ADA Paratransit Eligibility

Public transit systems are required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to establish a process for determining ADA paratransit eligibility. The goal of the process is to ensure that only persons who meet the ADA criteria are regarded as eligible. Eligibility is strictly limited to any person with a disability that is unable to use the regular fixed-route city bus system.

Diagnosis of a disability does not establish eligibility. What's needed is a determination of whether the person can use the fixed-route city bus system under given circumstances. The person's physical and mental abilities in relation to getting on and off a bus, riding the bus, and traveling to or from a bus stop are considered when determining eligibility for paratransit services. A person's age, income, inability to drive, travel preference, or inconvenience aren't considered qualifying factors. In addition, paratransit service is only provided within the city limits of Cedar Rapids, Marion, and Hiawatha.

There are three types of ADA paratransit eligibility:

• Full – if your disability prevents you from using the fixed-route city bus system for any trips.
• Conditional – if you can use the fixed-route city bus system under certain circumstances, but need the ADA paratransit service for specified trips.
• Temporary – if your disability does not require a permanent need for ADA paratransit service.

Eligibility Form

To determine your eligibility, you must complete an ADA paratransit application which can be found at the following link.  

City of Cedar Rapids Transit Paratransit Application

It's your responsibility to complete Part 1 and have your physician or health care professional complete Part 2 of the application. Please be as specific as possible. The questions are used to determine the functional abilities you have and under what circumstances you might be able to utilize the wheelchair-accessible fixed-route city bus system. If you don't believe there is enough space to answer your questions, feel free to attach a sheet to the back of the application. Please number your answers to match the questions so we know what response belongs to which question.

Both sections must be filled out and the entire application submitted to Cedar Rapids Transit to be considered a complete application. An incomplete application will be returned to you and will delay your eligibility determination. Completed applications will be processed as soon as possible and you will receive written notification of the decision. If you have not received a response within 21 days after mailing your completed application or if you have any questions regarding this process, please call 319-286-5540 for assistance.