- ADA Paratransit Eligibility Policy
- User's Guide for ADA Paratransit Service
- SETD Special Services Application
ADA Paratransit Eligibility Policy
Purpose:This policy is required by rules administered by the
Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to implement the provisions of the
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) passed in 1990. The rules require
fixed-route transit agencies to provide services for disabled passengers
comparable to those offered other riders.
Definitions:
Paratransit
Means comparable transportation service required by the ADA for individuals with disabilities who are unable to use fixed route transportation systems. Special Services - is an SETD term used instead of complementary paratransit so as to be more understandable to the general public. These services include having a fixed route bus deviate off route, having Dial-A-Ride take a rider to the nearest bus stop, and /or giving a rider priority for Dial-A-Ride services, as determined by the Lead Dispatcher based on the ride request. Eligibility is the process outlined in this policy, whereby a rider can apply to receive special services (complimentary paratransit).
Means comparable transportation service required by the ADA for individuals with disabilities who are unable to use fixed route transportation systems. Special Services - is an SETD term used instead of complementary paratransit so as to be more understandable to the general public. These services include having a fixed route bus deviate off route, having Dial-A-Ride take a rider to the nearest bus stop, and /or giving a rider priority for Dial-A-Ride services, as determined by the Lead Dispatcher based on the ride request. Eligibility is the process outlined in this policy, whereby a rider can apply to receive special services (complimentary paratransit).
ADA Compliance
The Sunset Empire Transportation District provides two transportation services to the citizens and visitors to Clatsop County. The first is "The Bus" fixed route bus service. The second is Dial-A-Ride, which provides demand response transportation to the general public with priority given to senior and disabled riders. All SETD vehicles are equipped with a wheelchair lift. The SETD offers complementary paratransit service to any disabled rider unable to utilized the fixed route service by deviating a bus off-route up to ¾ of a mile or dispatching an ADA complementary paratransit vehicle (Dial-A-Ride bus.) Complementary paratransit is also used to transport riders to the nearest bus stop for inter-city travel, except when a passenger's disability makes bus travel impossible.
The Sunset Empire Transportation District provides two transportation services to the citizens and visitors to Clatsop County. The first is "The Bus" fixed route bus service. The second is Dial-A-Ride, which provides demand response transportation to the general public with priority given to senior and disabled riders. All SETD vehicles are equipped with a wheelchair lift. The SETD offers complementary paratransit service to any disabled rider unable to utilized the fixed route service by deviating a bus off-route up to ¾ of a mile or dispatching an ADA complementary paratransit vehicle (Dial-A-Ride bus.) Complementary paratransit is also used to transport riders to the nearest bus stop for inter-city travel, except when a passenger's disability makes bus travel impossible.
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Application and Certification Process
When a rider contacts the district with a request for paratransit service they will be interviewed by the Dispatcher. If the Dispatcher feels that a disability exists or may possibly exist, that rider will be presumed to be eligible for Special Services for 21 days. An application form (attached to this document) will be sent to all riders requesting Special Services whether or not the Dispatcher feels a disability exists. All eligibility materials are available in accessible formats upon request. This includes large print and audio cassette.
Once a completed application is received, the District shall have up to 21 days from receipt to make an eligibility determination. No application for Special Services shall be accepted for review by the District until all sections of the application are completed. All partially complete or illegible applications shall be returned to the applicant. The Lead Dispatcher shall review all completed applications to determine eligibility for Special Services including the category of service such as permanent, temporary, or conditional. If an initial determination is not made within 21 days of the individual's request for service, they will be provided temporary services on a presumption of eligibility until eligibility is determined.
All applicants will receive notification of their eligibility or service denial in writing and in an accessible format if requested. Individuals who are certified as eligible will be provided with an identification card.
When a rider contacts the district with a request for paratransit service they will be interviewed by the Dispatcher. If the Dispatcher feels that a disability exists or may possibly exist, that rider will be presumed to be eligible for Special Services for 21 days. An application form (attached to this document) will be sent to all riders requesting Special Services whether or not the Dispatcher feels a disability exists. All eligibility materials are available in accessible formats upon request. This includes large print and audio cassette.
Once a completed application is received, the District shall have up to 21 days from receipt to make an eligibility determination. No application for Special Services shall be accepted for review by the District until all sections of the application are completed. All partially complete or illegible applications shall be returned to the applicant. The Lead Dispatcher shall review all completed applications to determine eligibility for Special Services including the category of service such as permanent, temporary, or conditional. If an initial determination is not made within 21 days of the individual's request for service, they will be provided temporary services on a presumption of eligibility until eligibility is determined.
All applicants will receive notification of their eligibility or service denial in writing and in an accessible format if requested. Individuals who are certified as eligible will be provided with an identification card.
Denial of Service
If Special Services are denied, the individual has the right to appeal this decision. The service denial will be in writing and will include the reasons for the denial and provide information about the process of appealing the decision. The denial decision will be reviewed by a District Manager, who will sign the denial notification letter.
If Special Services are denied, the individual has the right to appeal this decision. The service denial will be in writing and will include the reasons for the denial and provide information about the process of appealing the decision. The denial decision will be reviewed by a District Manager, who will sign the denial notification letter.
Appeal Process
A grievance procedure must be initiated within 60 days of the date on the letter denying paratransit eligibility. The appellant will submit their complaint regarding access or discrimination in writing to the SETD Board of Commissioners, 465 NE Skipanon Drive, Warrenton, OR 97146 for resolution. The appellant, at their request, will have the right to meet with the Board to present additional information and arguments at an open, public meeting. Anyone needing special accommodations may contact the District Office for assistance at 861-7433 or 1-800-776-6406.
The decision of the Board of Commissioners must be made within 30 days and will be in writing or in an accessible format, and include the reasons for the finding. The decision of the governing body is final. A record of action taken on each request or complaint must be maintained as a part of the records or minutes at each level of the grievance procedure.
The right of the appellant to a prompt and equitable resolution of the complaint must not be impaired by the appellant's pursuit of other remedies, such as the filing of a complaint with the Department of Justice or other appropriate federal agency or the filing of a suit in state or federal court. Use of this procedure is not a prerequisite to the pursuit of other remedies.
A grievance procedure must be initiated within 60 days of the date on the letter denying paratransit eligibility. The appellant will submit their complaint regarding access or discrimination in writing to the SETD Board of Commissioners, 465 NE Skipanon Drive, Warrenton, OR 97146 for resolution. The appellant, at their request, will have the right to meet with the Board to present additional information and arguments at an open, public meeting. Anyone needing special accommodations may contact the District Office for assistance at 861-7433 or 1-800-776-6406.
The decision of the Board of Commissioners must be made within 30 days and will be in writing or in an accessible format, and include the reasons for the finding. The decision of the governing body is final. A record of action taken on each request or complaint must be maintained as a part of the records or minutes at each level of the grievance procedure.
The right of the appellant to a prompt and equitable resolution of the complaint must not be impaired by the appellant's pursuit of other remedies, such as the filing of a complaint with the Department of Justice or other appropriate federal agency or the filing of a suit in state or federal court. Use of this procedure is not a prerequisite to the pursuit of other remedies.
Visitor Privilege
Visitors will be allowed Special Services while staying in Clatsop County. The individual should have a certification from their home of record. If they do not, the certification process will be used to determine eligibility. Visitor privilege will be provided by SETD for no more than 30 days after first use.
Visitors will be allowed Special Services while staying in Clatsop County. The individual should have a certification from their home of record. If they do not, the certification process will be used to determine eligibility. Visitor privilege will be provided by SETD for no more than 30 days after first use.
Suspension of Services
The district reserves the right to suspend from services any ADA qualified person, who establishes a pattern or practice of missing scheduled trips and/or for violating the passenger conduct rules. The passenger conduct rules, rider no-show policy and penalties are stated in the Dial-A-Ride Use Policy and apply to all paratransit services. Repeated violations can result in services being revoked for up to a maximum of one year. All suspension decisions will be the responsibility of a District Manager, subject by appeal to the Board of Commissioners.
The district reserves the right to suspend from services any ADA qualified person, who establishes a pattern or practice of missing scheduled trips and/or for violating the passenger conduct rules. The passenger conduct rules, rider no-show policy and penalties are stated in the Dial-A-Ride Use Policy and apply to all paratransit services. Repeated violations can result in services being revoked for up to a maximum of one year. All suspension decisions will be the responsibility of a District Manager, subject by appeal to the Board of Commissioners.
Personal Care Attendant
If it is determined that a rider needs the assistance of a personal care attendant, that attendant may ride free of charge. Other companions may ride as space allows and pay the normal fare.
If it is determined that a rider needs the assistance of a personal care attendant, that attendant may ride free of charge. Other companions may ride as space allows and pay the normal fare.
Eligibility Identification
Cards
Eligibility Identification Cards will include: The name of the eligible individual, the transit provider (SETD), the telephone number of the District, an expiration date for eligibility if applicable, any conditions or limitations on the individual's eligibility, and if there is need for a personal care attendant.
Eligibility Identification Cards will include: The name of the eligible individual, the transit provider (SETD), the telephone number of the District, an expiration date for eligibility if applicable, any conditions or limitations on the individual's eligibility, and if there is need for a personal care attendant.
Temporary or Conditional Certification
The ADA qualified person will need to be re-certified every six months, unless a longer time period is recommended by the physician and approved by a District Manager.
The ADA qualified person will need to be re-certified every six months, unless a longer time period is recommended by the physician and approved by a District Manager.
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The Sunset Empire Transportation District (SETD, operating as the bus) has an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) paratransit service. The bus paratransit service will provide public transportation to persons with disabilities who are unable to use regular fixed route buses. Curb to curb paratransit service, in wheelchair lift equipped mini-buses, will be comparable to existing SETD bus service operated within the designated service areas. Individuals certified conditionally eligible are also encouraged to use regular bus service whenever possible.
Service Information
- Paratransit service is available at the same times and days as regular SETD buses are schedules, including Saturday. All trips must have an origination and destination within ¾ of a mile of a regular SETD bus route.
- Trip requests are made by calling the bus at 861-7433 or 776-6406.
- Trips must be scheduled at least a day in advance.
- Reservations may be made longer in advance for many trips, such as medical appointments.
- Subscription service (standing order) is available for riders who travel to and/or the same location on a regular basis.
- Pick up and drop off times may be scheduled within a service window of 10 minutes before or 20 minutes after a specific time.
- Passengers should be ready for vehicles, which may arrive up to 10 minutes early.
- The fare for the ADA paratransit service is twice (2x) the fixed route fare. The bus monthly passes are acceptable for ADA fare payment.
- You will be reminded of the fare when your paratransit trip is scheduled. Please note that rides may be shared with passengers from other programs who may or may not be paying a fare directly to the driver.
- If you require an escort or attendant (PCA) to assist you in traveling, a notation will have been made on your ADA photo identification card. No fare is charged for the PCA, but the person must travel to the same location.
- Service animals and mobility aids will also be accommodated.
- If the bus is notified when you schedule a trip, you may be accompanied by companion(s) who will pay the same fare.
- Cancelled trips are costly so passengers should contact the bus as soon as possible when canceling a trip.
- Ridership privileges may be suspended due to a pattern of missed or no show appointments (3 trips in a 6 month period).
- Ridership privileges can also be suspended due to unruly behavior, which may or may not threaten the safety of others.
- If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to call the bus at 1-503-861-7433 or e-mail questions@ridethebus.org.
To print out a PDF copy of the SETD Special
Services Application, Click here. After completing the SETD Special Services Application, mail it to:
Sunset Empire Transportation
PO Box 68
Warrenton, OR 97146
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