A Pace Paratransit vehicle used across Chicagoland (Courtesy: Pace)

ADA Paratransit

Quick Facts

  • Setting: All areas
  • Required by Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
  • Vehicle capacity: Small shuttles, varies
  • Route type: Variable, on-demand

Overview

ADA Paratransit is an important service that allows people with disabilities access to their communities.  Without this service, many people might be home-bound.

The ADA requires transit agencies to provide fixed-route services that are accessible (by requiring new vehicles since its passage be accessible), and to provide paratransit service to complement regular services within a short distance (3/4 mi.) of any bus or rapid transit line.  This service provides curb-to-curb service for those who cannot access fixed-route services.

Paratransit must be scheduled a day in advance and has a higher fare than regular transit service when using an RTA Reduced Fare card (to which all persons with a disability are eligible).

Taxi Access

In addition to paratransit shuttle or van service, there is also a Taxi Access Program (TAP) offered to paratransit users where fares of up to $13.50 can be paid with a TAP voucher at a flat fee of $5, adding more service availability.

Further reading


©2010 Transit Riders' Alliance, a project of the Midwest High Speed Rail Association, a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization.
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