Paratransit

Paratransit is flexible or demand-responsive passenger transport designed for people who cannot readily use conventional public transit. It includes shared, prebooked services and, in some systems, curb-to-curb or door-to-door trips.

Demand-responsive transport: Passenger transport whose routes or schedules adjust to trip requests rather than following a fixed timetable and route. Paratransit is a specialized form of transport organized around passenger requests.
Complementary paratransit: A demand-responsive service required by U.S. disability law to complement fixed-route public transit for eligible people. It is the legally defined paratransit service paired with fixed-route transit.
Fixed-route public transport: Passenger transport operating along predetermined routes and schedules, such as buses and rail services. Paratransit adapts service to requests instead of requiring every trip to follow a fixed route.
Transportation equity: The fair distribution of transportation access, benefits, burdens, and decision-making across communities. Paratransit affects whether disabled people can reach opportunities on equitable terms.
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990: A United States civil-rights law that prohibits disability discrimination in areas including public transportation. It requires complementary paratransit service for eligible riders where fixed-route transit operates.
Non-emergency medical transportation: Transportation to medical care that does not require an ambulance or emergency response. Paratransit may provide or connect riders to scheduled healthcare trips.
Accessible public transport: Public transport designed or adapted so disabled people can use it with greater independence. Accessible fixed routes can meet many needs without separate paratransit trips.
Universal design: The design of products and environments to be usable by as many people as possible without adaptation. Designing conventional transit inclusively can reduce barriers that separate paratransit users from other passengers.
Paratransit eligibility: The process of determining whether a person’s disability prevents independent use of accessible fixed-route transit for some or all trips. Eligibility rules determine who can use mandated complementary services.
Community transport: Locally organized passenger transport, often serving people or places poorly served by conventional transit. Community services can fill gaps beyond formal transit agency coverage.

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