ADA Paratransit Service
Ozark Regional Transit Authority
ORT's Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Paratransit Service provides accessible transportation for people in Washington and Benton counties who have applied and qualified for Paratransit eligibility with ORT under the Americans with Disabilities Act, and only within 3/4 mile of any ORT fixed or commuter route.
If you have a disability and your desired pick-up and drop-off location is within 3/4 mile of a fixed route, you need to submit a completed application. If you have a disability and your desired pick-up or drop-off location is more than 3/4 mile from a fixed route, go ahead and apply. A new route could be added near you at any time. It will apply only to any rides that begin and end within 3/4 mile of a fixed or commuter route and within fixed and commuter route service times. If you do not have a disability, you do not need to apply.
What is ADA Paratransit?
ADA Paratransit is an origin-to-destination shared service that serves as a "safety net" for riders with disabilities who are functionally unable to access or use the fixed-route bus system. It operates the same days and times as ORT's fixed-route buses run and within three-quarters (3/4) of a mile of a fixed route.
Who Can Use ADA Paratransit?
To qualify for ADA Paratransit:
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You must apply and be certified eligible by ORT.
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Disability alone does not automatically qualify you. You must also be unable to reasonably use the fixed-route service due to your disability.
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Typical qualifying criteria:
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Cannot travel to or from a bus stop due to impairment-related conditions.
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Require a wheelchair lift/ramp but the fixed route bus cannot deploy it at a specific stop.
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Cannot board, ride, or exit the fixed-route bus even if they can reach the stop.
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Scheduling an ADA Ride
Fare: Free - $0 per trip
Booking Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Service Hours: 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
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Call 1-479-756-5901, option 1, to book a ride. Trips must be scheduled at least 1 day in advance and up to 7 days before travel.​​
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When calling to book, please have:
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Your name, address, and phone number.
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Trip date(s) and requested times.
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Exact pickup and drop-off addresses.
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Approximate length of time you want to be at each destination.
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Information about mobility aids (e.g., wheelchair, cane or walker), companions, or personal care attendants (PCAs).
ADA Rider Policies & Expectations
To make your ride go smooth:
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Be ready at the beginning of your 30 minute pickup window that is given to you by the dispatcher.
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Wait at the exact scheduled address or entrance when the trip was scheduled.
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Drivers will not come to the door unless special assistance is requested at the time you call to make your reservation, and then only once the passenger has come outside. Drivers can only assist in reaching the door of your destination.
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Once a driver arrives within the given 30 minute ride time window, the vehicle will wait no longer than 5 minutes after arrival, and then proceed on to their next passenger.
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Call Scheduling at least 2 hours ahead to cancel a ride. Failure to call and cancel your ride in advance will be considered a No Show, and prevents other passengers from scheduling a ride during that time.
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Frequent No Shows can result in a suspension of your riding privileges. Please see the Rider's Guide for full details on the No Show policy and other policies pertinent to our services.
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Apply For ADA Eligibility
​To be eligible for ORT ADA Paratransit service, you must complete an ADA Paratransit Eligibility Application.
​​To apply for ADA eligibility
​To be eligible for ORT ADA Paratransit service, you must complete an ADA Paratransit Eligibility Application. There are several ways to access an application:
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Option A: Download a packet.​
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Option B: Call 1-479-756-5901, select option 2.
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Ask for an application packet.
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Packet will be mailed to you.​
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Option C: Pickup an application at Ozark Regional Transit 2423 E. Robinson Ave. Springdale, Arkansas 72764.​​
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Provide the completed Professional Verification that pertains to your disability.
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If additional information is needed from you or the person conducting your Professional Verification, it will be required before a determination can be made. If you are unwilling or unable to provide the required information, a letter denying eligibility will be sent. You may reapply when you are prepared to provide the required information.
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If an evaluation of your ability to perform the skills needed to use the fixed routes and/or Paratransit services is requested, you will need to participate in it.
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If you refuse to participate, your eligibility will be denied because the application process has not been completed.
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If an evaluation is required, it will be at no cost to you, and transportation will be provided.
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An eligibility committee will review the eligibility application, the professional verification, and any evaluation information provided to determine your level of eligibility.
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Eligible riders are certified for services for a period of up to two (2) years.
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The eligibility period is determined by the nature of the rider’s disability, including whether the condition is temporary.
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You will be informed of this decision in writing within twenty-one (21) days.
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If a decision has not been made within 21 days, full eligibility will be presumed until the application is processed and a decision is mailed to you.
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If you disagree with ORT's denial of eligibility or the level of eligibility granted to use the ADA Paratransit Service, you may appeal that decision. See 'How to Appeal if Denied Eligibility' below.
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If you do not have a disability, you do not need to apply. Refer to our fixed-routes and On-Demand services.​
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