Skagit Transit's Paratransit

An individual in a wheelchair being assisted by a travel trainer and a driver near a store entrance. The travel trainer is interacting with the rider, and another person stands nearby, smiling. The scene takes place in a public area with a visible storefront in the background.

Skagit Transit's Paratransit is a public service that provides specialized transportation comparable with Skagit Transit's fixed-route bus service. It is a pre-scheduled service designed for people who are unable to get to the nearest bus stop or use a fixed-route bus due to various physical or cognitive disabilities.

Our Paratransit service aims to ensure that all members of our community have access to reliable transportation, enhancing their mobility and independence. We understand the unique challenges faced by individuals with disabilities and are committed to providing a service that meets their specific needs.

Paratransit is intended for individuals whose conditions and/or disabilities prevent them from using Skagit Transit's regular fixed-route buses. Based on the review of an application for Paratransit service, you may receive curb-to-curb service, curb-to-fixed-route service, or fixed-route service only (with training). Additionally, door-to-door service is available for those who require this level of assistance.

Our dedicated team ensures that every rider receives the appropriate level of service and support. We continually strive to improve our services based on feedback and the evolving needs of our community.

For more detailed information, please refer to the following guides: Paratransit Rider Guide and Guía de Paratránsito.

 

How Do I Qualify?

A Paratransit Application must be filled out with complete answers to each question. Skagit Transit cannot process an incomplete application and will return it for completion.

Skagit Transit may require a functional assessment, which is an in-person evaluation of your ability to use our Fixed Route system.

An application is considered complete when Skagit Transit Paratransit has received all the information it needs to determine your eligibility. Once Skagit Transit Paratransit has all required information, your eligibility will be determined within 21 days and you will receive a letter notifying you of the determination. If you are not satisfied with the decision, you may appeal in writing within 60 days.

Only people whose applications have been processed and approved can ride Skagit Transit Paratransit.

Visitors can ride up to 21 non-consecutive days within a 365-day period before their application is approved for Paratransit service.

Submit Online Application / Enviar Solicitud en Línea: Click here

Printable Application: Paratransit Application

Solicitud de Paratránsito: Aplicación Paratransit

Criteria for Denial or Suspension of Service

Behavior which presents a danger to the health or safety of other customers or Skagit Transit employees. Such behavior includes conduct that is violent, seriously disruptive, or illegal and may result in immediate suspension.

No-Shows & Late Cancellations: No-shows are when you are not present or ready to leave within 5 minutes of the scheduled pick-up time. Late cancellations are when you cancel your ride less than two (2) hours before your ride was to be provided. A pattern of no-shows and late cancellations equal to or greater than 30% of trips in a calendar month could result in a suspension of service.

Any suspension of service will not exceed 30 days.

Medical Conditions

Please be aware that Paratransit cannot transport individuals with medical conditions or symptoms for which a higher level of care and transportation is needed. Paratransit will not transport anyone whose condition appears to prevent him or her from being safely transported. Personal Care Attendants are strongly encouraged to accompany individuals who require special assistance.

How Do I Request A Paratransit Ride?

To schedule a ride, please call the Scheduling Department at (360) 757-4433, register to manage your rides at https://passport.skagittransit.org, or email your request to pararide@skagittransit.org

For What Purposes May Paratransit Be Used?

Once qualified, you may use the service for any reason. Paratransit does not prioritize by ride purpose. Use the service to go to the doctor, shopping, visit friends or other destinations within Skagit County.

When Does Paratransit Operate?

Paratransit operates during the same hours as Skagit Transit's local, non-commuter fixed routes. Hours may vary depending on the schedule of service for the area routes. For more detailed information, please visit our Hours of Operations page or call Customer Service for information on your area.

Paratransit Operating Hours
Day Hours
Weekdays 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturdays 7:50 AM - 6:30 PM
Sundays 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Weekend service is provided in Burlington, Mount Vernon, and Sedro-Woolley on both days, with limited service in Anacortes on Saturday.

Paratransit does not operate on the following holidays:

  • New Year's Day
  • Memorial Day
  • Independence Day
  • Labor Day
  • Thanksgiving
  • Christmas Day

Where Does Paratransit Operate?

Paratransit provides service to eligible passengers throughout Skagit County who live within a 3/4 mile boundary of our fixed route service. The level of service available to you will be determined by the review of your application and by the area in which you reside. You will receive a determination letter that will explain the level of service available to you within 21 days after the receipt of your completed Paratransit application.

Reasonable Modification for ADA

Skagit Transit will make all reasonable modifications to policies and programs to ensure that people with disabilities have an equal opportunity to enjoy all agency programs, services, and activities. Exceptions would include modifications that:

  • Would fundamentally alter the program
  • Would create a direct threat of significant risk to the health or safety of others
  • Are not necessary to enable an individual to receive the service

All requests for reasonable modifications and/or comments may be submitted by email to eligibility@skagittransit.org, phone 360-757-4433, or mail to Skagit Transit, ADA Compliance Coordinator, 600 County Shop Lane, Burlington, WA 98233.

© 2024 Skagit Transit. All rights reserved.

 

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