Reasonable Modifications Policy

Background

Image of a man and his guide dogs getting off the bus.The United States Department of Transportation issued a final rule on transportation for individuals with disabilities: reasonable modification of policies and practices. This policy is in addition to ADA policies that Stanislaus Regional Transit Authority (StanRTA) already has in place. 

StanRTA's fixed route, demand response, and ADA complementary paratransit services will make reasonable modifications and/or accommodations to policies and practices to ensure program accessibility. 

Stopping Locations

Buses can adjust where the bus stops in order to accommodate persons with disabilities using mobility devices. If a person with or in a mobility device is not directly at the stop, the bus must stop before or pull past the bus stop to accommodate this passenger(s)



Requests for Reasonable Modification and/ or Accommodations

StanRTA provides an accessible means by which individuals with disabilities can request a reasonable modification and/or accommodation. 

Making your Request 

When possible, requests for modifications should be made in advance. 

  • To make a request, call 209-527-4900
  • You will be asked to describe the requested modification
  • Include information on why it is needed in order to allow the individual to use the transportation provider's services
  • Click here for the Reasonable Modification Form

StanRTA also provides reasonable modification and/or accommodations for those situations in which an advance request is not possible. The Department of Transportation recognizes that these situations are likely to be more difficult to handle than advance requests, but responding to them is necessary. 

Examples of Modifications and/or Accommodations

  • Adjusting where the bus stops at a bus stop to make it easier for wheelchair access to the sidewalk.
  • Request for additional call outs for intersections and/or bus stops along the route.
  • Assistance from the bus driver getting on and off the bus.

Granting of Requests

StanRTA makes every effort to meet the needs of all passengers, however, some unexpected circumstances may arise, and requests for a modification and/or accommodation may not be fulfilled. In such a situation, the transit vehicle operator would have the front-line responsibility for deciding whether to grant the on-the-spot request, though it would be consistent with the rule for the operator to call his or her supervisor for guidance on how to proceed. 

Denial of Request for Modification and/or Accommodation 

  • Cause a direct threat to the health or safety of others;
  • Result in a fundamental alteration of the service;
  • Not actually necessary in order for the individual with a disability access to the entity's service.
  • Resulting in an undue financial and administrative burden.