Travelers with disabilities may need assistance in getting where they want to go. Santa Cruz County offers a variety of options to make transportation accessible to everyone.

Fixed-Route Service (Santa Cruz Metro)

The local bus company offers a variety of options for accessibility on their regular bus lines. Every bus has priority seating for older adults and disabled riders, is equipped with ramp, and “kneels” to make boarding easier. Buses have securement systems to provide safe seating, and all drivers are trained to assist with these systems.

Santa Cruz Metro also provides Mobility Training. Service animals are welcome aboard Santa Cruz Metro buses.

Paracruz

In cooperation with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), Santa Cruz Metro operates ‘METRO ParaCruz’, a complementary paratransit service. Santa Cruz Metro operates a fleet of safe, clean, modern and accessible large buses, small buses, and minivans, connecting people to educational, business, medical, shopping, social, and other destinations. All Santa Cruz Metro fixed route buses and ParaCruz vehicles are accessible to any customers needing the use of a ramp or lift to board a Santa Cruz Metro vehicle.

Santa Cruz Metro ParaCruz is a shared-ride service, providing door-to-door public transportation for people who have a temporary or permanent physical, cognitive, or psychiatric disability that prevents them from making some or all of their trips on Santa Cruz Metro’s fixed route bus system.

Customers may arrange for an assistant to travel with them.  Rides are scheduled in advance, and frequently include picking up and dropping off other customers along the way.

METRO ParaCruz provides the level of access to mass public transportation for people with disabilities that is comparable to the rest of the community.

Other Resources

• Specialized Transportation – Along with the transportation options offered by Santa Cruz Metro, many other options for Specialized Transportation are available within Santa Cruz County. These include other ride services, medical transportation, and advocacy organizations.