes

Fixed Route Fare Structure

Please bring exact change. Our drivers cannot make change. Dollar bills are accepted in the farebox.

Fares & Passes (Buy Online)

 AdultYouth (5-18 yrs old)Seniors (65+) / Disabled
Cash Fare$1.50K-12 Ride Free
June 2023-June 2025
$.75
Monthly Pass$30.00 BUYK-12 Ride Free
June 2023-June 2025
$15.00 BUY
Quarterly Youth PassN/AK-12 Ride Free
June 2023-June 2025
N/A
Summer Youth Pass (July 1 – September 30)N/AK-12 Ride Free
June 2023-June 2025
N/A
Two children, five years or younger, ride free with one paying adult. Transfers are free with the paid fare.

Bus passes may be purchased on-line or in-person at Petaluma Transit Office, 555 N McDowell Blvd.

Clipper

Please note: Petaluma Transit is “Tag on only.” You are charged a flat fare; therefore you only “tag” once when you board the bus. Clipper smart cards can be used on all routes operated by Petaluma Transit.  They provide the convenience of loading a rolling 31-Day Pass or Cash Value (same as paying cash fare) without carrying an actual paper pass or change.  Clipper automatically calculates your fare and transfer credits between Petaluma Transit and other transit agencies.  You may order a regular Adult Clipper card online, or obtain one in person at the Petaluma Transit Office. For more information on Clipper visit Using Clipper on Petaluma Transit.

Clipper START

Clipper START is a pilot program to provide single-ride discounts to eligible riders. Eligible riders can receive a 50% discount off the cash fares on Petaluma Transit. To qualify you must be a resident of San Francisco Bay Area, 19-64 years old, and have a household income of 200% of the federal poverty level or less.

You can apply for Clipper START via the online application www.clipperstartcard.com/application. You can also apply using the paper application in the Clipper START brochure that is available on Petaluma Transit vehicles or call the Clipper START Customer Service Center at 855-614-9149. Applicants are required to provide proof of income and identity to support their application. Proof of identity documents can be a valid driver’s license, passport, voting card, Mexican ID. Proof of income documents includes CalFresh/Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, Medi-Cal card, Muni Lifeline card, County benefit eligibility letter, Most recent tax return. Other forms of proof of income or identity may also be considered.

To learn more about Clipper START and apply online, visit clipperstartcard.com.

Clipper Start Application

Youth & Senior Discounts

Clipper Youth and Senior cards are specially encoded to automatically calculate the discounted fare each time you use the card. To apply for a card, download and complete the appropriate application linked below. Be sure to identify which form of eligibility you are submitting and provide the document’s number. You must send a copy of your eligibility document with your application. Only send photocopies. Do not send original documents. You can submit your application by mail, email, or fax. To get a card immediately, you can apply in person at the Petaluma Transit offices or at a participating transit partner location (see in-person locations here). Clipper Customer Service will mail your card directly to the address you provide on your application. Cards mailed by Clipper Customer Service typically arrive within seven days. Youth and Senior Clipper cards are automatically registered when they are issued. If your card is ever lost or stolen, contact Clipper Customer Service to obtain a new card and restore your balance. If you wish to set up an online account to manage your card, call Clipper Customer Service at 877.878.8883.

Clipper Youth Application

Clipper Senior Application

Regional Transit Connection (RTC) Discount ID Card

The Regional Transit Connection (RTC) Discount ID Card is available to persons with qualifying disabilities. You may use the card as proof of eligibility to receive discount fares on fixed-route, rail, and ferry systems throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. The RTC Program does not apply to paratransit services. Applications are accepted at Petaluma Transit and then forwarded to a central office where applications are reviewed, information is verified and an eligibility determination is made. An RTC Discount ID Card will be mailed to eligible applicants within 21 days. More information and applications can be found here.

Transfers

Transfer tickets are issued when a fare is paid (cash), are valid on any Petaluma Transit bus for 2 hours in any direction of travel, and are non-transferable.  Petaluma Transit (PT), Golden Gate Transit (GGT), and Sonoma County Transit (SCT) accept valid transfer tickets.  Those transferring to and/or from SMART to Petaluma Transit will automatically receive the transfer credit via Clipper.

Transfer to PT from GGT/SCT/SMART
Adult  $1.50, Youth free,  Senior/Disabled 75¢

Transfer to GGT from PT
Adult  $1.50,  Youth $1.00 (GGT is not participating in the free youth program),  Senior/Disabled 75¢

Transfer to SMART from PT (via Clipper)
Adult  $1.50, Youth free,  Senior/Disabled 75¢

Transfer to SCT from PT
Adult  $1.50, Youth free,  Senior/Disabled 75¢

Groups

We ask that groups of 10 or more individuals planning to ride Petaluma Transit please provide us with a courtesy call 48 hours in advance to help us plan your trip, especially during peak travel times.

Class Pass

A class pass is a program available to schools, clubs, and other non-profit organizations that allows youth/students (5-18 years old) to travel free of charge on Petaluma Transit.  The adults in this group are responsible for paying the regular adult fare ($1.50) per trip.  We require any group(s) planning to utilize the class pass program on Petaluma Transit to please notify our dispatch office 48 hours in advance at 707-778-4460. This will help us plan your trip, especially during peak travel times.  Also, keep in mind the class pass is used on regular fixed-route transit and the group must board and exit the bus together.

Transit Buddy

A transit buddy is someone who travels trains with individuals on Petaluma Transit.  The transit buddy’s client pays the appropriate fare and the transit buddy rides free when they present their Petaluma Transit Buddy Pass. Contact Maria Arce, Transit Specialist to apply 707-778-4506.

Personal Care Attendant

A personal care attendant is an individual who provides assistance to the passenger with daily life functions and may provide assistance during the ride or at the destination. If you need assistance to travel, riding with a personal attendant is strongly encouraged.  A personal care attendant is not required to pay his/her fare and must be picked up and dropped off at the same locations as the passenger.

Commuter Benefits

Find out about the Commuter Benefits Program on  511.org.

Paratransit Fares

Find out information about Paratransit fares here.

Call 707-778-4460 for more information.

U.S. Veterans

Riders can ride for free on all Petaluma Transit’s fixed-route service by presenting one of the following forms of identification to their bus driver:

Veterans interested in applying for a Veteran ID card should visit https://www.va.gov/records/get-veteran-id-cards/vic/.

SRJC students ride FREE!* 

*Your valid SRJC ID is your Bus Pass!