ADA

ADA Policy Plans and Procedures

Biddeford Saco Old Orchard Beach Transit (BSOOB Transit) is committed to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act and making sure that people with disabilities have an equal opportunity to take part in community life. Equal access to transportation services is key to that participation.

All Biddeford Saco Old Orchard Beach Transit buses are accessible and equipped with passenger lifts and/or ramps that can be used by persons with wheelchairs, walkers and other mobility devices. All buses contain space to accommodate two (2) people using wheelchairs.

BSOOB Transit requires all wheelchairs and other mobility devices (such as scooters etc.) be secured when possible. If wheelchair or other mobility device cannot be secured because our securement equipment does not fit correctly, passengers may still ride if they wish, but will understand that they are not secured.

BSOOB Transit will transport any wheelchair or mobility device that does not exceed the capabilities of its bus or equipment.

BSOOB Transit Operators are required to request that persons sitting in priority seating move to another seat when a person with a disability needs to use that area.

BSOOB Transit Operators are required to deploy the lift/ramp or kneel the bus when requested.

BSOOB Transit uses automatic stop announcements on all buses. If the automated stop announcements are not working, then BSOOB Transit Operators are required to announce major stops and connecting buses at those stops.

BSOOB Transit Operators will allow any persons using respirators or portable oxygen to board the bus.

BSOOB Transit Operators will allow persons with disabilities enough time to board or disembark the bus.

BSOOB Transit will allow service animals to be brought on the buses.

Any Passenger that feels they have been discriminated because of a disability may file a complaint with BSOOB Transit. (Link to Complaint Form)

Riders who require assistance in filing an ADA complaint due to a disability (such as visual impairment, literacy challenges, or mobility constraints) may request accommodation by contacting our Community Engagement / Mobility Manager:

• Contact: Larry Days, Community Engagement / Mobility Manager
• Address: 138 Main Street, Saco, Maine 04072
• Phone: 207-282-5408
• Email: ldays@bsoobtransit.org

Staff will assist the rider verbally, provide alternative accessible formats (large print, audio, electronic), or record the details on the rider’s behalf. This assistance notice and contact information are published on the BSOOB Transit website and in rider guides.

Record Retention Policy

BSOOB Transit maintains ADA complaint records as follows:

• Detailed Records: Full records of individual ADA-related complaints, investigation files, and response letters are retained for a minimum of one (1) year from the resolution date.
• Summary Log: A summary log of all ADA-related complaints, including categorization and disposition, is retained for a minimum of five (5) years.

Retention records are stored securely in physical and electronic filing systems maintained by the ADA Coordinator.

Schedule Information for Visually Impaired of Blind

BSOOB Transit schedules can also be printed from the website and printed out in a larger format. Passengers that are visually impaired can call BSOOB Transit customer service reps between the hours of 9am and 4:30pm, Monday through Friday to get help with understanding the bus schedule.

Passengers may visit the BSOOB Transit office at:

Saco Transportation Center
138 Main St
Saco, Maine 04072

BSOOB Transit Route Deviation Policy:

Route deviation will not exceed ¾ of a mile round trip off our existing routes. BSOOB Transit riders requiring route deviation should contact the office at info@BSOOBTransit.org or 207-282-5408 at least 2 hours in advance on weekdays.  Weekend requests must be made by 2pm on Friday’s.  Be advised that fares will be doubled for these requests.

BSOOB Transit Reasonable Modification Policy:

BSOOB Transit is committed to providing safe, reliable, courteous, accessible and user-friendly services to its customers. To ensure equality and fairness, BSOOB Transit is committed to making reasonable modifications to its policies, practices and procedures to avoid discrimination and to ensure programs and services are accessible. Requests for modifications can be made by calling the BSOOB Transit Office at 207-282-5408 or emailing: info@BSOOBTransit.org.