FAQ

What is the HOP's paratransit system?
Who is eligible to use the paratransit system?
What disabilities qualify in determining eligibility?
How do I apply to use the paratransit service?
When does the paratransit system run, where does it go and how much does it cost?
Can I have a friend ride with me?
Who is considered a personal care attendant (PCA)?
Now that I am certified paratransit eligible how do I reserve a trip?
I have reserved a trip to the grocery store and it will only take 10 minutes or less. Will you wait on me?
Or, you are taking me home and I need to run by the bank to cash a check. Will you wait?
I have been certified eligible for paratransit service in another area and am visiting your area for a few days. Can I ride your system?

What is the HOP's paratransit system?

Access to mainline, fixed route transportation services is the main goal of public transportation provided by the HOP. We recognize, however, that some persons with disabilities are not able to use the fully accessible fixed route services; therefore, we provide paratransit services to eligible individuals which is comparable to the fixed route service. Paratransit services are provided on a door-to-door basis within the HOP service area.

Who is eligible to use the paratransit system?

ADA paratransit eligibility for complementary paratransit service is directly related to the inability of a person with a disability to use the existing fully accessible fixed route system. Eligibility includes those persons unable to use the fully accessible fixed route services. Federal Law defines eligibility as follows:

"Any individual with a disability who is unable, as a result of a physical or mental impairment (including a vision impairment), and without the assistance of another individual (except the operator of a wheelchair lift or other boarding assistance device), to board, ride, or disembark from any vehicle on the system which is readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities." [49 CFR Part 37.123(e)(1)]

Individuals must be determined eligible before they can access the paratransit system.

Who can use The HOP?

ADA paratransit eligibility is not just based on the presence of a disability, but on the effect that the disability has on the person's ability to use the fixed route service. Several factors must be considered in determining ADA paratransit eligibility. These include:

The applicant's disability, which may require professional verification;

The accessibility of the fixed route system;

Architectural barriers that, in combination with the person's disability, prevent use of the fixed route service; and

Environmental conditions that, in combination with the person's disability, prevent use of the fixed route service.

While documentation of a particular disability or use of a mobility aid is still important, this information alone cannot be used to make an eligibility determination. Functional ability of the applicant to use fixed route transit service must be included in the assessment process. Our responsibility is to identity the relationship between a person's disability and their travel capabilities given such factors as: the accessibility of the fixed route system; the distance to and from stops/stations; environmental factors such as snow, ice, heat, cold; and natural and man-made architectural barriers such as steep terrain, lack of curb-cuts, and busy roads and/or intersections.

How do I apply to use the paratransit service?

The HOP has a Paratransit Eligibility Certification Form that must be filled out by each individual requesting service. Individuals may request a form by calling the HOP office at 254-933-3700 ext. 5010 or by completing the online form in the link below. One can be mailed to you. The HOP has twenty-one (21) days after receipt of a completed form in which to make an eligibility determination, and rides may not be reserved until the individual is notified of eligibility. ADA paratransit eligibility may include conditions and limitations of eligibility. When an individual is certified eligible, they are issued a pass that shows the driver they are eligible to ride, and they will be informed about the necessary procedures to follow to receive transportation.

STS Applications can also be completed online using this link:

Click Here to Complete STS Service Application Online.

Visitors to The HOP service area may become eligible for ADA service in one of two ways. The visitor can present documentations from his/her home jurisdiction’s ADA complementary paratransit system that he/she is eligible. The HOP will accept the other jurisdiction’s ADA eligibility ID card for the visitor or other documentation verifying the visitor is ADA eligible. The HOP will issue a temporary ID card valid for no more than 21 days from the date of issue, and the visitor will be immediately able to use the ADA complementary paratransit service by The HOP.

If the visitor’s disability is apparent, The HOP may elect to provide temporary eligibility immediately. If the visitor’s disability is not readily apparent, the visitor can provide written proof of the disability through a doctor’s letter, or from rehabilitation professional. In this situation, the visitor must also provide The HOP with documented proof of residence (driver’s license or other proof of residence) in another city to be eligible as a visitor here. Once the documentation is presented satisfactorily, The HOP can make service available on the basis of a statement by the visitor that his/her disability prevents him/her from using regular fixed route service. The HOP can then issue The HOP’s ID card with a 21 day eligibility period.