Paratransit
Paratransit is a wheelchair-accessible shared-ride transportation service for individuals whose disability prevents them from using our regular fixed-route buses.
Current Paratransit riders
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:
- Temporary – For short-term needs, like after a stroke or injury, where your condition may improve within a year.
- Conditional – For those who can use regular buses sometimes but need Paratransit at other times.
- 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
Download, print and complete the Paratransit application form: Have your medical or mental health provider complete the Licensed Provider Verification section.
Submit additional information if needed: Your application is not complete until all required information is submitted.
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:
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.
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:
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.
Rider FAQs
How long will it take to get from A to B?
Travel time is similar to the time it would take if you took the bus.
Why is there a 30-minute window for the pickup time?
We use 30-minute pickup windows to provide flexible, reliable service. This allows us to accommodate multiple riders, handle traffic delays, plan efficient routes, adjust for unexpected changes, and avoid delays from earlier trips.
Why will the driver only wait 5 minutes for me?
Because we are a shared ride service, we can only wait a few minutes for you. Please be ready and nearby when the van arrives.
Can the driver take me inside a specific room at my destination?
Unfortunately not. It’s not in our scope of responsibility.
How do I cancel a trip?
If you no longer need a ride, you must cancel it at least one hour before the scheduled pickup time to avoid a no-show penalty. Make sure to cancel both pickup and return trips if needed. Only you can cancel or change your trips by calling the reservation office at 509-328-1552 (TTY Relay 711). Paratransit drivers cannot do this for you.
What happens if I'm going to be late for the pickup?
If your appointment is running late and there is a chance you will not be ready at your scheduled return time, or if you have missed the van, call the reservations office at 509-328-1552 (TTY Relay 711) as soon as possible. The Reservationist will help you schedule a return trip.
What happens if I forget to show up for a trip?
We define it as a "No-Show" when you:
- are not at the pickup location, OR
- are not ready within 5 minutes of the van's arrival, AND
- do not cancel at least one hour before your scheduled time
If you cannot make a trip, please cancel it. Not canceling affects other riders, causes delays, and wastes taxpayer money. Too many no-shows could lead to service penalties or suspensions.
For more information, see the STA Paratransit No-show Policy (PDF).
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.