Berkshire Regional Transit Authority (BRTA)
Special Services for the Mobility Disabled
Dear Customer
Thank you for inquiring about Berkshire Regional Transit Authority (BRTA) special
services for the Mobility Disabled. In addition to traditional fixed route bus services
unable to access or navigate the fixed route service. Mobility disabled persons who
are able to access and navigate the fixed route service may be entitled to pay "half fare".
Please read this cover letter in its entirety before you
take the time to complete the application.
What follows is a description of the special services supported by the BRTA and how an applicant's eligibility for those services is assessed. This letter and the application are available upon request, in large print for the BRTA.
What follows is a description of the special services supported by the BRTA and how an applicant's eligibility for those services is assessed. This letter and the application are available upon request, in large print for the BRTA.
FIXED ROUTE BUS SERVICE
The BRTA provides fixed route bus service to many of its member communities. Every BRTA
bus is accessible to persons with disabilites: each bus has a wheelchair lift with
space to carry two wheelchair-bound customers and each bus has a "kneeling service"
to lower the front step of the bus closer to the ground to assist those who have
difficulty climbing the steps. Persons who are "mobility disabled" may be entitled
to pay "half fare" (see below). Persons with disabilities who are able to get to or
from (access) the bus and understand how to use the bus system (navigate) are expected
to use the bus service. If a person's disability prevents him/her from accessing
or navigating the bus service, either occasionally or all the time, the person may be
eligible for BRTA-supported paratransit services.
PARATRANSIT SERVICE
Paratransit service is simply a term used to describe transportation services provided
by something other than the traditional fixed route buses. In the BRTA service area,
those paratransit services for the mobility disabled are provided by taxi, van or
chaircar (a van with a wheelchair lift). The BRTA historically has subsidized
door-to-door paratransit services. In 1992, under the Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA), the BRTA began to provide the "curb-to-curb" service required to complement the
fixed route bus service for persons who qualify under the Federal eligibility criteria.
The BRTA will now determine eligibility for all paratransit services to the disabled
on the basis of those ADA eligibility criteria. Paratransit eligible individuals may
then choose ADA or non-ADA service; ADA paratransit services are more restrictive.
BRTA paratransit services not mandated by the ADA will be provided only to individuals
of participating communities:
Adams Alford Becket Cheshire Clarksburg Dalton Egremont Florida Great Barrington
Hinsdale Lanesborough Lee Lenox Monterey Mount Washington North Adams Otis Pittsfield
Richmond Sheffield Stockbridge Washington Williamstown
Eligibility Determination
A person's eligibility for these special paratransit services will be determined by
his/her ability to access or navigate the fixed route service. That eligibility may
be determined:
- Unconditional - this eligibility is granted if a person's disability prevents him/her from using the bus service for any trips.
- Conditional - this eligibility is granted if a person can use buses under certain circumstances, but needs paratransit service under certain conditions, perhaps weather conditions or barriers to a particular trip or bus.
"ADA" service is required as an adjunct service to the fixed bus services and is:
- Curb to curb service
- Available during the hours and days of service provided by the fixed bus service
- Less costly (each town traveled costs twice the bus service full fare) than the "non-ADA" service
- Available on a "next-day" basis, with reservations taken up to 14 days in advance
"Non-ADA" service is a premium paratransit service that:
- Is provided door to door
- Is available at any time
- Costs more than the ADA service
- Does not require "day-before" reservation (although same-day trips may no be able to be scheduled)
To enable the BRTA to accurately determine your eligibility for paratransit services,
please fill out the enclosed application as completely and thoroughly as possible.
The questions help us to determine the specific limitations you have in using our bus
service. They also help us determine when and under what circumstances you can use
the bus system or when paratransit service is required.
After you have completed Sections 1,2 and 3, please have a medical professional complete
Section 4. It is important that all sections of the application form are completed.
If any sections are left blank, the form will be returned to you for completion.
Information about your disability that you provide in the application will be kept
strictly confidential. The BRTA reserves the right to verify the information reported
on the application by contacting persons noted on the form.
If you need assistance in completing the form, or have questions on either our "ADA"
or 'Non-ADA" services and/or eligibility, please fell free to call our office at:
(413)499-2782 option 4, then option 5
(800)292-2782 Toll free
(413)448-2108 TDD
A determination of your eligibility will be made by the BRTA within 21 days of
receipt of the completed application. The BRTA will notify you in writing of the
decision about your eligibility for paratransit service. If it is determined that
you are able to use the bus service and consequently are not eligible for
paratransit service, the BRTA will explain the reason for the determination. An
opportunity to appeal a BRTA decision will be available, per the BRTA ADA plan;
the appeal process will be described in detail in the denial letter.
If your application is approved, you will be given information on how to use the
appropriate service(s) and may be issued an identification (ID) card. If you are
considered temporarily disabled by the BRTA, you will be granted TEMPORARY
eligibility, which may be renewed if necessary. Non-temporary eligibility may be
reassessed periodically by the BRTA.
HALF FARE BUS
Half fares for bus service are available through the BRTA in accordance with
Federal regulations which require that public transportation be provided at
one-half the base rate during non-peak hours to persons who are elderly or
disabled. The BRTA permits persons who are 60 years of age or older and persons
who have been determined "disabled" to ride for one-half fare at all times. In
accordance with a Massachusetts interagency agreement, the BRTA will issue a
"Transportation Access Pass" to persons who have been determined eligible by the
Federal standard: "any individual who by reason of illness, injury, age,
congenital malfunction, or other permanent or temporary incapacity or disability,
including a person who is wheelchair bound or has semi ambulatory capabilities,
is unable without special facilities or special planning or design to utilize
public transportation facilities and services effectively."