When calling to schedule a ride, dispatch staff will ask a set of universal screening questions (please see below) to determine eligibility for paratransit services.
If you have questions or need this information in an alternative format please contact the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at (978) 929-6611 or email transportation@actonma.gov.
Who is Eligible?
- Any individual who, as a result of a physical or mental disability, is unable to board, ride, or disembark from any accessible vehicle in the fixed route bus system without assistance from another individual (excluding the operator).
- Any individual with a disability who needs the assistance of a wheelchair lift or other boarding assistance device; however, no accessible vehicle is available on the fixed route van at the time.
- Any individual who has a specific disability-related condition that prevents the individual from traveling to a boarding location or from a disembarking location associated with the fixed route. This individual is unable to get to or from his/her transit stop because of his/her disability or his/her disability prevents him from negotiating environmental barriers.
- Paratransit services must allow for “next day” scheduling of rides. This is different from scheduling rides 24 or 48 hours in advance.
- Paratransit rider cancellation policy requires passengers to call 2 hours prior to their scheduled pick-up window.
- Paratransit services rides are scheduled first come first served. Rides may be scheduled up to 2 weeks in advance to ensure availability. Paratransit eligible riders are not subject to prioritization of medical trips from the general public.
- Will you be traveling with a Personal Care Attendant (PCA) or companion?
- Which of the following mobility aids or equipment do you use to help you get where you need to go? Manual Wheelchair, Walker, Powered Scooter, Powered Wheelchair, Cane, Guide Cane, Prosthetic Device/Brace, Crutches, Oxygen, Service Animal (guide dog, etc.), Other (Specify)
- With or without the mobility device identified above, are there certain conditions that might prevent traveling a given distance or waiting at a bus stop, such as lack of sidewalks, temperatures above or below, precipitation, during medical episodes, etc.
- Do you need assistance getting to/from the door?
- Can you travel safely between 200 feet-¾ of a mile without assistance? Yes or No or Sometimes (please explain).
- Can you climb three 12-inch steps without assistance? Yes or No or Sometimes (If sometimes, explain which conditions would prevent you).
- Can you wait outside for ten minutes without sitting on a bench? Yes or No or Sometimes (If sometimes, explain which conditions would prevent you).
- Can you enter a vehicle without a ramp or a lift? Yes or No or Sometimes (If sometimes, explain which conditions would prevent you).
- None of the above
- Is there anything else we should know to help better serve you?