Apply For Dial-A-Ride

Thank you for interest in ADA Dial-A-Ride service. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Riverside Transit Agency provides ADA Dial-A-Ride service to anyone with a disability who cannot use the fixed route bus system some or all of the time. RTA provides Dial-A-Ride service within ¾ mile of a regular RTA fixed bus route.

We strongly encourage you to verify that your home is within the Dial-A-Ride service area before applying for service. If you have any questions about ADA services, whether you live within the Dial-A-Ride service area or about Dial-A-Ride policies, please call (800) 795-7887.

HOW TO APPLY FOR ADA PRIORITY SERVICE

To apply for ADA Priority Service, you are required to fill out an application and have your physician or a licensed healthcare professional complete a Healthcare Professional Verification Form. The application will ask detailed information about your disability as it relates to your ability to use fixed route bus service. You can either complete your application online and submit it electronically, print out the application for mailing, or have an application package mailed to you. The Healthcare Professional Verification can be downloaded and printed by you or your healthcare professional or can be mailed to you as part of the application package. Healthcare Professional Verifications cannot be completed online.

Upon receipt of your completed application and Healthcare Professional Verification Form, a specialist will review your application to determine your eligibility based on one or more of the following criteria:

  • Category 1: The inability of an individual to navigate accessible fixed route services without the assistance of another individual (except the operator of a wheelchair lift).
  • Category 2: The inability of an individual to access the fixed-route service due to inaccessible routes, stops and stations.
  • Category 3: The individual's disability or condition prevents them from independently getting to or from the bus stop.

Applicants receiving certification approval will be categorized under one of the following three types.

  • Unrestricted: An individual who cannot use the fixed route bus system on a regular basis under any conditions.
  • Conditional: An individual who may use the fixed route bus sytem under certain environmental conditions and not others.
  • Trip-by-Trip: An individual who may use the fixed routes for certain trips but not others.
  • Temporary: An individual who, for a limited period of time, cannot independently use the fixed route bus system.

Upon receipt of the completed application and Healthcare Professional Verification form, RTA will notify you within 21 days by mail regarding the decision made on your eligibility.

ADA VISITOR POLICY

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, individuals with disabilities who do not reside within the jurisdictional boundaries of RTA and are visiting the RTA service area will be allowed to travel on the Agency’s DAR service. RTA will provide paratransit service to disabled customers on the same basis as ADA certified customers who reside in the RTA service area.

Eligibility

Individuals who have been ADA certified from other transit agencies can present documentation of eligibility received from these agencies. RTA can accept this documentation directly from the individual via phone, email or facsimile, or from the home transit agency in which the individual resides.

Individuals who do not have ADA certification documentation from another transit agency will be provided with “presumed eligibility” if a ride is requested. If the disability is apparent (e.g., the use of mobility device, etc.), then no further documentation is required. If the disability is not apparent, additional documentation as described above will be required. As such, no visitor with a disability shall be denied paratransit service if requested.

Visitors with disabilities to the RTA service area are eligible to receive DAR service for any combination of 21 days during a 365-day period. If they plan on using the service for more than the 21 days, RTA will offer to provide them with the RTA application so they can apply for certification in the RTA service area.

Documentation may include one of the following:

  • Current ADA card issued by transit agency in the area in which they reside,
  • ADA certification profile from the home transit agency in which they reside, or
  • Letter from a medical professional or eligibility for other services based on a determination of disability if the individual is not ADA certified in the area in which they reside and their disability is not apparent (e.g., cognitive or medical condition).

Visitor status requests should include the following:

  • Name
  • Address
  • Telephone number(s)
  •  Date of Birth
  • Mobility Device(s)
  • Certification Expiration Date (if appropriate)
  • PCA Status (if appropriate)

If the client is visiting in the Riverside, Corona, Beaumont or Banning areas, RTA will email or fax the visitor profile or above information to the appropriate local DAR agency.

APPEALS PROCESS

You may appeal the decision if you are determined to be not eligible for ADA Priority Service or are dissatisfied with your eligibility type. A request to RTA must be received within 60 days of the denial letter. Appeals should be sent to Riverside Transit Agency, P.O. Box 59968, Riverside, CA 92517-1968, Attention: ADA Certification. Simply submit a letter stating that you wish to appeal the decision. Your request for appeal may also be submitted via telephone by calling (951) 565-5002. Once our office has received the request for an appeal, an appeal hearing will be scheduled. The appeal process should take no longer than 30 days and the decision of the appeal is final. If your condition changes and negatively impacts your transit skills, you may re-apply.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY NOW IF YOU THINK YOU QUALIFY FOR ADA DIAL-A-RIDE SERVICE