Who is Eligible for ADA SHUTTLE Service?
Under the ADA transit providers have the responsibility to make their services accessible for, and usable by individuals with disabilities. The expectation of the ADA is that most transit services provided for individuals with disabilities will be provided by regularly accessible bus service. ADA SHUTTLE (paratransit) service is defined as a “safety net” for those individuals with functional limitations that prevent bus system use, not just make it more difficult.
Specific ADA eligibility guidelines define eligibility as appropriate for individuals with disabilities when one or more of the following are prevented;
- Boarding, disembarking, or riding (including system navigation) on any regularly accessible bus is prevented even with the assistance of the lift and other commonly available help,
- Travel on a route is prevented because the system lacks required accommodations, or
- A disabling condition (physical or cognitive disability) prevents getting to or from bus boarding locations when traveling within the service area.
The ADA also recognized that many individuals with disabilities can use the bus system in some instances, but not all. Therefore, ADA regulations address this type of need as appropriate for conditional eligibility. An example might be a person who uses a wheelchair and can use the bus system when the terrain is accessible but needs SHUTTLE assistance for travel when the destination is up a hill from the bus stop.
The following issues do not establish eligibility:
- Personal convenience, such as the bus system does not meet your personal schedule, takes too long, or does not serve destinations you travel to.
- Lack of familiarity or experience with the bus system.
- Having a disability, even when certified by SSI, SSA, or the VA.
- Having dialysis treatment.
- There is no automatic eligibility for seniors.
- The fact that using the bus system may be more difficult or less comfortable.
- Having a note from your doctor.
- Fear of crime.
- Illiteracy or Inability to understand directions due to limited English comprehension.
- Living in an area not served by the regular bus system.
What is the Eligibility Process?
- Applicants must submit a complete application.
- The Eligibility Department may fax questions to the applicant’s treatment provider to further clarify the functional capabilities (the application includes a release of information) if needed, and/or-
- The applicant may be required to come in person, at no cost, for a functional assessment.
- Assessments can be physical or cognitive, or both, depending upon the identified limitations.
- Once Pierce Transit has all the information needed, decisions will be made within 21 days.
- Once the eligibility is decided, a decision letter is mailed to the applicant.
- The decision letter will provide the reasons for ineligible decisions and conditions of eligibility will be identified, when applicable.
- Individuals found ineligible, conditionally eligible, or temporarily eligible have a 60 day time frame to request an appeal, if they feel their decision is incorrect.
- Individuals may re-apply at any time if their condition has changed.
To view the Notice of Privacy Practices, please visit: https://www.piercetransit.org/shuttle/#eligibility