Paratransit Appeal Process

In accordance with the Department of Transportation (DOT), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations at 49 C.F.R, Section 37.125(g), appeals for an eligibility determination can be submitted to C-TRAN within 60 days of the determination. Below are C-TRAN’s policy and guidelines for submitting an appeal:

1. An appeal must be submitted within 60 days of receipt of notification of the determination. An appeal can be written or typed and should include a signature and state the reason for the appeal. Written appeals can be sent to C-TRAN Eligibility, 10600 NE 51st Circle, Vancouver, WA 98682. Appeals may also be called in by phone to the Eligibility Department at 360-695-8918.

2. During the appeal process, current C-VAN customers, will continue to receive Paratransit Service; however, new applicants will receive Paratransit Service only for appointments related to their appeal. Ride suspensions related to no-shows or exclusion will be delayed until the appeal process is completed.

3. To evaluate your need for service, you may be required to attend a functional assessment before the appeals meeting. The assessment will review your ability to utilize public transportation.

4. Once C-TRAN receives the appeal, you will be contacted to schedule an appeal meeting. The appeal meeting will allow you to be heard and present information and arguments. The appeal will be heard by two (2) members of C-TRAN’s Management team, the Chair of C-TRAN’s Citizen Advisory Committee, or their designees. You may bring an advocate with you to speak on your behalf.

5. A decision on your eligibility will be made within 30 days of the completion of the appeal process. You will be notified in writing of the decision.

6. If the appeal is not resolved to your satisfaction, you have the right to submit a new application for Paratransit Service. The new application may provide additional information related to your ability to take Fixed-Route transportation and other documentation of your disability.

7. You have the right to be supplied with an interpreter or materials in alternate formats. The need for an interpreter or alternative formats must be requested to C‑TRAN before the appeal meeting date. All appeal decisions will be made by the parties not involved with the initial decision.

Download the Paratransit Appeal Process (PDF)