Welcome to Wichita Transit's Specialized Services
Wichita Transit’s Paratransit Service provides CURB-TO-CURB, SHARED RIDE, accessible van service to people with physical, cognitive or visual disabilities who are functionally unable to independently use Wichita Transit’s fixed route bus service either all the time, temporarily or only under certain circumstances. A modern fleet of wheelchair-accessible vans and specially trained drivers provide this federally mandated service.
In addition, daily rides are provided to and from social service organizations through Wichita Transit's Purchased Transportation Program. Clients who need assistance beyond the curb for routine trips to common destinations, may be referred by Wichita Transit to one of the following transportation providers: Starkey, KETCH, Catholic Charities Adult Day Care, Res-Care, Envision and CPRFK. Disability alone does not establish paratransit service eligibility; the decision is based SOLELY on the applicant’s functional ability to use the fixed route bus service. Wichita Transit's Paratransit Service is a "safety net" for those persons who do not have the functional abilities to access and ride the fixed route bus system.
The service is required by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). The ADA is a civil rights bill and is designed to remove barriers that prevent persons with disabilities from participating in society. In the area of public transportation, the ADA states that regular bus service should be the primary means of public transportation for everyone, including people with disabilities. In some instances, ADA eligible persons may be transported by paratransit vans to the Transit Center or to other points where they can access the fixed route bus system. Wichita Transit’s fixed route bus service is ADA-accessible. All buses include a wheelchair lift or ramp and drivers announce major bus stops and street intersections. In addition, all schedules and information brochures are available in alternative formats, including audio-tape and Braille.