Riding Options: RTA Paratransit
ADA Certification

• ADA Fares and Services
• ADA Service Package
• Accessible Fixed-Route Service
• ADA Complementary Paratransit Service
• Paratransit Eligibility
• Applying for Paratransit Service
• How to Reserve ADA Paratransit Service
• ADA Paratransit Fare Structure
• Application Forms
• Accessible Fixed-Route Service Application
• Paratransit Application

ADA Fares and Services

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into federal law in 1990. It guarantees equal opportunity for people with functional physical and mental disabilities in employment, public accommodations, state and local government service, telecommunications and transportation. To ensure equal access to public transportation, RTA has developed a variety of special transportation services for those who qualify under the ADA.

ADA Service Package

RTA's ADA-related service package is composed of a number of service elements. These include: lift-equipped fixed-route coaches, and special door to door Paratransit coach service.

Accessible Fixed-Route Service

RTA's entire fixed-route bus fleet is now totally wheelchair accessible. Customers with an RTA Senior/Disabled ID card or Medicare card can ride this service for only 75 cents. RTA also offers Senior/Disabled ID cardholders and Medicare cardholders an All Day Pass for only $1.75, as well as a 7-day FlexPass for $7.50, and a monthly pass for $29.00. The application for a Senior/Disabled ID card to allow a rider to purchase these discounted fares can be downloaded here.

ADA Complementary Paratransit Service

To supplement accessible fixed-route service, RTA offers persons with disabilities who qualify under ADA, special Paratransit Service. RTA's Paratransit Service is provided by specially trained operators using smaller, lift-equipped buses.

Individuals who qualify for Categories I and III are eligible for special door to door service. Customers are provided service from point of origination to destination within a 5-mile radius of their home. Additional service is provided beyond 5 miles only if RTA provides standard bus and rapid transit service during the time and in the area the trip would be taken.

Paratransit Service is now available 7 days a week.

Paratransit Eligibility

Guidelines provided in the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act establish the eligibility criteria for RTA's Paratransit Service. There are three categories of eligibility for this service. You may qualify for special RTA service under ADA if:

• You are unable, without special assistance, as the result of physical or mental impairment, to get on, ride, or get off an accessible vehicle in the public transit system.
• You need the assistance of a wheelchair lift or other boarding device and are able to get on, ride, and get off an accessible vehicle, but such a vehicle is not available on the route when you are planning to travel.
• You have a specific impairment-related condition which prevents you from traveling to or from a station or stop on the transit system.

Applying for Paratransit Service

To use RTA's Paratransit Service, you must first apply for ADA certification. To request an ADA certification application, or if you need help completing the application, call 216-566-5124. Hearing impaired persons can call 216-781-4757 (TDD). A PDF version of the application, to be printed and returned to RTA, is available here. Please contact RTA at 216-566-5124 if, based on your individual needs, you require the application in large print or other accessible format.

Once your application is approved, you will be notified of the category of service for which you are qualified. Finally, you will be issued a yellow ADA Identification Card that will allow you to use the service. (Please note: Allow 48 hours from the time you receive your ADA ID Card before you attempt to schedule your first trip.)

If the limitations of your disability do not qualify you for ADA certification, you have the option to appeal RTA's decision regarding your application. Additional information regarding the appeal process is available by calling 216-566-5124. Hearing impaired persons can call 216-781-4757 (TDD).

How to Reserve ADA Paratransit Service

To reserve a Paratransit ride, call 216-781-1110 and select "2" after the prompt, or for the hearing impaired only, 216-781-6148 (TDD). Operators are available to process your trip request 7 days a week from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. With each call, you may schedule up to three round trips. When calling for a reservation, please have the address of your trip's beginning point as well as the trip's start time and preferred time of arrival. (When reserving a medical appointment-related trip, be sure to allow an additional 45 minutes for the start of your return trip.) Reservations can be made up to 7 days in advance.

If you must cancel a trip reservation, you are asked to call 60 minutes prior to your scheduled pick-up time. It is preferred that you give 24-hour notice of cancellation so that other ADA eligible customers may use the available trip time for their travel needs. Customers with a history of failing to provide sufficient notice of trip cancellation or not appearing for a trip, may have their Paratransit privileges suspended and possibly revoked. For a copy of RTA's Paratransit No Show, Cancellation and Customer Behavior Policy, call 216-781-1110, or for the hearing impaired only, 216-781-6148 (TDD).

ADA Paratransit Fare Structure

Customers using service in Categories I and III, door to door service, are charged a fare of $1.50 each way. Additionally, customers with an ADA Senior/Disabled ID Card may ride fixed-route bus and rapid transit service for only 60 cents each way. Personal Care Attendants, as defined by ADA, who need to accompany a Paratransit customer, ride free on all services.

If the limitations of your disability do not qualify you for ADA certification, you may be eligible for one of RTA's other discount fare programs for use on RTA's regular fixed service.