Go West Transit

ADA Paratransit Service

Application Information

If you believe that you have a disability that prevents you from using the Go West bus, please complete this application and return it to Disability Resource Center. (The application requires Adobe Reader.) To request this application in an alternative format (Braille), please call Disability Resource Center at (309) 298-2512.

Your disability must prevent you from using the Go West bus system. Please read the following information carefully for further clarification.

What is the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)?

The American with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a civil rights law. The intent of the ADA is to remove barriers that have prevented people with disabilities from fully participating in life. Under the ADA, Go West buses are to be the primary means of public transportation for everyone, including people with disabilities.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that complimentary paratransit (curb-to-curb) service be available to persons who, because of a disability, are unable to use the regular bus system. McDonough County Public Transportation (MCPT) either operates or provides funding to operate this service in Macomb.

Service Boundaries

The service boundaries for complimentary paratransit services provided by McDonough County Public Transportation in conjunction with Go West Transit are the municipal boundaries of the city of Macomb.

Eligibility

Eligibility for paratransit service is based upon a person's functional inability to use regular Go West bus service. Three categories of persons who are eligible for paratransit are established by the ADA.

  • Eligibility Category 1 – Inability to Navigate System Independently
    Any individual with a disability who is unable, as the result of a physical or mental impairment (including a vision impairment), and without the assistance of another individual (except the operator of a wheelchair lift or other boarding assistance device), to board, ride, or disembark from any vehicle on the system which is readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities.
  • Eligibility Category 2 – Lack of Accessible Vehicles, Stations, or Bus Stops
    Any individual with a disability who needs the assistance of a wheelchair lift or other boarding assistance device and is able, with such assistance, to board, ride and disembark from any vehicle which is readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities if the individual wants to travel on a route on the system during the hours of operation of the system at a time, or within a reasonable period of such time, when such a vehicle is not being used to provide designated public transportation on the route.
  • Eligibility Category 3 – Inability to Reach a Boarding Point or Final Destination.
    Any individual with a disability who has a specific impairment-related condition which prevents such individual from traveling to a boarding location or from a disembarking location on such system.

Conditional Eligibility

Some people with disabilities may be able to use the regular Go West bus service under certain conditions, but not under others. Therefore, eligibility for paratransit for some people will be determined on a trip-by-trip basis.

Temporary Eligibility

A person with a temporary disability will be eligible for paratransit service if the disability results in his/her functional inability to use the Go West bus system as described in the three eligibility categories. Temporary eligibility may be granted up to the amount of time recommended by a medical professional.

Visitors

If you are eligible for paratransit services by another agency or have a disability and plan on visiting our area, you may be given "presumptive" eligibility to use paratransit services for up to 21 days. Visitors should complete only part A of the application and return it to Disability Resource Center.

In-Person Evaluation

It may be necessary for some paratransit applicants to participate in an in-person evaluation to determine eligibility for paratransit services. Notification will be given if this will be required.

Mobile Assistive Devices

For purposes of this policy, a Mobile assistive device includes a three-or-more wheeled mobility aid device, usable indoors, designed for and used by individuals with mobility impairments, whether operated manually or powered.  With respect to the size and weight of such devices, Go West will transport a device and its user, as long as the lift can accommodate the size and weight of the passenger and the device, and there is space for the device on the vehicle.  However, Go West is not required to carry a device if the lift or vehicle is unable to accommodate the wheelchair and its user, consistent with legitimate safety requirements according to the lift manufactures.

Right to Appeal

Persons who are denied eligibility for paratransit services have the right to appeal the decision. A request for appeal must be filed in writing within 60 days of the denial of the application. The Appeals Committee will review your appeal. Appeal decisions are made within 30 days of their delivery.

Renewals

Paratransit eligibility may be granted for up to four years. New applications must be submitted to renew service. Renewal applications should be submitted at least 30 days prior to the expiration date of your eligibility period.

Submit completed applications to Disability Resource Center. You will be notified in writing whether or not you are eligible within 21 days of DSS receiving your application; however, incomplete applications may take longer to process. Please include a color photo of yourself no smaller than 1.5 inches x 2 inches. Photos cannot be returned. You may also visit the DSS headquarters to have your photo taken. If you need further assistance with your photo, please call (309) 298-2512.

Travel Training

Go West offers free one-on-one training to teach people with disabilities how to ride the regular city buses. Call Go West for Travel Training information at (309) 298-3553.