Paratransit Service, an Introduction
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law in 1990. The ADA protects the rights of all people without regard to their physical and/or cognitive disabilities. The ADA states that all individuals have a right to use available public transportation, and requires that those not able to independently ride public buses be provided with an equivalent, corresponding service for their transportation needs within the established service area.
This corresponding service is called Paratransit. Paratransit service is provided to persons who, because of their disabilities, are unable to independently travel on the public transit system.
Each day, thousands of people choose RTA as a convenient, economical way to get around Greater Cleveland. Services for riders with disabilities include:
- RTA buses with the universal "wheelchair symbol" on the front, complete with wheelchair lifts or ramps to help people board buses safely and easily.
- A bus fleet that is totally accessible.
- ADA-accessible Rapid Transit stations, to help passengers safely ride RTA trains.
If riders need more assistance than the standard RTA service offers, they may be eligible for ADA certification to travel on specially equipped Paratransit vehicles.
PARATRANSIT CERTIFICATION PROCESS
Are you eligible for ADA certification?
Service eligibility
Obtaining an application
Completing the application
Functional testing
Appealing the decision
TRAVEL TRAINING
Travel Training Program
Benefits of Travel Training
Who is eligible
What does Travel Training include?
Get started today!
USING PARATRANSIT SERVICE
Getting started
Affordable fares
Arranging your travel
Calling to schedule a trip? Please remember:
Tips for smooth travel
Using fixed-route service
Paratransit service limits
How to cancel a trip
PARATRANSIT RULES AND POLICIES
Paratransit customer policies
Customer behavior policy
No-show policy
Late cancellation policy
Warning and suspension process
Appealing suspensions
PARATRANSIT APPEALS PROCESS
Right to appeal
The appeals process
Questions about appeals
FOR MORE INFORMATION
For an ADA application:
- click here
- call 216-566-5124 or
- call 216-781-4757 (TDD)
To schedule Paratransit service after you have received your ADA ID card:
- go to http://paratransit.gcrta.org
- call 216-621-9500 or
- call 216-781-6148 (TDD)
If your vehicle has not arrived at the end of your scheduled window of time:
- call the Paratransit dispatcher, 216-566-5244
For general questions about RTA service:
- call the RTAnswerline, 216-621-9500