Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Paratransit Service

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What is the ADA Paratransit Service?

Am I eligible?

What benefits are available?

How do I apply?

How do I use the ADA Paratransit Service?

What is the ADA Paratransit Service?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guarantees people with disabilities the same access to public transportation as people without disabilities. Many people with disabilities can ride the regular fixed route buses. People with disabilities who cannot use the fixed route buses can use the ADA Paratransit Service.

The ADA Paratransit Service is a shared ride service. Passengers usually ride with others who are traveling in the same general direction, and drivers may stop to pick up or drop off passengers on route. The service is curb-to-curb, and rides must be scheduled ahead of time.

Am I eligible?

The ADA Paratransit Service is for people whose disabilities prevent them from using regular bus service. To be eligible, you must:

• meet the disability guidelines of the Americans with Disabilities Act
• live in Massachusetts
• be unable to get around on your own OR have a disability that the buses are not equipped for
• and file an application and be approved for ADA Paratransit Service.

If you have a short-term disability that prevents you from riding fixed route buses, you can get temporary approval for paratransit services.

What benefits are available?

If you are eligible for ADA Paratransit Service, you will get these benefits:

• You may use the paratransit service for any purpose trip.
• You may use the paratransit service as often as you like.
• You may travel anywhere within three-fourths of a mile of fixed route services.
• You may travel during the same hours and days that the fixed route bus service operates.
• You will pay no more than twice the fare that you would pay for fixed route bus service.
• If you need a personal assistant to help you when you travel, your assistant rides free.
• If space permits, you may bring a companion, who must pay.
• Trained service animals can always travel with you.

Note: This is curb-to-curb service. You must be able to meet the vehicle at the curb to use this service.

How do I apply?

To apply for ADA Paratransit Service, you should call your local transit authority and request an application:

• For communities served by the MBTA, call THE RIDE at 1-800-533-6282 (TTY: 617-222-5415). You can get more information and an application on THE RIDE web site.

• For other areas, use the MassDOT Regional Transit Authority Search Tool to find the name and number of your local regional transit authority. Transit Authority phone numbers are also listed in the phone book.

The application has questions about your ability to get around on your own, for example:

• which mobility aids you use
• how many city blocks you can travel independently
• how many steps you can climb without assistance
• how long you can wait at a bus stop
• your ability to read informational signs
• your ability to ask for and follow directions
• whether you can travel through crowded areas safely

As part of the application, you must give your transit authority written permission to discuss your disability with your doctor or health care worker. Your doctor or health care worker must complete a separate form.

Once the transit authority gets your application and the form from your doctor or health care worker, they will decide if you are eligible for ADA Paratransit Service. Remember that you will only be eligible for ADA Paratransit Service if your disability prevents you from using the fixed bus route system on your own.

It may take up to 3 weeks for your application to be processed. If you apply for ADA Paratransit Service and are refused, you have the right to appeal.

How do I use the ADA Paratransit Service?

Scheduling a trip:

Your transit authority will tell you what number to call to schedule a trip. If possible, you should call at least 24 hours in advance, but you are allowed to call up to the close of business hours the day before you need service. If you want to schedule ahead, you may call up to 2 weeks before your trip date.

When you call, you must have the following information available:

• Your name
• Date of trip
• Pick-up time
• Exact pick-up address
• Exact drop-off address
• Return trip time
• Name of any assistant/companion traveling with you
• Special information about your trip or your ability to travel.

Taking a trip:

• Your ride will arrive within 15 minutes before your requested pickup time and 15 minutes after your requested pickup time.

• The driver will wait up to 5 minutes for you to come to the curb. Remember that this is curb-to-curb service and you must meet your ride at the curb.

• In some communities, you may pay in cash or use prepaid tickets when you board; in other communities you must keep funds in a special account to pay for your rides. 

• If you don't need a ride that you have already scheduled, you must call to cancel.

Rules:

• You may not eat, drink, or smoke in the vehicle.
• You may only go to the address you gave when you called to set up your ride.
• You should not tip the drivers.
• You must let the driver help you board safely, secure your mobility device, and make sure you wear your seat belt.
• In some communities, drivers will help you with bags, packages, or equipment. In other communities, they are not required to do so. Plan accordingly.