RAMP Paratransit

Greater Cincinnati Region (BCRTA, Metro, and TANK service areas)
Application for ADA Paratransit Services
Regional Collaboration
The three large transit agencies (Butler County Regional Transit Authority (BCRTA) in Butler County, Metro in Hamilton County, and the Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky (TANK) in Northern Kentucky) collaborate to help people move seamlessly across county and state lines. This collaboration has resulted in coordinated public transit services, bus stop facilities, and ADA paratransit services and eligibility. This regional ADA paratransit application and all resulting outcomes are accepted and shared by all three transit agencies in the region.

Transit Services
These agencies operate three types of public transportation services:

• Fixed Route – A transit service (fixed and express route buses) that follows a repetitive, fixed schedule along a specific route with vehicles stopping to pick-up and drop-off passengers along the way. This includes BCRTA in Butler County, Metro in Hamilton County, and TANK in Northern Kentucky.
• Micro-transit or mobility on demand – A flexible, on-demand service that uses smaller vehicles that can transport you within a zone and/or to a connecting bus. This includes BGo in Butler County, MetroNow! in Hamilton County, and TANK’s proposed micro-transit services in Northern Kentucky.
• ADA Paratransit – A shared-ride public transportation service for people whose disabilities prevent them from riding fixed route buses. This includes BCARE in Butler County, Metro Access in Hamilton County, and RAMP in Northern Kentucky.

All fixed route and micro-transit services in the Greater Cincinnati region are 100% accessible with wheelchair lifts or ramps and automatic voice systems that announce key stops, transfer points, and other important information. Service animals are allowed to ride these services without paying an additional fare.

Travel Training is available at no cost to individuals who would like to learn how to use the fixed route and micro-transit services. This training includes planning and/or scheduling your transit trip, identifying your stop, signaling the bus, paying your fare, and signaling the driver that you are ready to get off the bus.

ADA Paratransit Eligibility Process
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) requires that BCRTA, Metro, and TANK provide ADA paratransit service within 3/4 of a mile and within the operating hours of regular (non-express) fixed route service. Disability alone does not determine ADA paratransit eligibility. Eligibility is not a medical decision but is based on the applicant’s functional ability to use the fixed route bus.

The information provided on your application is confidential and will only be used to help determine if you are eligible for ADA paratransit services. All applications for ADA paratransit service eligibility will be processed within 21 days from the date that the assessment is completed. Staff will notify the applicant in writing of the determination decision. The letter will state if the applicant has been approved for service, the conditions of eligibility (if any) and if a Personal Care Attendant (PCA) is approved for travel as well.

If eligibility is determined, the applicant will be issued an identification card within 5-7 working days. In the rare case that your application is not processed within 21 days, a presumptive eligibility will be in place until such a time that eligibility can be established.

If you have questions, need help filling out this application, or need an alternative format (large print or in a different language), we can help you. All sections must be completed.
If you live in Hamilton County, Ohio, or Northern Kentucky, you will be required to complete an in-person assessment. Transportation to the assessment location will be provided by your local transit provider. You must bring a valid photo identification card and if you utilize a mobility device, you must bring it as well to your in-person assessment.

You may be asked to have a clinical professional complete an assessment form for you.

To submit your application:

• Butler County residents
  o Send to BCRTA 3045 Moser Ct Hamilton, Ohio 45011.
  o Call (513) 785-5237, for assistance.
• Hamilton County residents
  o Call (513) 632-7586 to schedule an in-person transportation skills assessment and submit your application.
  o TTY for hearing impaired: Ohio Relay Station 1-800-750-0750.
• Northern Kentucky residents
  o Call (859) 814-2135 to schedule an assessment and submit your application.