Pacific Paratransit
What is Pacific Paratransit?
Pacific Paratransit is a shared-ride, wheelchair-accessible transportation service designed for individuals whose disabilities make it difficult or impossible to use regular fixed-route bus service.
Pacific Paratransit service is not appropriate for everyone. Our fixed-route bus service is handicap-accessible and intended to be all passengers’ first choice for public transportation. Routed buses have low entry steps and are equipped with ramps or lifts for wheelchairs and for those who cannot step up or down. Other accommodations, such as wheelchair securement areas, bus stop announcements, and free travel training make Pacific Transit’s System’s fixed-route buses accessible for many people with disabilities.
How Does it Work?
Consider using Pacific Paratransit if you need help getting where you need to go
Schedule A Ride
Once approved, book your Pacific Paratransit ride following the link below.
Ride Pacific Paratransit!
You’re all set! Our drivers will help you on board and get you to your destination.
Who is this Service for?
Need a ride to a doctor’s appointment? Heading to the grocery store? Planning a day out? Pacific Paratransit is here to help eligible riders travel safely and independently throughout our service area.
Pacific Paratransit is a shared-ride, reservation-based transportation service for individuals whose disabilities prevent them from using the regular fixed-route bus system. This service is provided in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and is available to eligible passengers with functional or cognitive mobility limitations.
Paratransit service provides wheelchair-accessible transportation to help riders reach their destinations with greater ease and accessibility.
How Do You Get Pacific Paratransit?
Follow these steps:
- Apply for Pacific Paratransit:
Applying for Pacific Paratransit service is simple. Eligible riders may complete an application online or download and submit a printable application form.
Paratransit service is intended for individuals whose disabilities prevent them from independently using Pacific Transit’s regular fixed-route bus system. Eligibility is determined based on functional or cognitive mobility limitations, not for convenience or personal preference.
Download the ADA Paratransit application HERE. Please ensure all sections of part A are filled out and sign page 12. Send the application to Pacific Transit System via mail, fax: (360) 942-3193, or email: ada@pacifictransit.org.
Pacific Transit will contact your medical professional to verify the information in your application. You will then be notified of your eligibility status by letter within 21 calendar days of the receipt of your completed application.
Scheduling a Paratransit Ride:
Paratransit rides are scheduled by reservation. Eligible riders may arrange trips by contacting Pacific Transit dispatch during regular business hours.
When scheduling a ride, please be prepared to provide:
- Passenger name
- Requested pickup date and time
- Pickup address
- Destination address
- Number of companions or whether a Personal Care Attendant (PCA) will be traveling with you
Paratransit operates as a shared-ride service, meaning passengers may travel alongside other riders who are headed to different destinations. Travel times may be similar to those experienced on fixed-route bus service.
Ride with Pacific Paratransit!
Once your trip is scheduled, our professional and friendly drivers will help you get where you need to go safely and comfortably. Pacific Transit is committed to providing accessible transportation that supports independence and mobility throughout our community.
Reminder:
Pacific Transit provides local Paratransit transportation service for eligible riders within our community; however, we are not affiliated with Paratransit Services, Inc.
Paratransit Services, Inc. is a contracted Medicaid transportation broker for the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) that coordinates non-emergency medical transportation throughout southwest Washington. If you are a Medicaid recipient needing to schedule a medical transportation ride through Paratransit Services, Inc., please contact them directly at (800) 846-5438 or visit their website for additional assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for ADA paratransit?
Paratransit is a public, wheelchair-accessible shared-ride transportation service for individuals when the effects of their disability prevent them from using the regular fixed route buses all or some of the time. This means that a person must be unable, because of the effects of their disability, to get to or from the bus stop, get on or off a ramp-equipped bus, or successfully navigate or travel by bus to or from their destination.
What are the fares and how do I pay?
Currently, all routes are fare free.
Contact Pacific Transit at 360-875-9418, Option 1, to request a Pacific Paratransit application or download an application here.
Fill out the application with complete answers to each question and submit online or mail it to Pacific Transit. Be sure to sign the application and have the medical portion completed before you send it in. Pacific Transit will not process incomplete applications.
Am I covered in the paratransit service area?
The paratransit service area is ¾-mile off the Brown, Red, Orange, and Yellow routes on the Long Beach Peninsula and the Raymond-South Bend area. Call our office at 360-875-9418, Option 1, or 360-875-9418, Option 6, to find out if you are in that area.
Where can I find rules and service information?
The Rider Rules of Conduct that apply to passengers on our fixed-route buses apply to Pacific Paratransit service. Click here for more information.
Our Pacific Paratransit handbook is the best resource for information specific to our paratransit service. You can find it HERE.
What are the hours of service?
Pacific Paratransit hours of service are comparable to the hours of service on the regular bus, which operates Monday through Friday 5 a.m.-7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. We will schedule your pick-up/drop-off times to most closely meet your travel needs. Your reservation times will also depend on the length of your trip.
Why can’t the driver wait longer than 5 minutes?
The driver can arrive up to 15 minutes before the scheduled pick-up time and up to 15 minutes after the scheduled pick-up time. Please be ready to board during this 30-minute pickup window. Once the vehicle arrives, the driver will wait up to five (5) minutes after arrival, or until the scheduled pickup time if arriving early, before departing in order to stay on schedule and avoid delays for other passengers.
What happens if I’m running late or miss my ride?
If your appointment is running late and there is a chance you will not be ready at your scheduled return time, or if you have missed your ride, call Dispatch at 360-875-9418, Option 1, as soon as possible. The dispatcher will help you schedule a return trip.
Can the driver help me get inside to my appointment?
The operator’s responsibility for your safety begins at the curb where the trip begins and ends at the curb when you are dropped off. The operator cannot enter your house or any other building. If you need more assistance, you should consider traveling with a Personal Care Attendant.
ADA Coordinator
PO Box 489
Raymond WA 98577
360-875-9418 / 360-642-9418
ADA@pacifictransit.org