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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 due to a
disability, you can use DART for up to 21 days a year. After 21 days, we
may ask you to fill out the DART paratransit application form.
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The Americans with Disabilities Act
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal law. It
requires 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 upon 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.
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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.
THE APPLICATION PROCESS
A DART application packet is available upon request by calling DART.
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 to you 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. 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 Regional ADA Paratransit card. The Regional ADA Paratransit card does
NOT act as a reduced fare ID card or bus pass. The ADA
card 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 ada@dialaride.org.
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