CLOVIS, Calif. — The City of Clovis is considering changes to its Round Up ADA paratransit service as it prepares for possible funding losses.
City officials say the future of the service could depend on what voters decide on Measure S.
The city says Measure C funding currently helps support Clovis Transit, but with that funding uncertainty, officials are preparing for what could happen if it is not replaced.
City of Clovis General Services Director Amy Hance says officials are getting ahead of the issue by alerting affected riders early and working on possible solutions.
Several Clovis riders raised worrisome concerns that proposed changes to the city’s Round Up ADA paratransit service could make it harder to get to medical appointments and other destinations.
Those concerns were voiced during a public meeting at the Clovis Transit Center on Friday, where residents learned more about two possible changes to the service.
The city held six public meetings to hear directly from riders and gather feedback on the proposed changes.
One proposal would reduce the Round Up coverage area to the ADA-required service area, within three-quarters of a mile of Clovis Transit’s fixed bus routes.
The city’s map shows the yellow area that would remain covered. The green area would no longer be part of the Round Up service area.
Clovis Round Up riders could see ADA paratransit service changes if Measure S fails. (Photo: City of Clovis)
The second proposal would require riders to reserve trips at least one day in advance by 5 p.m.
“My concerns is that I wouldn’t be able to use the service for my doctors which are past the areas where I need to go,” said Jennifer Ward, a Round Up rider.
Hance said the city is considering the changes due to funding.
Hance said Measure C currently brings in about $2.2 million each year for Clovis Transit, roughly 25% of the system’s operating budget. With it expiring soon, she says, “it would create quite a gap in funding for us.”
Hance said if Measure S, the replacement for Measure C, passes, the proposed changes would not take place.
But if it does not pass, the green area you see on the map above would no longer be covered.
Hance said Fresno Area Express, known as FAX, could be an option for some riders who fall outside the new service area.
For riders, that would mean coordinating separate trips and taking multiple buses instead of having one direct ride.
Ward said that possibility worries her, especially when it comes to making doctor’s appointments on time.
“You don’t know how the schedule is with Fresno,” Ward said. “And then some doctors do charge a service if you don’t get to their appointment on time or you’re late, they will charge you $50 or $100.”
FOX26 asked Hance what would happen to riders who cannot find another ride or do not believe FAX is a workable option.
“That’s a really good question, and I don’t have an answer for that,” Hance said. “But what I can tell you is that staff here at Clovis Transit and at the City of Clovis remain available and working with our community to try and create solutions for every one of our passengers.”
Hance said Clovis Transit has historically provided service beyond what is required under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The changes are only proposed at this point. The city says the outcome will depend on what voters decide on Measure S.
Residents can share comments about the proposals by emailing ClovisTransit@ClovisCA.gov or calling (559) 324-2795.