How is paratransit eligibility determined?
The presence of a disability or a disabling health condition by itself does not make a person eligible for C‑VAN. Eligibility is also not based on age, income, inability to drive or the lack of availability or inconvenience of fixed-route services. The eligibility decision is based on the applicant’s functional ability to use the fixed-route bus and is not a medical decision. You must meet the ADA requirements and be determined eligible via an application process to ride C‑VAN.
What are the specifics of the C-VAN paratransit eligibility process?
- We ask that you complete our pre-application, which is a self-assessment, before we send you an application. This can be completed online, or you can start the process with Customer Service by calling 360-695-8918 (WA Relay: 711). The self-assessment will help you determine if C-VAN will meet your transportation needs.
- A full application will be sent to you by mail or an online fillable link, following your preference in the pre-application. The last page of the full application is a Medical Release Form, so that C-VAN Eligibility can reach out to your medical provider for verification of disability.
- We will contact you by phone to complete a phone interview and/or schedule an in-person assessment at a C-TRAN office; C-VAN can provide free transportation to and from the assessment.
- C-VAN Eligibility will mail you a letter to notify you if you are eligible to ride C-VAN within 21 calendar days after we receive all your information.
If I am eligible for ADA paratransit, is it just for medical appointments?
No, paratransit is for people with disabilities who cannot use the fixed route bus service. Paratransit must provide service that is comparable to the service provided to people who use the fixed route system.
Is it free, or can I get a discounted rate?
No, paratransit is full price for all passengers. However, there are agencies in Clark County that can help you pay your fare. Please call C-VAN customer service at (360) 695-8918 for more information.
If I am eligible for ADA paratransit can someone ride with me?
Yes, transit entities are required to permit one person to accompany the paratransit eligible individual. Additional persons accompanying the eligible individual are to be served on a space-available basis to prevent displacement of other ADA paratransit eligible individuals.
When and where does paratransit go?
Paratransit must be available in the same service areas and during the same hours of operation as the rest of the transit system. C-VAN offers service within the Vancouver urban growth boundary as defined in 2005, within 3/4 mile of the Fixed Route in the cities of Battle Ground, Camas, and Washougal. C VAN only provides service within this service area. Please contact our Customer Service Office to determine if your origin and destination fall within our service area.
How far in advance do I have to call? Will I get a ride at the time of day that I ask for?
C-VAN books rides one to two days in advance. Paratransit must be provided to all eligible riders if it is requested one day in advance by the end of booking at 5 p.m. The ride must come within one hour of the requested time. (For example, if you request a pick-up at 8 a.m., the paratransit service must arrive no earlier than 7 a.m. and no later than 9 a.m.)
