How do I apply for paratransit?

Everyone must apply for service regardless of age or disability. 

To apply:

  • Complete an application​ or
  • ​Participate in a telephone interview with WTA’s Mobility Coordinator​

You will be asked to provide specific information about your disability and how it prevents you from riding fixed routes. A friend, relative or caregiver may, with your permission, answer questions on your behalf.

If WTA needs more information about your disability, our Mobility Coordinator will need to talk to a health care professional, or follow up with you in person to conduct a capability assessment. 

You will be asked to complete a Professional Verification release form to sign and mail back. This release gives your physician, social worker, or other social and health professional permission to talk with our Mobility Coordinator​ about you. All information collected during the application process will be held in confidence and will only be used to  determine your eligibility for paratransit service.

Once WTA has your completed application on file, eligibility status will be determined within 21 days. You will be notified by mail. The letter will state your eligibility status as well as the date your eligibility will expire if you are not recertified. 

If you disagree with your eligibility status and have additional information you would like to be considered, please give us a call. If – after a follow up conversation – you still disagree, you may appeal WTA’s determination within 60 days of receiving your notification letter.​

​If you have questions, call (360) 733-1144.​

How do I appeal a paratransit eligibility determination?

Before making a formal appeal, if you think an aspect of your application has been overlooked or misunderstood, we can talk informally by phone or in person. Please call (360) ​733-1144 to arrange a time to talk.

If the informal phone call or meeting does not resolve the disagreement, you may formally appeal your eligibility determination.


Formal Appeal

To make a formal appeal, complete the Notification of Appeal form. You must include your reasons for disagreeing with the decision. Please return the completed form to:

ADA Coordinator

Whatcom Transportation Authority 

4011 Bakerview Spur

Bellingham, WA 98226

Fax:  (360) 527-4867​


Appeal Process

WTA must receive your completed Notification of Appeal form within 60 days of you receiving your eligibility letter.  If we do not receive your form within 60 days, you will lose the right to appeal.

Within 30 days of receiving your completed form, WTA will set a time for an Appeal Hearing. Before the Appeal Hearing, you may need to participate in an evaluation of your ability to use fixed route buses. 

The Appeal Hearing will consist of a panel of disability experts, advocates and WTA staff. At the Appeal Hearing you, or someone acting on your behalf, can present your case.


Your Rights

You have the right to be heard in person at your Appeal Hearing. However you may submit a written presentation if you prefer.

You have a right to necessary support, such as materials in a different format, an interpreter or assistive listening devices. This would be provided at no cost to you.

While your appeal is pending, WTA will honor the eligibility determination as stated in your determination letter. ​

​Appeal Decision

You will be notified by certified mail of the appeal decision within 30 days of your Appeal Hearing. Once the Appeal Hearing panel has made their decision, the appeal process is completed. The Appeal Hearing decision is final and binding. You may reapply for paratransit service at a later time if your condition changes. 

If a decision is not made within 30 days of completing the appeals process, transportation is provided until and unless a decision to deny the appeal is issued.


Accessible Formats

Please let us know if you need any materials presented at your Appeal Hearing in a different format.