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Medical non-Emergency Transportation Services (METS) Overview - Staff
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Informational presentation on the Medical non-Emergency Transportation Services (METS) Program, including program overview and implementation updates, presented by Transit Agency staff.
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Financial Impact:
There is no fiscal impact associated with this informational item. Program funding has been secured through existing sources.
Background Information:
The Medical Transportation Service (METS) program provides non-emergency medical transportation for qualifying Tehama County residents who have no other available means of transportation. The program is administered through the Tehama County Transit Agency Board and operated with the assistance of volunteer drivers.
METS is designed as a supplemental, last-resort transportation service intended to support individuals who are unable to access other available transportation options, including TRAX, ParaTRAX, or transportation provided by family or friends.
Key characteristics of the METS program include:
• Transportation is limited to medical appointments only
• Service is provided by volunteer drivers using personal vehicles
• Service area includes Tehama, Butte, Glenn, and Shasta Counties
• Trips must be scheduled through the METS office with advance notice (typically 7 days)
• Service is available Monday through Friday, with limited availability during holidays
• Priority is generally given to senior and transportation-disadvantaged individuals
• Through the PATH pilot, limited health-related and stability-supporting trips may be evaluated (e.g., pharmacy access, behavioral health services, and benefits coordination) to support access to care
Due to the reliance on volunteer drivers and limited program capacity, availability may vary and trips are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis.
In addition to the existing program structure, staff is currently coordinating with PATH to implement a pilot effort aimed at improving access to non-emergency medical transportation for vulnerable populations. The pilot is intended to evaluate opportunities for enhanced coordination, identify service gaps, and assess whether partnerships can improve efficiency and expand access within the constraints of the existing METS framework.
To support this effort, a dedicated vehicle has been procured and is currently awaiting decal application prior to delivery. The pilot program remains on track for an anticipated launch date of July 1, 2026.
This presentation will provide the Board with an overview of the METS program, including eligibility requirements, service limitations, operational structure, coordination with other local transit services, and the status of the PATH pilot initiative. The intent is to ensure Board awareness of the program’s role within the broader transportation network and emerging opportunities for improvement.