ADA Complementary Paratransit Services

What i s ADA Complementary Paratransit Service?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Complementary Paratransit Service is for individuals that, due to a mental or physical disability, cannot utilize Freedom Transit's fixed route bus service. You must apply for Freedom Transit's ADA Complementary Paratransit service and be determined as eligible under the guidelines of the American with Disabilities Act. Applications can be obtained by contacting Freedom Transit at (724) 223-8747. For more information, review the ADA Complementary Paratransit Brochure on the Forms page.

Applying For ADA Complementary Paratransit Service

In compliance with the American with Disabilities Act, the following forms will be utilized to determine your eligibility for ADA Complementary Paratransit service: 

• Application Form is to be completed by the applicant or by someone completing the form for them.
• Professional Verification Form should be completed by a physician, organization, or agency that can verify the applicant's disability that is presented in the Application Form.
• Personal Care Attendant (PCA) Certification Form should be completed by a physician, organization, or agency to certify the need for a personal care attendant by the applicant (This form is optional).

Once these forms have been completed and signed by the appropriate persons, the applications are to be returned to Freedom Transit for review to: 
Freedom Transit
50 East Chestnut Street
Washington, PA 15301

Once we receive a properly completed application, the applicant will be certified within 21 days of the receipt of the application. The determination will be one of full eligibility, conditional eligibility, or denial of eligibility. If the application is approved, a passenger identification card will be issued with an applicable expiration date, temporary status, or service restrictions. If an applicant feels they have been given an incorrect determination, they have the right to appeal such decision to Freedom Transit. A copy of the appeal process can be obtained by contacting Freedom Transit at the contact information noted above.

Eligibility Criteria – All persons who, by reason of their disability, are unable to use accessible fixed route bus service can apply for certification to utilize ADA Complementary Paratransit services. 

Types & Length of Eligibility –

• Certified persons with a permanent disability are given permanent approval status.
• Certified persons with a temporary disability may only utilize the service for the period prescribed by their certifying physician.
• Visitors to the area, who provide a current ADA-type certification from another agency or state, will be provided with up to 21 days of service.

Reservations – Once the application has been processed and you have received your ADA Card, you may schedule your trip by calling (724) 223-8747. Reservations can be made up to 14 days in advance; you must call before 5 PM the day before transportation is needed. Trip reservations are made as one-way, so if you need a return trip, please make sure to schedule it.

Rates As of April 1, 2023, the rate for ADA Complementary Paratransit service is $3.00 per one-way trip. Accompanying Certified Personal Care Attendants ride free of charge.

Service Area, Days & Times ADA Complementary Paratransit service is available on the same days and hours that Freedom Transit's local fixed route bus service operates. Trips must be to and from areas within 3/4 of a mile from local fixed routes. To schedule a trip that is not during a day, time, or area covered by the fixed route bus schedule, you may qualify for another shared ride program. To utilize another program, fill out an application and register for the service before scheduling a ride. For more information on ADA Complementary Paratransit Service, please give us a call at (724) 223-8747.

Please Note –

• Drivers can only pick you up and drop you off at the location you provided when you scheduled your trip.
• With shared ride service, you will receive a 30-minute pick-up window during which time you can expect the vehicle to arrive at your pick-up location.
• Once the vehicle arrives at your location for pick-up, the driver waits five minutes for you to board the vehicle before leaving and considering you a no-show.
• You can bring packages on the vehicle. However, items you transport must be limited to what can be "reasonably" carried by one person in one trip.
• Will Call returns will be accepted for medical appointments only when necessary. These will be handled as open return trips but must be completed by the end of service availability. Open trips can take up to one hour to service.
• Drivers cannot go into a residence or other facility to look for or assist passengers.
• No one under the age of twelve will be transported without a Personal Care Attendant or companion.
• Smoking, eating, drinking, or playing music are not permitted on vehicles. Animals, except service animals, will not be permitted on vehicles. Unsafe, violent, seriously disruptive or illegal conduct will result in removal from the vehicle by police. Violations of any of these rules can result in suspension of services.