Madison upgrades accessibility to MARS Transit Program
MADISON – A popular song’s lyrics state, “Life is a highway,” and those road trips with Madison Assisted Ride System or MARS just geared up for easier access.
The MARS program now has new scheduling software for better booking; reloadable passes; and improved review and tracking of rides. MARS is a paratransit system, which involves demand-responsive transportation services designed for doorto- door travel for individuals who cannot use conventional public transit due to disabilities or mobility challenges. (Wikipedia. org) The City of Madison funds MARS entirely and operates with assistance from City of Huntsville Parking and Public Transit call center. Individuals are eligible for MARS who live in Madison City Limits and qualify for paratransit service under Americans with Disabilities Act or ADA guidelines.
The city officially launched the modernized platform on April 20. This transformation represents a significant milestone, as Madison brings transportation scheduling, dispatching and reservations fully in house, ending reliance on third-party services and delivering improved experience for MARS riders, caregivers and families, according to a city press release.
The new system introduces a suite of tools:
• Trip Portal Mobile app Schedule and manage trips directly from your smartphone, tablet or computer . . . anytime, anywhere.
• Online client portal — Book, review and track rides.
• Reloadable (or refillable) bus passes — Both electronic and physical passes available; ideal for caregivers who don’t want to handle cash or tickets at boarding.
• Improved communications — Receive automatic text, email, voice reminders and updates, plus real-time, on-the-way arrival notifications to reduce missed trips.
Beyond convenience, MARS connects Madison residents to medical care, employment and community resources. The new platform delivers improvements: • Real-time tracking — Riders see the exact location of their bus and receive automatic alerts about arrivals. This feature reduces uncertainty and wait-time anxiety.
• Smarter scheduling — Automated system continuously monitors trips and suggests adjustments to keep service running on time.
• ADA-compliant matching Riders are automatically paired with the correct vehicle for their needs, including wheelchair-accessible options.
• Mass notifications — Staff can instantly alert all passengers of weather delays, holiday closures or service changes by using text, email or voice message.
• Better operational insight — City staff can gain access to reporting on fares, mileage, ontime performance and ridership patterns, which allows smarter decisions for service expansion.
• Reduced costs — Improved routing and scheduling translates to measurable savings in fuel and staffing.
To use MARS, a rider must complete an application and receive approval in advance. The application includes questions about the rider’s impairment, along with verification from a doctor or licensed, professional healthcare provider.
To access an application, visit madisonal.gov/122/MadisonAssisted- Ride-System or pick up a printed copy at Madison Community Center, 1329 Brown’s Ferry Road. To submit a completed form, fax the form to 256772-9377, deliver it in person or postal mail it to Madison Community Center. To book a trip, call 256-7729300, or email MARS@madisonal. gov.
For more information, visit madisonal.gov. In the “LATEST NEWS” section, click the “View All News” box. On the new window, click the MARS section.
