ADA Paratransit Information
Rider's Guide | ADA
The Americans with Disabilities ACT, (ADA), is a federal Civil Rights Law first enacted in 1990 for persons with disabilities. Section 223 of the ADA requires WestCAT to provide paratransit service to all ADA eligible riders, who because of a disability are not able to use WestCAT’s regularly, scheduled fixed route buses.
Please Note:
This service is not Dial-A-Ride. It is ADA Paratransit and is a separate service with an entirely different registration and certification process.
To register for WestCAT ADA Paratransit service, call (510) 724-6320 to have application materials sent to you, or you may pick them up at our Administrative offices, located at 601 Walter Avenue, Pinole or visit www.westcat.org for a downloadable version of the form.
You must be ADA certified to use WestCAT ADA Paratransit services.
Facts about the americans with disabilities paratransit application
WestCAT began certifying eligible riders for ADA service in January 1994. It is important to you, if you are a rider with a disability, to fill out the certification application. The below information hopefully answers some of the questions that you may have about this process. If you have other questions please give us a call at (510) 724-6320 ( or TT using California Relay Service 1-800-735-2922). We always look forward to helping our riders. Scroll to the bottom of this page for a downloadable application.
What is the American with Disabilities Act(ADA)?
The ADA is a federal civil rights law, first enacted in 1990, for persons with disabilities. It requires non-discrimination in regards to accessible services and facilities for persons with disabilities.
Who should apply for ADA certification?
Anyone who believes that they have a disability which prevents them from using WestCAT fixed route service should complete an application form. You may be found to be eligible for all your trips, or some of your trips.
Why is it important that i apply for certification?
There are some benefits involved with being an ADA eligible rider. Your certification will be accepted by all of the public transit operators in the nine Bay Area counties whose paratransit service operates during the same days and hours as that of their fixed route service, and you will be given priority service on WestCAT.
You will be able to make advance reservations, and for the same reduced fare, you may arrange to bring (1) one companion along on each ride (additional companions may be added on a space available basis at the regular fare). However, the companion(s) must have the same pickup address and destination as the certified rider and dispatch needs to be informed of the extra riders.
Additionally, an ADA eligible rider may take one Personal Care Attendant (PCA) with them at no charge.
Who is eligible for certification?
- Persons who, because of a disability, cannot use WestCAT's fixed route service even though it is accessible.
- Persons who are able to use fixed routes but the equipment or the stop is not accessible.
- Persons who cannot get to or from a bus stop because of a disability.
This might be someone who can ride fixed route buses most of the time but has a disability that prevents them from walking to a bus stop when the weather is very cold. In this case, that person would be certified during the winter months only.
How do I apply for certification?
We will send certification forms to all passengers who have ridden our system and have informed us that they have a disability. However, because WestCAT picks up all passengers in some areas and is open to seniors 65 and over, we do not always know whether or not our riders may be eligible for ADA service. If you do not receive a certification application in the mail and believe that you should be certified, you may access a downloadable version of all of the forms that are necessary for you to apply at the bottom of this page.
What if I need help filling out the certification application?
Help is available if you need it. Just give us a call at (510) 724-6320 and we will assist you in filling out the paperwork. If you need the forms in an accessible format just call and let us know. We have the forms available in large print, on audio cassette and computer disk, as well as a file on this website.
What if under ADA rules I am no longer eligible to ride dial-a-ride?
Our fixed route buses are accessible, our drivers are friendly and there will be training available to learn how to use the buses. We will assist you in any way we can to make our system a convenient alternative for you.
When will I find out if I am ADA eligible?
You will be notified of your status within 21 days of the day we receive your completed application.
What if my application for ADA certification is denied?
An individual that applies for ADA Certification and is denied has the right to an appeal. This must be done in writing and within 60 days.
Eligibility Appeals Process
An individual that applies for ADA Certification and is denied has the right to an appeal. This must be done in writing within 60 days from the date of the written appeal. You have the right to have your case heard in person and may bring an advocate or representative to the hearing. Please send a letter stating your reasons for the appeal to: WestCAT Eligibility Appeals, Western Contra Costa Transit Authority, 601 Walter Avenue, Pinole, CA, 94564.
Once your letter is received an appeals board will assemble to process your appeal. The appeals board should render a final, written decision within 30 days or you will receive service on the 31st day until the decision is made.
The appeals process board consists of at least 3 persons including one “peer” to the applicant, one applicable professional expert, and one staff member from WestCAT who was not involved in the original review of your application.
You may re-initiate the paratransit eligibility process, beginning at level one, at any time that there is a change in their functional ability to use the fixed route system.
WestCAT will provide any necessary aids (e.g. interpreter, transportation, in accessible format) for you to participate in the hearing. However, you need to request any necessary aids at least one week before the meeting.
Below you will find a downloadable application for The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) Complementary Paratransit Service. This service is for those individuals who, because of a disability, are not able to use WestCAT regularly scheduled bus routes. Please read the information carefully and complete and return the form promptly so that we can get the certification process completed for you quickly.
We are committed to making this process as easy as possible for you. If you have any questions or need assistance completing the application, please give us a call at (510) 724-6320( or TDD using California Relay Service 1-800-735-2922). Our staff is dedicated to helping you understand ADA and how you may become a certified rider on WestCAT. If you are found to be ADA eligible, you will be eligible to use other ADA Paratransit Services throughout the Bay Area.
It is very important that all questions are answered, and that you have signed the form, or your application may be delayed while we try to reach you. We are here from 8:00 A.M. to 6 P.M. Monday-Friday, so if you need assistance we are only a phone call away.
If you feel that the opinion of a licensed professional might help in determining your eligibility for this service, you are welcome to include this information, however it is not required as part of the initial application.
PLEASE NOTE: The professional could be one of the following who is familiar with your disability:
- Aa rehabilitation specialist.
- An occupational or physical therapist.
- A social worker.
- A physician or registered nurse.
- A mental health counselor.
- A psychologist.
- A vocational rehabilitation counselor.
- Or other medical or mobility specialist
To Apply, Please Do the Following
1) Fill out the attached application, or have someone fill it out for you, making sure you sign it.
2) Return your completed application form to WestCAT via US mail:
WestCAT
601 Walter Avenue
Pinole, CA 94564
Attn: ADA Coordinator
or via Fax: (510) 724-4395 Attn: ADA Coordinator
You will be notified of your ADA eligibility status by letter within 21 days of WestCAT receiving your completed application.
Download a PDF version of The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) Complementary Paratransit Service application at the link below. Please note that PDF format requires Adobe Acrobat Reader. Click the link below to download it.
Download a MS Word version of The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) Complementary Paratransit Service application below.
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