Make tool to calculate ADA/paratransit "service area" requirement

[mmorang]

I need to research the FTA regulation, but I've been told by transit agency representatives that it's based on simple buffers around fixed-route transit lines. The agency is required to provide on-demand service for disabled and elderly citizens in the area within a certain distance of transit lines (even though that doesn't make much sense), and there are certain rules about holes within the coverage area, and they can make certain exceptions for different types of routes.

[mmorang]

I think I found the FTA’s ADA requirements for where paratransit service has to be provided. It’s buried in a lot of legal jargon, of course. I think this is the relevant part: https://www.transit.dot.gov/regulations-and-guidance/civil-rights-ada/part-37-transportation-services-individuals-disabilities#sec.37.131 To summarize:

• ¾-mile as the crow flies from bus lines
• Areas not within ¾-mile but surrounded by these ¾-mile buffers (so there aren’t holes)
• ¾-mile circular buffers around rail stops
• Commuter bus, commuter rail, and intercity rail are excluded from the requirements (https://www.transit.dot.gov/regulations-and-guidance/civil-rights-ada/part-37-transportation-services-individuals-disabilities#sec.37.121)

It doesn’t seem hard to build a tool for this. I’m not sure it even warrants a tool. Maybe the out-of-box Buffer tool is adequate. Maybe I could spruce up Buffer a bit to take care of the holes and treat bus and rail differently.