Paratransit is door-to-door transportation for disabled people who cannot use regular fixed-route transit. In the US, it's legally required as a complement to accessible buses and trains. In other countries, similar services exist under various names.
This page centers disabled people's expertise on navigating paratransit systems.
Paratransit (or "demand-responsive" transit) provides rides for people who cannot use fixed-route buses and trains due to disability. Unlike regular transit with set routes and schedules, paratransit picks you up at your door and takes you to your destination.
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), transit agencies that operate fixed-route service must also provide "complementary paratransit" for people who cannot use the fixed routes because of disability.
Similar services exist worldwide under different names:
You're eligible for ADA paratransit if you:
Categories of eligibility:
Category 1: Can't navigate the system at all, regardless of accessibility. Example: Person with cognitive disability who can't navigate routes independently.
Category 2: Can use accessible fixed-route transit but need routes/stops aren't accessible. Example: Wheelchair user when nearest stop lacks curb cuts.
Category 3: Have a condition that prevents travel to/from stops. Example: Person with severe fatigue who can't travel more than very short distances.
Conditional eligibility: Many people are eligible under some conditions (weather, distance, time of day) but not others.
Service area: Must cover at least 3/4 mile on each side of fixed routes.
Hours: Must operate same hours and days as fixed routes.
Fares: Can be up to twice the regular fixed-route fare.
Next-day service: Must be able to book rides the day before.
Response time: Cannot require more than one day advance notice.
Cannot restrict:
ADA doesn't require:
Tips for applications:
You have the right to appeal. ADA requires:
During appeal, you may be entitled to service (presumptive eligibility in some cases).
In advance: Most paratransit requires booking at least one day ahead.
Same-day: Some systems offer same-day booking (not required by ADA).
Pickup windows: You won't get an exact time. Expect a window (often 15-30 minutes).
Be ready: Drivers may not wait long. Be ready when the window starts.
Shared rides: Paratransit often picks up multiple passengers, so trips take longer.
Personal Care Attendants (PCAs): You can bring an attendant at no extra charge.
Companions: You can usually bring one companion for the same fare.
Late pickups: Paratransit is often late. Document patterns.
Long travel times: Shared rides can take much longer than direct trips.
No-shows: Drivers sometimes don't show up at all.
Cancellations: Services sometimes cancel rides.
Service denials: You may not get the time you requested.
Suspension: Missing rides or "no-showing" can get you suspended.
If service is poor:
If routes are accessible, fixed-route is often faster and more reliable. Consider:
Some disabled people use ride-hailing:
For medical appointments:
Most cities have paratransit services:
Services vary by municipality. Apply through local transit agency.
Similar services exist in many countries. Contact local disability organizations or transit agencies.
Travel training teaches disabled people to use fixed-route transit independently. Many transit agencies offer free training.
People who might be able to use some fixed routes but need support learning. Not everyone can use fixed routes, and that's okay.
Rural disabled people often have:
May face:
Disabled people of color, immigrants, and others may face:
Appeal the decision. Focus on your functional limitations. Get documentation from providers. Seek help from disability advocacy organizations. You have the right to appeal.
Document every late pickup. File complaints with the transit agency. After documenting a pattern, consider filing an ADA complaint with FTA. Connect with advocacy organizations pushing for better service.
You have the right to appeal suspensions. Explain circumstances of "no-shows" (were rides late? Were you waiting in the wrong place?). ADA requires fair suspension policies.
ADA only requires coverage near fixed routes. Explore alternatives: ride-hailing, volunteer programs, negotiate with paratransit about destinations near the boundary.
Look into reduced fare programs. Medicaid may cover some trips. Some localities have assistance programs. Advocacy for lower fares continues.
Do you use paratransit? Have tips, experiences, or resources to share?
Share your knowledge: Contribution Form
We especially welcome:
This page centers disabled paratransit users' expertise. Transportation access is essential for independence, employment, healthcare, and community participation.
Last updated: November 2025