Apply for RTS Access Service

To apply for Access Paratransit Eligibility, you must have a disability.  Having a disability does not guarantee automatic eligibility. This service is intended to serve as a “safety net” for you if your disability prevents you from taking the ADA compliant RTS fixed route bus for some or all your travel.  A specific diagnosis or use of mobility aid does not automatically qualify you as paratransit eligible.                            

RTS uses an in-person eligibility process for all new and returning customers except for customers seeking Temporary service only due to a short-term disability.

Step 1: Download the form

Click the link below to download an application and start the eligibility process.

Application for Paratransit Eligibility Certification

Solicitud para la certificación de elegibilidad para el paratránsito

Renewal for All-Trip Paratransit Eligibility Certification

Renovación de la Certificación de Elegibilidad para Todos los Viajes en el Servicio de Transporte Público de Paratránsito
 

Step 2: Complete your paper application

To apply for service, you must complete an application. Once you and your medical provider (if applicable) have completed the application, schedule your in-person eligibility appointment. Call our Eligibility Certification Department at 585-224-8330, press option 2.

Step 3: Come to your in-person appointment

Your in-person eligibility appointment will involve an interview and may include functional assessments consisting of specific skill observation or testing of your abilities or limitations. The assessments may be of physical, thinking, or navigational factors influencing your ability to use fixed-route public transportation. 

You should bring the following to your in-person eligibility appointment:

• Your completed paratransit application with supporting documentation
• Your mobility device – if regularly used  
• Any additional information related to your disability, and how it prevents your use of the RTS fixed-route system

Please dress for the weather as part of the assessment may be completed outside.

Step 4: Eligibility Notification

When you have completed your paperwork and attended your in-person visit, we will inform you of your eligibility status within 21 days.

 

Temporary Eligibility Certification

You can apply for temporary certification based on a short-term medical injury or condition which prevents you from using RTS fixed route bus service. Eligibility is issued for up to 1 year. The certification not renewable. You will not receive an RTS Access Identification Card. Your treating physician must sign off on the application and indicate length of treatment or recuperation. Upon receiving and evaluating the completed application form, RTS Access will issue a letter to you with the decision regarding your request for temporary eligibility.

Application for Temporary Paratransit Eligibility (PDF)
Solicitud de elegibilidad temporaria para el servicio de transporte público de paratránsito (PDF)