Background
The Americans with Disability Act of 1991 specifies that all transit authorities who offer fixed route services must make available door-to-door paratransit service to those individuals who cannot use the fixed route bus based on disability.
ADA Regulations strictly limit the use of ADA Paratransit Service to the following individuals: Any individual with a disability who is unable, as a result of a physical or mental impairment & without the assistance of another individual (except the operator of a wheelchair lift or boarding device) to board, ride or disembark from any vehicle on the system, which is readily accessible to and usable for individuals with disabilities. OR any individual with a disability who has a specific impairment-related condition which prevents such individual from traveling to a boarding location or from a disembarking location on the fixed route system.
To become qualified for ADA Paratransit Service you must complete an application (attached to this brochure) and submit the application to CATA for review. CATA will make a determination regarding your status for the ADA Paratransit Service. You will either be granted permanent status, yearly recertification status, temporary status or denied ADA Paratransit Service.
Federal Guidelines for ADA Paratransit Service
- Once approved for ADA Paratransit Service, you can utilize the service at any time that the fixed route bus operates.
- ADA Paratransit approved riders are permitted to have a personal care attendant (PCA) ride for free so long as the PCA boards and disembarks the bus with the rider. A family member must be registered as a PCA in order to ride for free.
- ADA Paratransit approved riders are permitted to have 1 guest ride with them. The guest must pay the ADA fare. PCA’s are not considered guests.
- ADA Paratransit approved riders can have more than one guest ride with them so long as there are available seats on the bus. CATA is not required to make accommodations for more than 1 PCA and 1 guest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Who is eligible for ADA Paratransit service?
A. Any person under the age of 65 that lives within 3/4 of one mile of the boundaries of the CATA fixed route network and cannot use the fixed route due to a physical and mental disability. CATA does not discriminate against individuals based on disability. If a customer feels that they have been discriminated against, complaint forms are available at the CATA Office, or at www.catabus.org.
Q. How much does it cost to ride the ADA Paratransit Service?
A. Federal law allows CATA to charge twice the fixed route fare for persons who use the ADA Paratransit Service. The current one-way fare for an ADA door-to door trip is $4.00.
Q. Where can I go on the ADA Paratransit Service?
A. Once approved for ADA Paratransit Service, you can travel to any destination along the CATA fixed route. CATA cannot limit your usage of ADA Paratransit Service once you are approved.
Q. What if I need to go somewhere that the CATA fixed route bus does not go?
A. Then you cannot use ADA Paratransit Service for that trip. You must either pay full fare or utilize another approved sponsor for that trip.
Q. If I am determined to be ADA Paratransit eligible and I want to ride the fixed route bus instead, how much does it cost to ride the fixed route bus?
A. CATA encourages EVERYONE to ride the fixed route bus. If you are determined to be ADA Paratransit eligible, you also qualify to ride the fixed route bus for a discounted rate. A one-way trip for ADA Paratransit eligible riders on the fixed route is only $1.00. In order to utilize the fixed route at a discount, you must show your ADA card to the bus driver (bus drivers do not carry change). This discount does not apply to guests.
Q. How do I schedule an ADA Paratransit trip?
A. You must schedule your trip during normal business hours which are Monday - Friday between 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM. CATA cannot accept same day reservations. Reservations must be made at least one day prior to the day of travel, however, placing your reservation two business days in advance or by 2pm the business day before is greatly appreciated. ADA law allows CATA to negotiate trip pick up and drop off times, but all trips must be provided within one hour of the initially requested time. To make a reservation, call 814-336-5600. If you need to schedule a trip for a Monday, you must call before 5:00pm on the Friday before your trip. You must also state that you are an “ADA” eligible rider. Information on the days and hours of CATA - ADA Paratransit operation is available in the Shared Ride Service Brochure and at www.catabus.org.
Q. Is there a penalty for not showing up or canceling my scheduled trip?
A. YES. You must call CATA within two hours of your scheduled pick up time to cancel your trip. Failure to do so will result in your trip being labeled as a “No-Show”. CATA will issue you a letter after the first no-show. Customers may be suspended after exhibiting a pattern or practice of no-showing. CATA reviews all recorded No-Shows [and late cancellations] to ensure accuracy. Further information is available on the back cover of this brochure.
What is the process for determining if I am ADA Paratransit eligible?
All information about ADA Paratransit Service is available in accessible formats including large print upon request.
- You can complete the attached ADA Paratransit application and return it to the CATA office, 214 Pine Street, Meadville, PA 16335. Or, you can apply electronically by going to www.catabus.org/shared-ride and clicking the red “Find out if you are eligible” button in the center of the page.
- Approval of an ADA Paratransit application will be determined by CATA. The Applicant may be asked to undergo an exam from an independent physician group to verify information on the application. CATA will notify you if a doctor’s review is warranted and will provide location options for the exam to be done at no charge. Free transportation to and from the exam will be provided by request. You must call CATA at least one business day in advance of your appointment if you need to arrange transportation.
- CATA will review your application and submit a decision to you in writing regarding your ADA Paratransit status within 21 days of receiving your application. Should you not receive a decision within 21 days, you can request and use ADA Paratransit Service until a decision is made.
- CATA may require recertification of the eligibility of ADA Paratransit eligible individuals at reasonable intervals.
- If your application for ADA Paratransit service is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. All appeals must be submitted to CATA in writing within 60 days of notice of the decision. CATA may request a face to face meeting and/or forward the appeal to the CATA Board of Directors for consideration.