ADA paratransit eligibility, explained

Plain-language summary of the federal rules. Your local agency runs the process; this page tells you what it must respect.

The three categories (49 CFR 37.123)

1. Category 1: you cannot, without help from another person (other than an operator using a lift or ramp), board, ride or disembark an accessible vehicle, or navigate the system.
2. Category 2: you could use an accessible vehicle, but none is used on the route at the time you want to travel.
3. Category 3: a specific impairment-related condition prevents you from traveling to a boarding location or from a disembarking location. Distance, weather or terrain alone do not qualify, but they can combine with your condition.

Eligibility can be unconditional, conditional (some trips only) or temporary.

Who rides with you

A personal care attendant (PCA) rides free. At least one companion may also ride, paying the same fare as you; more companions if space is available (49 CFR 37.123(f)).

The application process (49 CFR 37.125)

• The process must be strict enough to limit eligibility to people who qualify, and information must be available in accessible formats.
• Decision within 21 days of a completed application; otherwise you are presumptively eligible until a decision.
• Denials must be written, with specific reasons; you have at least 60 days to file an appeal, with a chance to be heard in person.
• Agencies may recertify eligibility at reasonable intervals and may suspend riders for a pattern of no-shows (with due process).

Full text: 37.123, 37.125, 49 CFR Part 37. Find your local provider: browse by state.