MTS began serving the transportation needs of older adults in Marion County in 1976, and service has since expanded to include TD and Medicaid clients. Since 1983, MTS has been designated by the MPO as the Marion County Community Transportation Coordinator (CTC) for all non-emergency medical transportation and for those needing wheelchairs or other assistance in the Ocala/Marion County area. As the CTC, MTS is responsible for ensuring coordination of local paratransit services to the maximum extent feasible. The Ocala/Marion County TPO accepted the responsibilities of being the Designated Official Planning Agency for the transportation disadvantaged program and established the Transportation Disadvantaged Local Coordinating Board (TDLCB) in 1990 to assist MTS in the pursuit of providing services for transportation -disadvantaged patrons.

MTS provides door-to-door paratransit services to meet numerous transportation needs for medical, life-sustaining, educational, work, business, and recreational activities for Marion County’s TD citizens as well as members of other program recipients in Marion County.

MTS services must be reserved at least 72 hours prior to a trip, and appointments should be made between 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM Monday through Friday, with certain exceptions made for patients with eligible medical conditions. Appointments for persons living in outlying areas should be made between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM. Fares range from $2.00 to $5.00 for a one-way trip, depending on location and eligibility, and fare waivers are available for qualified individuals. The Ocala/Marion TPO also contracts with MTS to provide complementary ADA service to fixed-route riders traveling from and to locations within ¾ mile of existing fixed bus routes.

Drivers are able to assist passengers from their doorway into the vehicle and from the vehicle to the main entrance of their destination. All buses are Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible; however, drivers cannot assist passengers with wheelchairs traveling over more than one step or curb. Accommodations can be made for Certified Service Animals; however, MTS must be notified when a reservation is made. Additionally, an escort accompanying a passenger due to a medical necessity can be accommodated if details are provided at the time of reservation.