Many individuals rely on regularly scheduled, fixed-route public transportation services for their travel needs. Paratransit is a wheelchair-accessible, public transportation service for individuals with disabilities who cannot access their local fixed-route transit system. Eligible individuals are able to reserve this convenient, cost-effective origin-to-destination complementary service on an as-needed basis, as long as the origin and destination are within three-quarters of a mile of an existing bus or rail route. This service, which operates the same days and hours as the fixed-route system, offers equitable options to individuals that are unable to use the existing system due to their disabilities.
Interested individuals must complete an application to determine their eligibility before requesting service. Eligibility is not determined based on medical needs, permanency of a disability, or solely having a disability, especially if the disability doesn’t prevent the individual from riding a fixed-route system. Eligibility is determined by a person’s functional inability to travel to or from a bus stop, get on or off a ramp-equipped bus, or safely travel to and from a destination due to a disability.
The eligibility requirements that each transit provider must adhere to and all details of paratransit are outlined by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). The FTA has set standards for paratransit in the United States that are regulated and monitored for compliance. If an application to receive paratransit services is denied, an individual may appeal the decision within sixty days of the denial. Once the appeal process is complete, if a decision has not been made within 30 days, the operator must provide services until a decision is made.
Once individuals become eligible for paratransit in their place of residence, they are provided with documentation that they may carry with them and use when visiting other areas where the service is offered. If, however, they use the service in the visitation area more than 21 days in one year, they may be required to apply for eligibility as a resident to the area. Some transit systems have more rigorous restrictions than others, although all must be in compliance with established guidelines.
An aide may accompany the qualifying individual on paratransit free of charge and additional paying companions may also be served if space allows. Fares are forbidden from being more than double what fixed route transit would cost. Although the service is mandated, it is an unfunded mandate, which means agencies receive no federal funding to operate this required mode of transportation.
Paratransit has become a very popular mode of transportation and continues to gain popularity. However, it is only mandated in areas where there is an existing public transit system. Individuals seeking temporary eligibility while recovering from surgery or an injury or those who require long-term access are encouraged to apply. A simple online search with your county’s name followed by the word paratransit should bring you to a site with information on your local paratransit services, along with an online application. For more information, please visit the Federal Transit Authority’s Frequently Asked Questions webpage.
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