Application for RIPTA ADA Paratransit Service Certification
Application for RIPTA ADA Paratransit Service Certification – Spanish
The RIde Paratransit Program is a complementary ADA paratransit service that provides transportation for people with disabilities who are traveling within ¾-mile of a fixed bus route and cannot independently take the bus or travel to and from a bus stop.
The RIde Paratransit Program is operated in compliance with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA requires public transit operators to provide paratransit services for eligible people with disabilities that prevent use of general public transportation all or some of the time. It is not intended to be a comprehensive system of transportation that meets all the needs of persons with disabilities, and it is distinct from medical or human services transportation.
It is a shared-ride service, which means you are traveling with other people and is comparable to the level of service of RIPTA’s fixed-route system.
Who Is Eligible?
- Anyone whose disability prevents the use of a regular lift or ramp equipped bus.
- Anyone whose disability prevents travel to or from bus stops.
How Do I Apply?
In order to use RIde paratransit service, you must complete and submit an application. Only completed, signed original applications, mailed or faxed (401-461-8210), will be considered for review. Applicants will receive written notification of eligibility via U.S. mail within 21 days of submitting the completed application. For more information or to obtain an application, contact the The RIde Program at (401) 461-9760 or use TDD RI Relay at 1-800-745-5555 or 711.
What is the Next Step in The Eligibility Process?
If you are found eligible for RIde paratransit service, the next step is to determine if your trips are ADA-eligible. This is done for each trip request. You can use RIde paratransit service, just like the bus, for any reason. However, paratransit service is limited to areas where and when the fixed-route bus operates. Both your pick-up location and drop-off location must be within ¾-mile of a regular fixed-route. The RIde Program will evaluate each trip you take to make sure it is within this ¾-mile corridor.
What If I Am Not Eligible?
You may appeal the decision and/or take advantage of the reduced fare programs on RIPTA’s fixed-route system.
What Is the ADA Service Area?
Service is available in the same areas and at the same times as RIPTA fixed-route services. If an area does not have regular bus service on Sundays, then RIde paratransit service is not available on Sundays.
What is the RIde Paratransit Program Fare?
The current one-way fare is $4.00. If you are traveling with a Personal Care Assistant (PCA), the PCA will not be charged a fare. Please have the exact fare amount ready to present to the driver. Drivers cannot make change for larger bills. You can pay your fare using cash, a RIde Pass or Wave.
Can Visitors to RI Use RIde Paratransit Service?
Individuals visiting Rhode Island from other states are eligible for paratransit service for 21 days without submitting an application to RIPTA. The total of 21 days may be consecutive or accrue over several visits to Rhode Island. Any visitor wanting service for more than 21 days must complete an application and be approved for RIPTA paratransit service. Visitors, please make advanced arrangements by calling (401) 461-9760 or RI Relay at 711.
Download the Application for RIPTA ADA Paratransit Service Certification above or contact The RIde Program to request an application at (401) 461-9760.
Appeals
All applications are reviewed by the ADA Coordinator. If the ADA Coordinator feels that an application should be denied, the application is sent to an outside consultant for additional review. If the consultant agrees that the application should be denied, you will receive a letter explaining the reasons for the denial and the appeal process. Written requests for an appeal must be received by RIPTA within 60 days of the denial. A hearing officer will set up a time for an appeal hearing, during which you can present additional information. You will not be eligible for service pending the decision of the appeal. RIPTA will respond within 30 days of the appeal hearing.
RIPTA’s Procedures for ADA Accommodation Requests and Complaints
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, RIPTA considers requests for reasonable accommodations to its services from individuals who need such accommodations because of a disability. RIPTA also accepts and reviews complaints and concerns regarding its provision of services to those individuals.
To request an accommodation or register a complaint, please contact Brooks Almonte, by mail, email, or phone at the address listed below. Upon request, RIPTA will, to the extent possible, provide auxiliary aides to facilitate communication with Mr. Almonte.
Mr. Almonte’s contact information is as follows:
Brooks Almonte
705 Elmwood Avenue
Providence, RI 02907
(401) 784-9500, extension 1148