Metro's ADA Paratransit Program
The federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) is a civil rights law that, among other things, requires equal access to public transportation for persons with disabilities. Transit agencies such as Metro must take specific steps to make regular bus service accessible to persons with disabilities. Regular accessible bus service is intended to be the primary mode of public transportation for persons with disabilities. Metro offers free transit instruction to individuals and groups that meet certain criteria. This training teaches persons with disabilities and seniors how to ride regular public transportation, including use of the lift or ramp.
The ADA also requires curb-to-curb 'paratransit' service as a 'safety net' for persons whose disabilities prevent use of accessible non-commuter, fixed route bus service. The federal government adopted minimum criteria that transit agencies have to meet in operating this complementary paratransit service. Complementary paratransit service is intended to offer a comparable level of service to that provided by regular bus service. Paratransit service is not required nor intended to meet all the transportation needs of persons with disabilities. Rather, it is intended to provide public transportation in a more specialized form.
Metro's ADA Paratransit Program is designed to meet the minimum service criteria established by the federal government.
For more information, call Metro's Accessible Services office during regular weekday business hours at 206-263-3113. If you have to dial "1" first to reach that number, call toll free 1-866-205-5001. TTY users should only call the statewide relay at 711. You can also reach Accessible Services by fax at 206-205-6490 or by e-mail at accessible.services@kingcounty.gov
Eligibility
Metro's ADA Paratransit Program serves persons age 6 and up. Eligibility is based on whether your disability prevents you from performing the tasks needed to ride regular bus service some or all of the time. You must apply and be found eligible ahead of time to use this program. Potential applicants must complete a pre-application prior to receiving an application. Applications must be co-signed by a health care professional.
An in-person evaluation at Harborview Medical Center may be part of the determination process (the evaluation will be conducted at no cost to you and free transportation will be provided if needed.) An eligibility determination can take up to 21 days once a completed application is received. You will receive written notification of the eligibility determination. An appeal process is available if you disagree with the determination.
Persons who have been found eligible may need to have their eligibility re-certified periodically. Written notice of the need for re-certification will be sent.
For more information, call Metro's Accessible Services office during regular weekday business hours at 206-263-3113. If you have to dial "1" first to reach that number, call toll free 1-866-205-5001. TTY users should only call the statewide relay at 711. You can also reach Accessible Services by fax at 206-205-6490 or by e-mail at accessible.services@kingcounty.gov
Metro Transit, Pierce Transit, Community Transit, Everett Transit, Kitsap Transit, Intercity Transit and Jefferson Transit have a joint paratransit eligibility agreement. Persons found eligible by any of those agencies are eligible to use paratransit service offered by the other agencies. You must apply for eligibility with the transit agency that serves the area where you live. If you live outside King County, contact your local transit agency for eligibility information.
When you travel outside the Puget Sound area, your paratransit eligibility is valid at transit agencies throughout the country, with some limitations. If you have not already been found eligible, you still may be able to use paratransit service when visiting other cities.
Persons with disabilities visiting King County from outside the Puget Sound area should contact Metro's Accessible Services office (see information above) in advance of arriving to establish visitor status. Visitors can receive paratransit service for 21 days out of any 365-day period. Receiving service beyond 21 days requires an eligibility determination by King County.
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Service
The ADA Paratransit Program provides next-day, shared rides on Access Transportation within 3/4 of a mile on either side of non-commuter fixed route bus service during the times and on the days those routes are operating.
Eligible individuals can also:
- travel to adjoining counties on the days and times their paratransit service operates;
- bring a Personal Care Attendant (if such a need is documented during the eligibility determination process);
- bring one companion (more companions can ride on a space available basis.)
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