What kind of paratransit is appropriate? Using paratransit depends on a rider's needs. If he can use the local bus as long as it has a wheelchair lift, he would wheel himself to his bus stop and board with help from the driver. If he's too frail to ride a bus, he (or a caregiver) would call (usually in advance) to order door-to-door service. He'll get detailed instructions on how to use services from the local transit company.

Personal aides or assistants can escort a paratransit user for free. The ADA allows other people to accompany someone using paratransit at the same fare.

What if an older adult is denied paratransit? If the person you're caring for has been denied paratransit service and you feel he really can't use regular public transportation, he can appeal the denial. He would do this through the same public transportation company that handled his application. Appealing is his legal right.

What's more, most communities have other transportation options for older adult. In some areas, the same paratransit service used for people with disabilities is available to nondisabled seniors, for an extra fee.