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:
- Be unable to get to and from a bus stop or on and off a lift-equipped bus by yourself
- Have a cognitive disability that prohibits your understanding of how to complete bus trips
As part of the certification process, you must complete an application and provide a licensed medical professional’s contact information to verify your disability. All applicants must qualify for certification under the guidelines established by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
Paratransit Application
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.
Incomplete applications will be returned. Two signatures are required to process all applications, found on page 7.
Petaluma Paratransit application (English)
Petaluma Paratransit Application (Spanish)
Petaluma Paratransit Rider Guide
Fares
As of July 1, 2024 Petaluma Transit is a fare-free system. No fares will be collected for travel on Petaluma Transit operated paratransit, fixed-route, and microtransit services. This is a one-year pilot that we anticipate will be extended for years to come.
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 707-778-4460 between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm Monday through Friday, and 9:00 am and 3:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday.
- Be prepared to give your full name, your origin, your destination, and either the time you need to be picked up OR the time you need to be dropped off in order to best schedule your ride. Let the reservationist know if you will need a return trip or if you will have someone accompanying you.
- Riders may call to reserve a trip from 1 to 7 days in advance.
- Cancellations must be made at least two hours prior to your scheduled pick-up time so that your riding privileges are not suspended. Timely cancellations allow Petaluma Paratransit to serve more customers.
- If you wish to change your destination, you must call the reservation office at least one day prior to your trip in order to see if a change can be accommodated.
Petaluma Transit Offices: 555 N McDowell Blvd Petaluma CA 94954
Contact Information
Have more questions?
707-778-4460
email: petpara@cityofpetaluma.org