Paratransit Service

What is Paratransit Service?

Paratransit Service is a shared ride transportation service enabling routes and schedules to be structured to transport multiple passengers to their destination who are unable to access the fixed route system.

Longview Transit provides origin-to-destination service with the basic mode of service being curb-to-curb. Although Longview Transit identifies its service mode as curb-to-curb, we will provide door to door service and reasonable accommodation to all customers requesting that service.

It is the policy of the City of Longview to provide a demand-response transportation service to eligible passengers (based upon criteria established by the American with Disabilities Act) who are unable to access the regular Longview Transit fixed route service.

All operators are trained to provide minimal assistance, and are available to assist passengers in boarding and exiting the vehicles.  Operators are not trained to provide medical assistance.  Following our guidelines, your trip can be pleasant, relaxing, and trouble-free.

Type of assistance includes:

1. The operator will come to the curb of a residence or predetermined pick-up location as negotiated with Longview Transit dispatch at the time of scheduling.
2. The operator will sound the horn to attempt to notify passengers of arrival.
3. The operator will assist passengers in boarding and exiting paratransit vehicles, assist up a particularly steep ramp in a manual wheelchair, and treat individuals with disabilities with regard to sensitivity.

Type of assistance DOES NOT include:

1. Assistance getting in or out of wheelchair.
2. Assistance in getting ready for the trip.
3. Administering medication or oxygen.
4. Assistance with excessive items (i.e., packages, boxes, etc.).
5. Providing personal care for individuals who cannot be left unattended.

Service Hours

Longview Transit's Demand Response Service hours (excluding holidays) are:

• Monday-Friday | 6:00 AM - 7:00 PM
• Saturdays | 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
• Sundays | No Service

Service is provided Monday through Saturday throughout the year, except for the following observed holidays: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

You may schedule your trip by calling the scheduling center 24 hours in advance at 903-753-2287 ext. 10 or TTY 903-753-5265. Currently, there is no Sunday service.

Service Parameters

Service is only provided inside the service area as defined by the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The area is defined as an area within 3/4 of a mile on either side of a fixed route service, or up to an additional 3/4 mile to the nearest landmark.

Certification of Eligibility

1. Any individual with a disability who is unable to independently board, ride, or disembark from any vehicle on the fixed route system that is accessible to such persons.
2. Any individual with a disability who is able to independently board, ride, or disembark from any vehicle on the fixed route system which is accessible to such persons, except when such a vehicle is not available on the needed route(s).
3. Any individual with a disability whose impairment-related condition prevents him/her from traveling to a boarding location or from a disembarking location on the fixed route.

To print out an ADA (Paratransit) application, click here (en español). You may also pick one up at our Transit offices at 908 Pacific Ave, Suite 200, or have one mailed to you by calling 903-753-2287, ext. 10. Longview Transit offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm. Individuals with hearing impairments may reach us through the Longview Transit Relay Service at 903-753-5265 (TTY).

The application for Paratransit Eligibility must be completed by the applicant, a representative or a legal guardian familiar with the applicant's disability and his/her ability to travel on a bus. A licensed health care provider familiar with the applicant's condition must complete the attached physician form.

Determination of Eligibility

The application must be legible and properly completed. Also the applicant must sign that the information given is correct as well as sign a release of information form included in the application.

After the application is received, Longview Transit will process it within twenty-one (21) days. Eligibility is determined on a case-by-case study. Incomplete documents will be returned to the applicant for completion.

The customer will be notified by letter about his/her eligibility. If approved for service, the customer will be instructed as to how to obtain an ADA Identification card. Transportation to and from the Transit office for ID purposes will be provided to the customer free of charge.

Visitors

Any visitor who presents ADA eligibility documentation from their home jurisdiction’s ADA complementary paratransit system or, if the individual’s disability is not apparent, proof of the disability (e.g., a letter from a doctor or rehabilitation professional) and proof of visitor status (i.e., proof of residence somewhere else) will be provided paratransit service not more than one day following the visitor’s service request. Longview Transit will accept a certification by the visitor that he/she is unable to use the fixed route transit system. Longview Transit will provide service to visitors for at least 21 days within a 365 day period. We will request that the visitor apply for eligibility in order to receive additional service beyond this number of days.

Appeals Process

If you do not agree with Longview Transit's decision, you have the right to an appeal. Appeals should be filed, in writing, within sixty (60) days of your receipt of a denial letter. Mail your letter of appeal to the Longview Transit office. You will be notified of the time and location of an appeal hearing to be conducted by Longview Transit's General Manager within thirty (30) days.

Renewal of Certification

Longview Transit ADA-eligible passengers are responsible for requesting recertification at least 60 days prior to the expiration of their current certification.

How to Schedule a Trip

Trip Requests

Requests for service can be made during normal business hours on the day before service is needed, but additional notice is appreciated. Trips can be scheduled up to fourteen (14) days in advance.

The scheduler is also available at 903-753-2287 ext 10 or 903-753-5265 (TTY) 8 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday.

Same-day call-ins, including unscheduled requests for return trips, will not be accepted. You must have a scheduled pick-up time to be picked up or returned home. A client may call to request an earlier return pick-up time before their scheduled trip, although Longview Transit cannot assure any specific pick-up time.

Scheduling

If you prefer, you may schedule rides based on a drop-off time instead of a pick-up time. Drop-off time is the specific times a passenger needs arrive at their designated location for a scheduled appointment; therefore, these times are reserved for specific trips such as for group homes or medical appointments.

The bus may arrive at a drop-off location anywhere between fifteen (15) minutes before and five (5) minutes after a scheduled drop-off time. Scheduled pick-up and drop-off times should be carefully selected in order to allow ample travel time to arrive at a destination. Passengers may remain onboard a Longview Transit bus for up to one (1) hour.

Back-to-back trips must be scheduled at least thirty (30) minutes apart to ensure that a client does not miss the pick-up time if scheduled on another bus.

Passengers traveling to or from buildings with multiple entrances must specify a designated location for pick-up and drop-off when scheduling the trip.

The DRS van requires an obstruction-free approach and sufficient turn-around area for its vehicles. Under some conditions, our policy of curb-to-curb service will not be available to passengers. Alternate pick-up and drop-off locations may be established because of obstructed driveways, turnarounds, or other safety concerns.