Thank you for inquiring about the Mountain Express “ADA” service. The primary mode of public transportation for everyone is considered to be Mountain Express (regular buses). However under a federal law called the American’s with Disabilities Act or “ADA”, service is to be provided to those individuals who are “functionally” unable to use Mountain Express some or all of the time, due to a disability and live within a ¾ mile distance of the fixed route. The information you provide in this application will help us determine whether you are eligible for “ADA service” based on the criteria outlined in the ADA law.
Eligibility is based on your current functional ability to ride Mountain Express buses. It is not based on your age, trip purpose, financial resources, ability to drive, name of your disability/medical diagnosis, or having no bus service where you live. ADA eligibility is a transportation decision, not a medical one. If there are any conditions of eligibility, they will be listed and explained in your determination letter.
If you are already certified for an “ADA” service in another city, please call our office at 800-964-5707 before completing this application and provide us with your current “ADA” service information to acquire a certification number.
The following steps are required to complete the ADA application process:
STEP 1: FILLING OUT YOUR APPLICATION
It is important that this application be filled-out thoroughly with current information about your functional abilities and any conditions that limit your use of Mountain Express buses. You may complete the application yourself or have someone else help you with it. If someone else is filling out the application for you, have them sign their name in the appropriate section. Once the application is complete, please be sure to review all pages for accuracy and please remember to also sign your name. Incomplete applications will be returned to the applicant and will delay eligibility determination.
Begin Online ApplicationSTEP 2: PROFESSIONAL VERIFICATION
After your application has been completed, it is important that you have a professional(s) who is familiar with your particular disability and current ability to use Mountain Express buses verify the information that you have provided. The professional verification should be someone other than the person filling out this form. The professional verification section must be completed before submitting your application.
Some examples of professionals you could use would be:
- physician or registered nurse
- occupational therapist
- psychiatrist, psychologist, or mental health counselor
- independent living skills trainer
- special education teacher
- mobility instructor or travel trainer
STEP 3: AWAITING YOUR DETERMINATION
After you have done all that is required to complete the application process, your information will be reviewed and you will be notified by mail of your eligibility determination within 21 days. It is not necessary to contact our office while your application is being processed. You will also be notified if any additional information is needed or if any further action is required on your part.
STEP 4: GUIDELINES FOR USING THE SERVICE
The “ADA” service area is the City of Covington, Town of Clifton Forge, Town of Iron Gate and the County of Alleghany. Hours of operation are Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The “ADA” service is closed on New Year’s Day, Good Friday, July 4th, Thanksgiving Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day and Christmas Day.
The amount of a one-way “ADA” trip is __$1.00__. Drivers are not allowed to make change and only accept cash. Fares are collected before the client boards the vehicle.
All passengers must be “ADA” Eligible prior to scheduling service. Reservations are taken Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. by calling 800-964-5707, Extension 3. Reservations must be made on the day before the trip is to be taken and can be made up to fourteen (14) days in advance of needed time. When scheduling your appointment the following information will be needed:
- a. Certification number
- b. Desired pickup time, pickup location, etc. (oversized wheelchairs, personal care attendant traveling)
The bus will be scheduled as per your request and will wait only 5 minutes past your scheduled time. In an effort to make scheduling more efficient, Mountain Express has the right to adjust the pickup time within one hour before or after the desired scheduled appointment. Individuals that miss a scheduled pickup time should call 800-964-5707 to arrange another pickup time. Please be aware, that if you miss the bus, you will have to wait until the next scheduled stop is made.
Passengers are allowed to bring along a personal care attendant free of charge as long as the attendant is not certified under this program. The reservationist must be notified that a personal care attendant will be accompanying the passenger during travel when setting up the passenger’s travel arrangements.
Cancellations of trips must be made at least one hour in advance of the trip. Repeated no shows (un-cancelled trips) can result in suspension of service. “ADA” service provided is origin to destination. Drivers will assist passengers when boarding and un-boarding the vehicle. At no time may a driver enter a building. If you have any questions, please call 800-964-5707.
