Marin Access Changes

Overview

Marin Transit will be implementing changes to several Marin Access programs on July 1, 2023. These changes are intended to stabilize the ADA-mandated paratransit program, focus programs and services on the populations most in need, improve service reliability and legibility for Marin Access riders, and improve the rider experience. Complete detail about the changes can be found here.

We encourage riders to review the information below carefully and check back regularly as updates will be made to this page throughout the implementation process. Please consider joining us for an upcoming info session to learn more (see the Upcoming Events section below)! For information about existing Marin Access programs, visit www.marinaccess.org; this will be updated on July 1.

Service Changes

ADA Paratransit Catch-A-Ride Connect Novato Dial-A-Ride Rural Dial-A-Ride Volunteer Driver ProgramsFare Assistance

ADA Paratransit

What’s New

  • On July 1, 2023 the fare for local paratransit trips will increase to $4 per one-way trip. This is part of a phased fare increase approved by the Marin Transit Board of Directors for implementation in July 2020. More information can be found here.
  • On July 1, 2023 the fare for regional paratransit trips will increase $0.50 per one-way trip. 

What Riders Can Expect

  • All local paratransit trips booked for July 1, 2023 and beyond will require that riders pay a $4 fare when boarding.
  • All regional paratransit trips booked for July 1, 2023 and beyond will require that riders pay an additional $0.50 per trip when boarding.

Catch-A-Ride 2.0 Pilot Program

What’s New

  • Starting July 1, 2023, Marin Transit will introduce an enhanced Catch-A-Ride pilot program where riders use vouchers for their trips. Eligible users are residents of Marin County that are age 65+ or ADA eligible. 
    • Riders have the option to select paper, digital, or mixed (50% paper, 50% digital) vouchers for their trips. Paper vouchers can be used for trips with a traditional taxi provider and digital vouchers can be used for trips with Uber.
    • Riders will receive 30 one-way vouchers each quarter (three month period). Vouchers must be used during that quarter.
    • For each trip, the rider will pay a $5 base fare, the voucher will cover the next $20 and the rider will be responsible for all costs above $25. This is a higher subsidy amount than the current program to allow for longer trips.
    • Riders eligible for the Marin Access Fare Assistance program will not have to pay the base fare; the voucher will cover $25 towards the total fare and riders will be responsible for all costs above $25. Riders eligible for the Marin Access Fare Assistance program will also receive 10 additional long-distance, one-way vouchers each quarter ($40).
    • Marin Transit will lease an accessible vehicle to our taxi partner, North Bay Taxi, to ensure that riders using a wheelchair or mobility device always have access to this program.
    • Riders will not be able to use the Marin Access Passenger Portal payment account to pay for fares. 

How to Sign Up for and Use the Program

  • To use the program, riders must be eligible for Marin Access Mobility programs. Eligibility for mobility programs requires that applicants provide documentation demonstrating their age and address. All individuals that have completed the voucher selection form will be contacted by phone or email If additional information or documentation is needed to complete the eligibility process for Marin Access Mobility programs. 
  • First, riders must select their preferred voucher type to use the program. Contact the Travel Navigators to identify your Catch-A-Ride program selections. Riders must complete this form before they can receive their vouchers in advance of July 1, 2023. If you complete this form after June 15 you may experience a brief disruption in your ability to use Catch-A-Ride.
  • Once a voucher selection is made, riders must complete the Catch-A-Ride pilot program waiver. Contact the Travel Navigators to to complete the waiver. Failure to complete the waiver and/or agree to all terms will result in your inability to use the program. 
  • Starting July 1, 2023 riders will book trips directly with the provider based on their voucher type.
    • Paper vouchers: Riders will call North Bay Taxi (call (415) 454-0902, option 5) to schedule a trip and then provide a voucher to the driver when they board the vehicle. If you have already received your paper vouchers you can book trips for July 1 and beyond starting June 29th. Riders are not permitted to book trips without having received paper vouchers. The driver will check your ID when boarding and compare it to the name on the voucher.
    • Digital vouchers: Riders will use the Uber app to book trips and apply a voucher within the Uber app.

Connect Pilot Program

What’s New

  • The last day of operations for the Connect pilot program will be June 30, 2023.

What Riders Can Expect

Novato Dial-A-Ride

What’s New

  • The last day of operations for the Novato Dial-A-Ride will be June 30, 2023.

What Riders Can Expect

Rural Dial-A-Ride

What’s New

  • Starting July 1, 2023 the Dillon Beach / Tomales and Point Reyes Dial-A-Ride services will be re-branded as part of the new Marin Access Shuttle program.

What Riders Can Expect

  • This is an administrative change that will not impact how the service is operated, how trips are booked, or the fare for each trip.
  • Starting July 1, 2023 riders should visit marintransit.org/marin-access to learn more.

Volunteer Driver Programs

What’s New

  • Starting July 1, 2023 the mileage reimbursement rate for the STAR and TRIP volunteer driver programs will increase from $0.60 per mile to $0.70 per mile.

What Riders Can Expect

  • All trips completed July 1, 2023 and beyond will be reimbursed at the new rate.
  • This is an administrative change that does not require any action from riders or volunteers.

Fare Assistance

What’s New

  • On July 1, 2023 the Low Income Fare Assistance program will be re-named the Marin Access Fare Assistance Program.
  • As of July 1, 2023, Marin Access Fare Assistance credit will be disbursed on a quarterly basis to allow eligible riders more flexibility with how they use their credit.
  • On July 1, 2023 fare assistance credit will increase from $60 to $75 per quarter. This is part of a planned increase approved by the Marin Transit Board of Directors for implementation in July 2020. More information can be found here.
  • As of July 1, 2023 fare assistance credit will only be usable for Local Paratransit trips and trips on Marin Access shuttles. Eligible individuals using the new Catch-A-Ride program will no longer be required to pay a base fare for their trips resulting in a net increase of fare assistance for all eligible participants. See above.

What Riders Can Expect

  • This re-naming is an administrative change that will not impact the eligibility for current participants.
  • Eligible individuals will still have access to a free pass to use on Marin Transit fixed route service. Individuals that have an existing LIFA bus pass will receive a sticker for the new period of validation (July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2024) in mid June. 
  • The annual fare assistance renewal process will be delayed. Eligible participants will be eligible through September 30, 2023; LIFA credit not used by June 30, 2023 will not roll over. Information about the renewal process will be sent to eligible participants via US Mail and email in July 2023.
  • Starting July 1, 2023 riders should visit marintransit.org/mafa to learn more about the fare assistance program.

Learn More

If you have any questions, please contact the Travel Navigators at 415.454.0902 or travelnavigator@marinaccess.org.

Upcoming Events

If you are a person with a disability and require an accommodation to participate in a Marin Transit program, service, or activity, requests may be made by calling 415-226-0855 (voice), 711 (TDD/TTY), or by email at least five days in advance of the event. Copies of documents are available in alternative formats upon request.