AccessParatransit - Eligibility

THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA) AND PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

ACCESSIBLE PUBLIC TRANSIT

Transportation is vital to everyone’s life! The ADA requires public transit to be accessible to persons with disabilities. The bus and train services in Los Angeles County have features and practices to help assure equal access. Local dial-a-rides, other special transportation programs, and regional Access Paratransit are available when a person’s disability prevents them from using the accessible bus or train.

Accessibility features on buses and trains may include the following:

Lifts or ramps for anyone (For people in wheelchairs or a person who cannot climb steps)
Wheelchair securement spaces
Designated priority seating
Handrails
Lighting
Destination and route signs
Accessible stop request devices
Public address systems
Drivers announcing stops
Drivers trained for sensitivity

Buses operate on fixed schedules so trips can be planned ahead or you can just get up and go at a moment’s notice. Buses are inexpensive, disabled and elderly riders are eligible for discounted fares. Some buses are free!

The MTA toll-free information number for bus and rail route, stops, and schedule information to travel throughout Los Angeles County is

1-800-COMMUTE (266-6883)
TDD 1-800-252-9040
Monday - Friday 6:00 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Saturday - Sunday 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

If a lift is broken or the bus will not pick you up, call

MTA DISABLED RIDERS’ EMERGENCY HOT LINE
1-800-621-7828
Monday-Friday 8:00a.m. - 4:15p.m.,
a customer service representative will assist you immediately.

www.Metro.net helps you plan a trip online 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

RIDE INFO for
Specialized Public and Private Transportation Services

Call 1-800-431-7882, TDD 1-800-431-9731 Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and tell the RIDE INFO operator where your desired trip starts and ends. Describe any special considerations, such as traveling in a wheelchair. A specialist will provide you information on public and private providers with accessible transportation options, including local dial-a-rides, in Los Angeles County.

ACCESS PARATRANSIT

Access Paratransit is the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandated public transportation for people unable, due to a disability, to use accessible bus or train services in Los Angeles County. Access Paratransit is a curb-to-curb shared-ride service. It is not cab service, emergency medical or social service transportation, and is not door-to-door or a private transportation service. Several riders may be transported at one time in the same vehicle.

Access Paratransit goes anywhere you see a regular bus route and within ¾ of a mile on either side of the bus line.

Access Paratransit operates on the same schedule as most buses. Regular service is offered from 5:00 A.M. – 1:00 A.M. 7 DAYS A WEEK

As a shared ride service your travel time will be similar to that of a fixed-route bus, not a car or taxi.

Your one-way fare is based on the distance you travel.

Distance (miles)	Fare
0 to 19.9	$1.80
20 or greater	$2.70

Access Paratransit may not be able to transport a wheelchair or mobility device larger than 30” wide and 48” long and weighing more 600 lbs when occupied.

ACCESS PARATRANSIT ADA ELIGIBILITY

Eligibility for Access Paratransit is based on the person with a disability’s ability to use accessible buses and trains in Los Angeles County. It is not based solely on the disability, age, or medical diagnosis. It is based on the person’s abilities. Can the person, without the help of anyone

Get to and from the bus?
Get on and off an accessible bus (the bus driver will assist)?
Understand which bus to get on and when to get off the bus?

Perceived inconvenience, real inconvenience, or simply a desire not to use accessible bus service is not criteria for eligibility.

HOW TO APPLY FOR ACCESS PARATRANSIT

Eligibility for Access Paratransit is determined through an in-person Transit Evaluation.

If you feel you are eligible for Access Paratransit, you need to contact Access Customer Service to obtain an identification number before scheduling for a Transit Evaluation appointment. Call Customer Service at 800-827-0829, TDD 800-827-1359, inform the Customer Service Representative that you have reviewed the application on line and need to obtain an identification number. After getting the identification number you can schedule a Transit evaluation by calling Access Transit Evaluation Center at 323-780-9777, TDD 323-780-9977. You cannot schedule an appointment without the ID number.

You will be offered the next available appointment. Appointments are offered in English and Spanish. If your primary language is not English or Spanish please plan to bring a person to translate for you.

Access Paratransit will provide free transportation to and from your appointment, if needed. If you request transportation you will be given a morning or afternoon appointment and called the day before the appointment with your pick up time and the time of your appointment. Please remember these important rules:

1. Tell the Customer Service Representative what kind of mobility device (cane, walker, manual wheelchair, or power wheelchair) you will be using.

2. Be ready at the pick up time. If you do not receive a call to tell you what time your pick up is by 8:00 p.m. the day before your appointment call 1-800-827-0829 and press 2.

3. Access Paratransit is a curb to curb service so the driver will not come to your door. You need to be outside waiting. If you need help to and from the vehicle you will need to bring a personal care attendant (PCA).

4. If you are unable to go to your appointment please cancel as soon as possible by calling the Access Transit Evaluation Center at 323-780-9777, TDD 323-780-9977 so someone else can use that appointment time and ride.

At the Transit Evaluation, you will be asked:

For the completed Information Sheet (PDF format).
For your identification with your picture on it, like a California ID or driver’s license, passport, or other official government document with your picture.
It is important for you to be able to explain your specific disability and how it prevents you from using the bus. You are encouraged to bring documents, reports and a list of medications for the evaluator to review.
To have the mobility device, like a cane, walker, or wheelchair (manual or power) that you normally use.
The Transit Evaluation consists of:

Questions about your ability to use the bus
Completion of simple functional tests to measure your ability to use the bus
Observations of your ability to get around (Evaluators may ask to take a simulated walk to a bus stop)

The Transit Evaluation lasts approximately 45 minutes.

Within 21 days after completing the Transit Evaluation, you will be notified by mail whether or not you are eligible for Access Paratransit. If your eligibility is not processed within 21 days, Access Paratransit will allow you to use the service until you receive your notification.

If you do not agree with the eligibility determination, you have the right to appeal within 60 days of the eligibility notice.