Paratransit Services (ADA Certified)

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Complementary Paratransit Service is a transportation service designed for individuals with disabilities who cannot otherwise access CAT's fixed-route service. ADA Paratransit is a shared ride, advance reservation, origin-to-destination service provided by JAUNT on behalf of CAT. Passengers may use the service to travel to destinations within a three-quarter mile radius of CAT's fixed-route service.

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What Constitutes a Disability

The ADA defines a disability as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities of an individual. CAT buses are equipped with accessibility devices to serve individuals with disabilities. Not all disabilities are deemed eligible for ADA Complementary Paratransit Service. This service is limited to individuals with disabilities who:

  • Are unable to board, ride, or disembark from an ADA accessible vehicle without the assistance of another person (except for the bus driver and lift)
  • Could ride an accessible vehicle but the route is not accessible
  • Have a specific impairment-related condition that prevents them from traveling to or from a boarding or disembarking location

Visitor Paratransit

View the Paratransit Information (PDF) for more information.

Applications


ADA applications may be picked up at the Downtown Transit Station (COVID-19 Hours: Tuesdays & Thursdays from 9am to 3pm). All applications must be mailed or delivered (with an original signature) to the address below: 

CAT ADA
Downtown Transit Station 
615 E Water St
Charlottesville, VA 22902

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Applications will be reviewed and an eligibility determination will be made within twenty-one days of the receipt of the application. Applications are processed in the order in which they are received and cannot be expedited.  Applicants will be notified in writing of the status of their application. In some cases, CAT may ask an applicant to provide additional information regarding their impairment. If an application is approved, instructions will be provided on how to schedule paratransit rides.

Final Determination & Denial

If an eligibility determination for ADA Complementary Paratransit Service has not been made within twenty-one days of CAT receiving a completed application, the applicant will automatically obtain presumptive paratransit eligibility until a final determination is made.  If an application is denied, the applicant has the option to appeal the decision.

Cost

Paratransit trips cost $1.50 each way. Exact change is required and is due upon boarding the vehicle. Trips must be scheduled at least one day in advance. Reservations can be made between 8:30 am and 5 pm, seven days a week by calling JAUNT at 434-296-3184.

For More Information

For an overview of the paratransit policy and procedures, please visit JAUNTs website or download the ADA Paratransit Policy and Procedures (PDF). Have questions about CATs ADA paratransit application? Please call 434-970-3649 and select option 2.