UnderWater World Hosts Ceremonies for BART-AC Transbay Service for Disabled.

OAKLAND, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 10, 1996--The proverbial "red carpet" will be rolled out tomorrow, Tuesday, June 11, for users of BART's and AC Transit's new across-the-Bay paratransit service as people in the disability community attend special ceremonies and explore San Francisco's newest

The paratransit vans will arrive at UnderWater World about 10 a.m., where a red carpet will lead riders to the inaugural ceremonies and UnderWater World.

The ceremonies will be held from 10 a.m. to noon. Guests will be welcomed by BART Board Vice President Margaret K. Pryor and General Manager Richard A. White; AC Transit Assistant General Manager Kay Van Sickel; SF Muni General Manager Phil Adams; representatives of UnderWater World; and docents from the Aquarium walk.

Other invited guests include San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown, local Congressional and State representatives and members of local organizations for people with disabilities.

Refreshments will be served.

UnderWater World, located adjacent to PIER 39, is San Francisco's newest attraction. The $40 million, innovative aquarium offers visitors a "diver's eye" view of local marine life in San Francisco Bay. UnderWater World is designed to meet the needs of people with disabilities and offers an admission discount for disabled people.

UnderWater World encourages the use of public transportation. Using BART or other public transportation qualifies visitors for a $2 discount to UnderWater World when a transit ticket stub is presented at the box office.

Paratransit is a service designed to meet the needs of people with disabilities who are unable to use existing public transit such as that provided by trains or bus systems. It is required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which Congress passed in 1990.

"Paratransit isn't just for trips to the doctor," said BART Board President Dan Richard. "We're out to disabuse some people of the notion that the lives of people with disabilities must somehow be `less independent' or enjoyable than the lives of people without disabilities."

BART and AC Transit formed the East Bay Paratransit Consortium in order to provide the most efficient and economical implementation of the ADA. Services are provided by Comsis Mobility Services, with offices in Oakland. Paratransit service near many East Bay BART stations began in January, and transbay paratransit service began in February.