The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) is seeking a Company to perform Americans with Disability Act (ADA) required complementary paratransit passenger service to augment the existing Special Transportation Service (STS). The Company will meet all Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal
Transit Administration (FTA) and ADA requirements in the safe and efficient service of the assigned passengers.

In accordance with the ADA, CATS offers complementary paratransit services to individuals who, because of a disability (physical, cognitive, or visual), cannot access fixed routes buses. The ADA defines eligibility for complementary Paratransit service in 49 CFR Section 37.123 of the federal regulations.
CATS operates the paratransit system, which is a pre-scheduled, shared-ride, origin to destination service.

This is a nonexclusive agreement. CATS reserves the right to certify other eligible private transportation service companies that apply to participate in the Program.

The term “customer” shall refer to CATS applicants and/or existing CATS clients and their companions or Personal Care Attendants (PCA). The term “CATS Transit System” shall refer to both CATS’ accessible fixed route bus and CATS’ accessible light rail.

The Company shall be responsible for transporting CATS paratransit eligible customers in accordance with the ADA. Disability alone does not determine paratransit eligibility; the decision is based on the customer’s functional ability to use the fixed-route bus and is not a medical decision.

CATS service area is 741 sq. miles and paratransit service consists of over 5,000 eligible passengers and 2,500 active passengers with at least one ride in past 12 months. With currently 700+ scheduled rides per weekday and 200+ on weekends. 25% of trips scheduled involve a customer with a mobility device. As the COVID-19 pandemic ridership is returning to pre-pandemic levels

While the City is flexible with respect to certain elements of the Special Transportation Services (STS) ADA Paratransit Services, the City has specific requirements and preferences for the Service delivery method.

PSR #1510