DART: Eligibility

Trips can be made for any purpose. Due to federal rules, DART cannot prioritize rides by trip purposes.

If you visit our area and are unable to use the fixed-route bus system due to a medical condition or disability, and you are registered with an ADA paratransit service in your home area, you may be able to use DART for up to 21 days per year. You will need to make arrangements to have your certifying ADA transportation service FAX the information to DART. After 21 days of service you may be required to complete a DART ADA service application.

The Americans with Disabilities Act

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal law requiring Community Transit to provide paratransit service comparable to its regular fixed-route system for individuals who are certified as ADA paratransit eligible.

ADA paratransit eligibility is based on functional abilities rather than medical diagnoses. An individual will be certified as " ADA paratransit eligible" if there is any part of the fixed-route system the person cannot use or navigate because of a disability or condition. Some individuals may be eligible for paratransit service under very specific conditions, which apply on a trip-by-trip basis.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

To be eligible for DART service, you must meet one of the conditions established by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA):

Your condition or disability must prevent you from getting on or off a regular fixed-route bus.
Your condition or disability must prevent you from getting to or from a regular Community Transit bus stop that is within ¾ mile of your location.
Your condition or disability must prevent you from waiting at a regular fixed-route bus stop.
Your condition or disability must prevent you from being able to ride the fixed-route buses or to understand and follow transit instructions.

You must be six years or older to be eligible for DART services.

APPLICATION PROCESS

A DART application packet is available upon request by calling DART at 425-347-5912. Fill out the application with complete answers to each question and return it to DART. DART cannot process an incomplete application and will return it for completion.

DART may require verification by a medical professional or other person familiar with your condition. DART may also require a functional assessment, which is an in-person evaluation of your ability to use the fixed-route buses.

An application is considered complete when DART has received all the information it needs to determine your eligibility. This may include a professional verification, a functional assessment and/or other information.

Once DART has all required information, your eligibility will be determined within 21 days maximum and you will receive a letter notifying you of the determination. If you are not satisfied with the decision, you may appeal in writing within 60 days.

If DART has determined you to be eligible for ADA paratransit service, DART will mail you a Certification Packet including a Regional ADA Paratransit card. The Regional ADA Paratransit card does NOT act as a reduced fare ID card or bus pass, but identifies you as eligible for paratransit services in neighboring counties and other public transit systems throughout the United States.

Only people whose applications have been processed and approved can ride DART.

Please be aware that DART will review your condition on a regular basis to determine continuing eligibility for ADA paratransit service.

Note: For eligibility questions email dartada@dialaride.org

DART

Customer Service

425-347-5912

1-800-562-1381

TTY 425-347-7997

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

APPLICATION PROCESS