ADA Paratransit

ADA Paratransit is an origin-to-destination service for individuals with disabilities that prevents them from using the RVT route system. Trips that qualify as ADA Paratransit must have origins and destinations that are within 3/4 of a mile along fixed routes, and occur with the same hours and days of operation. Below is a summary of the ADA Paratransit program.

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  • Eligibility

    ADA Paratransit is for individuals with a physical or cognitive disability that prevents them from using the RVT bus route system. To register for ADA Paratransit, you must complete an application. Applications are available online at ctada.com or by calling (860) 510-0429 x104 to request one by mail. Partially completed applications will not be accepted. Once your application has been reviewed, RVT will contact you to schedule an interview. We may also require a professional verification.

    Apply for ADA Paratransit
  • ADA Visitor Information

    RVT will grant eligibility, for a period of 21 days, to any visitor with disabilities who does not reside in the RVT service area on either of two conditions:

    a. The visitor presents documentation that he/she meets the ADA eligibility guidelines for ADA paratransit service from another jurisdiction. This documentation may include, but is not limited to, presentation of a valid ADA Paratransit ID card or determination letter from any other transit provider.

    b. The visitor provides proof of residency in another jurisdiction, documentation indicating a disability that prevents him/her from using the fixed route system, and certification that he/she is unable to use the RVT fixed route system.

    To obtain visitor status, please contact the ADA Assessor at (860) 510-0429 x104 or adaapp@estuarytransit.org.

  • Application Determination Process

    Applicants will receive a written notice with a determination of eligibility within 21 days following the submission of a completed application. If you have not received a determination of eligibility, you shall be treated as eligible and provided service on the 22nd day until and unless RVT denies your application. If you are denied eligibility, given conditional eligibility or temporary eligibility, you will receive a written notice with specific reasons for the decision and a notice of your right to appeal.

  • ADA Paratransit ID

    Once you have been certified as ADA Paratransit eligible, you will be provided with an ADA Paratransit ID. This ID must be shown each time you board on an ADA Paratransit trip. It may also be used to show eligibility for reduced fare on any RVT bus route and for the taxi voucher program.

  • Arrival and Boarding

    The vehicle will arrive within the half hour pick-up window provided at the time of booking. If booking online or through our app, it will be up to 15 minutes before and/or 15 minutes after the scheduled time. Passengers must be ready to board at any time within this window. The vehicle will wait up to five minutes after arrival, after which point the passenger is considered a no-show. Fare payment is required upon each boarding, and drivers cannot make change.

  • Assistance

    The driver will be available to assist all passengers on or off the vehicle and help with up to four packages on request (not exceeding 25 pounds total). While the service is generally to and from the curb, door-to-door service is available upon request, provided the driver can maintain sight of the vehicle at all times. Passengers requiring additional assistance are encouraged to bring a personal care attendant (PCA), who may ride for free.

    Wheelchair lifts are available and may be used by anyone on request. Please inform customer service if you require a wheelchair lift or will be traveling with a PCA.

  • Hours of Operation

    ADA Paratransit is available the same days and times as the coordinating fixed-route.

  • What You Need to Schedule a Trip

    When scheduling a trip, be sure to have the date, time and street address of the pick-up and drop-off locations, along with return trip information.

  • Reservations

    Reservations must be made at least one day in advance by 4:30pm, but may be made up to two weeks in advance. Reservations may be made online or by phone.

    Phone – (860) 510-0429
    TDD 1 (800) 842-9710

    Reservation Hours
    Monday through Saturday, 8am to 4:30pm
    Sundays and holidays by voicemail only

    Download the Ecolane App in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store for 24/7 reservations and in-app payment!

    We will attempt to schedule your trip for the time requested, but may adjust the time by as much as one hour before or one hour after the requested time. If you need to be at your destination by a specific time, please notify us. You will be provided a half hour pick-up window for each trip. Same-day trips or same-day changes are not available on ADA Paratransit.

  • Subscriptions

    Subscription service allows you to schedule a recurring trip in one phone call. Subscription service is available for those with recurring trips for medical, educational or employment purposes. The number of subscriptions are limited at certain times of day and may not be available for the time you require. Subscriptions may only be booked by phone.

  • Fares

    ADA paratransit trips cost $3.50 per one way trip.  Fares may be paid in cash on board the vehicle or by credit card in the Ecolane app.  Fares must be paid for each trip, as a different vehicle may pick you up on your return.

  • Cancellations

    Should your plans change after scheduling, please call or cancel online as soon as possible. Reservations must be canceled no later than two hours before the scheduled pick-up time. If a scheduled ride is canceled in a timely manner, no penalties will result.

  • Connections and Transfers

    Connections may be made to connecting paratransit systems at no charge. To coordinate a transfer with a connecting service, please call (860) 510-0429 and a reservationist will assist you.

  • No-Show Policy

    Any passenger who is not present at the designated pick-up location within the pick-up window or who cancels with less than 2 hours’ notice will be considered a no-show. Passengers who no-show 10% or more of their trips in a thirty day period (but no fewer than 3 trips) will receive a suspension of service. Full details of the no-show policy are available in the Rider’s Guide.

  • Notifications

    RVT offers trip notifications and reminders. Automated reminder calls are provided the evening before your trip. Shortly before your trip, an arrival notification call and text messages are provided with the estimated arrival time shortly before your pick-up window. Times are estimated and subject to change. Standard text message rates apply.

  • Reasonable Accommodations

    Passengers with disabilities may request modifications to current service procedures to access the service. To make a request, please call us at (860) 510-0429 or email us at info@estuarytransit.org. When possible, please submit requests at least two business days before the trip.

  • Smartphone and Online Booking

    Trips may be booked and canceled 24/7 online or in our Ecolane smartphone app. The Ecolane app also allows passengers to see where their bus is in real-time, and receive a notification when their bus is on its way. You can also pay by credit card using the app. To sign up, simply provide a reservationist with your email address.

  • Taxi Vouchers

    For travel beyond the ADA Paratransit and/or Dial-A-Ride service areas or service hours, RVT offers a Taxi Voucher Program. The program provides half the cost of a taxi trip anywhere in CT through our taxi partner. Anyone certified as ADA Paratransit eligible qualifies.

    Taxi Voucher Information