Priority Paratransit Eligibility FAQ
What is Americans with Disabilities Act (
What is the Americans with Disabilities Act (
Why must I apply for
How do I apply for
What will the eligibility determination mean to me? If you are determined fully eligible, you have the right to the level
of service comparable to that which is provided to individuals without
disabilities who use the fixed route system.
If you are determined conditionally eligible, you have the same right
under certain conditions (examples: for certain trips but not others or under
certain weather conditions but not others).
If you are determined temporarily eligible, you will have the same right
for a specified time period. If you are
denied eligibility, you cannot use Valley Transit’s ADA Priority Paratransit service.
Valley Transit will continue to provide our standard paratransit
service, known as Dial-A-Ride, for those determined ineligible for ADA Priority
Paratransit and for the general public on a space
available basis.
How do I use Valley Transit’s
What if I am denied eligibility or do not agree with the eligibility
determination? You have the right to appeal the
determination for 60 days following the receipt of the written notification of
your eligibility status. Your appeal
must be in writing.
What are the criteria for eligibility?
ADA Priority Paratransit is for individuals whose health condition or
disability prevents them from using the fixed route. Having a health condition or disability in
and of itself does not guarantee eligibility.
There are three categories of eligibility. The first category of eligible individuals
are those with a disability who are unable, as the result of a physical or
mental impairment, to independently board, ride, or exit vehicles which are
readily accessible and usable by individuals with disabilities. The second category includes individuals with
a disability who are able to board, ride, and exit accessible vehicles, but the
particular route or destination required is not serviced by an accessible
vehicle or bus stop. The third category
includes individuals with a disability who are prevented from traveling to or
from a bus stop due to their specific impairment-related condition or in
combination with environmental and architectural barriers (49 CFR §37.123).
I’m on Medicaid or Social
Security. Don’t I automatically qualify?
Qualifying for Medicaid or Social Security
benefits does not automatically qualify you for ADA Priority Paratransit service.
ADA Priority Paratransit eligibility is based
on functional ability to utilize the fixed route system as a result of a health
condition or disability, not a medical assessment.
What factors are not considered for eligibility? The
following issues are not considerations of eligibility for ADA Priority Paratransit: 1) Age, 2) Distance to a bus stop, 3) Lack of
fixed route bus service to an area, 4) Weather conditions, and 5) Inability to
speak English.
What if my condition changes? If your condition changes and you would like
to be re-evaluated for ADA Priority Paratransit, you
may fill out a new application for a new eligibility determination.
Will my information be kept private?
YES! Valley Transit keeps all client records confidential. The information used in determining your ADA
Priority Paratransit Eligibility will only be used
for that purpose. Only information
relevant to your required trip needs will be given to those who perform those
services. The
What if I have questions or need assistance filling out the application? If you have any questions, need assistance, or require a format that is more accessible to you, call Valley Transit at (208) 743-2545 or (208) 883-7747. If you need a TTY/relay operator, dial one of these toll-free numbers:
Valley Transit’s office hours are