Paratransit

Paratransit is a wheelchair-accessible shared-ride transportation service for individuals whose disability prevents them from using our regular fixed-route buses.

Who Can Use Paratransit?

To use Paratransit, you must complete an eligibility process that shows you cannot get to a bus stop, board a bus, or complete a trip on a regular bus.

Three ways you can qualify for Paratransit service:

  1. Temporary – For short-term needs, like after a stroke or injury, where your condition may improve within a year.
  2. Conditional – For those who can use regular buses sometimes but need Paratransit at other times.
  3. Full, Unconditional – For those who cannot use regular buses at any time due to their disability.

For more details, see Paratransit Eligibility.

How to Apply

  1. Download, print and complete the Paratransit application form: Have your medical or mental health provider complete the Licensed Provider Verification section. 

  2. Submit additional information if needed: Your application is not complete until all required information is submitted.

  3. Wait for a decision: STA will decide your eligibility within 21 days of receiving all necessary information. If it takes longer, you will receive temporary Paratransit service until a decision is made.

Paratransit Service Map

Paratransit Service Area

Spokane Transit Paratransit service is only available within the Paratransit Service Area, which includes most of Cheney, Medical Lake, Airway Heights, Liberty Lake, Millwood, Spokane, Spokane Valley, Fairchild Air Force Base, and Spokane International Airport.

The service area extends ¾ of a mile around each fixed bus route but does not go beyond Spokane Transit’s official boundary (see service map). All Paratransit trips must start and end within this Service Area.

Even if you live outside the Service Area, you may still qualify for trips that start and end within it. Call 509-325-6052 for more information.

Service Information

A single-ride fare is $2.00 each way. 

Most riders pay by giving their eConnect card details while booking their ride. The fare will be automatically deducted from your balance before your ride.

The easiest way to get started with the Connect fare system is by downloading the Connect app. Be sure to load funds onto your Connect card through the app before you book your first trip. 

You can also pay with cash when you board the Paratransit vehicle. Please have the exact fare ready because our drivers do not carry change.

Paratransit customers may register to bring a Personal Care Attendant (PCA) on a trip. PCAs ride free. Customers are also welcome to schedule a guest to bring on a trip. Each guest also pays $2.00 each way. 

Paratransit riders can also use regular bus routes for only $1.

Paratransit operates every day, including holidays, with hours that match Spokane Transit’s regular fixed-route bus service.

Holiday Service 

These are the holidays we observe, and service hours may be limited on these days. 

  • New Year’s Day
  • President’s Day
  • Memorial Day
  • Juneteenth
  • 4th of July*
  • Labor Day
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Christmas Day

Holiday hours can change, so please call us for the most up-to-date information:

When using Paratransit, remember that it is a shared ride service, and others are relying on the same drivers and vehicles too. That’s why you need to meet our operator within 5 minutes of the van’s arrival.
 

The operator will escort you from the door to the van, but they are not a caregiver. You are responsible for any extra assistance needed.

Follow the STA Rules of Conduct to avoid disciplinary action, which could include losing access to the service.

For more information, refer to the Paratransit Door-to-Door Guidelines.

STA’s Paratransit Handbook offers riders with disabilities important details about eligibility, service areas, booking procedures, fares, and guidelines for using the door-to-door transportation service.

Download the Paratransit Handbook (PDF)

Apply for Paratransit: 

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Find out if you’re eligible for Paratransit:

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Appeal an application for Paratransit:

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Handbook: A guide to Paratransit:

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A smartphone screen displays a public transport app showing a virtual eConnect Card with a balance of $0.00 and an autoload option turned off. Below are options to add value, check fare capping, and purchase passes. A numeric keypad is visible for entering a custom amount.

The Connect App: The convenient way to ride Paratransit

How to Book a Trip

To book a Paratransit ride, call the reservation office at 509-328-1552 (TTY Relay 711) between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., any day of the week. Have your Paratransit ID number ready.

Our call center handles between 600 to 800 calls per day, so please be patient if you don’t get through to a reservationist immediately.

You can schedule your ride from 1 to 7 days in advance, but due to current high demand it’s best to call 3 to 7 days before your trip for better availability.

Reservationists will try their best to meet your needs, but your preferred time may not always be available. The more flexible you are, the easier it is to find a spot for you.

Buy a Pass

Purchase passes and get more information about types of passes.

An illustration of a modern smartphone with a blank white screen, enclosed in a dark casing with rounded edges. The side buttons on the right edge are faintly visible. The minimalist design, resembling devices seen on Spokane Transit Authority adverts, showcases a sleek, contemporary device.

Download Our Fare App

Now available on iOS and Android.

Rider FAQs

Have Questions?

If you have any questions about paratransit service, please contact Paratransit Services at 509-328-1552.

Representatives are available 7 days a week, including holidays, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Can’t get ahold of us through the phone? Send us a message.

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