C-TRAN does NOT base the determination of eligibility on symptoms, type of disability, use of a mobility aid, age, income, ability to drive, or access to a private automobile. We DO consider an applicant’s functional ability, and whether an applicant is unable to travel on C-TRAN’s fixed-route service, all or some of the time, due to the applicant’s disability, and the applicant’s effort and risk during travel on fixed-route. Disabled children aged nine and under are required to be accompanied by a fare-paying adult on paratransit service.
You may be eligible if your disability prevents you from:
- getting to or from a fixed-route bus stop,
- getting on or off a fixed-route bus, or
- have difficulty riding or navigating the fixed-route bus system.
Paratransit Application Process
To ride paratransit, you must obtain and complete a pre-application with one of the following three methods:
- Complete the online paratransit pre-application form
- Download the PDF paratransit pre-application form, print, and return the completed document to:
C-TRAN
10600 NE 51st Circle
Vancouver, WA 98686. - Call 360-695-8918 to request an application to be mailed to you.
Applicants who pass the initial screening will then be asked to complete a formal application and may also be required to participate in an in-person functional evaluation to determine current skills as they relate to riding a regular lift-equipped bus. Once these steps are complete, a decision will be mailed within twenty-one (21) days.
Functional Evaluation for Paratransit Eligibility
In some cases, the information on the application needs clarification so you may receive a phone call from C-TRAN’s eligibility specialist. If it is clear you qualify for paratransit service under the ADA guidelines, the eligibility specialist will approve the application and notify you in writing.
If the information is NOT clear that you qualify for paratransit service, the eligibility specialist will call you to schedule a functional evaluation to determine your eligibility. C-TRAN will provide a free ride on paratransit to attend the evaluation.
A functional evaluation will take approximately 45 minutes to one hour and may include walking, using stairs, navigating different terrain, and answering questions. Most functional evaluations occur outside, so please dress for the weather. After the functional evaluation is complete, you will be notified of our decision within 21 days of the completed application.
If you miss your functional evaluation appointment, C-TRAN will attempt to reschedule. More than one missed appointment will require you to reapply.
Paratransit Appeals Process
In accordance with the Department of Transportation (DOT), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations 49 C.F.R Section 37.125(g), appeals for eligibility determination can be submitted to C-TRAN within 60 days of the determination. An appeal can be written or typed, including a signature, stating the reason for the appeal, or called into the eligibility department at 360-695-8918.
To access C-TRAN’s full appeal process click here or download the paratransit appeal process (PDF).