ADA

The American Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in several areas, including employment, transportation, public accommodations, communications and access to state and local government’ programs and services.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 (49 CFR Parts 27, 37, 38, and 39) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended, Wilkes Transportation Authority (WTA) ensures its services, vehicles, and facilities are accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities. Anyone who believes he or she has been discriminated against on the basis of disability may file an ADA complaint.

What is Paratransit

Paratransit is a required program of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) to provide equal access to those persons whose disabilities prevent them from riding WTA in-town bus routes. The in-town Shuttle route bus are not "lift equipped". To make the in-town Shuttle route accessible to persons with wheelchairs or disabilities that are limited by steps please contact our office at 336-838-1272. To qualify for para-transit service your disability should make travel on the in-town bus impossible or substantially difficult. Paratransit generally serves only those individuals who are unable to get from their home to the nearest bus stop or from a bus stop to their chosen destination.

Standards of Operation:

Paratransit service is available on the same days and hours or operations as WTA’s in-town bus route and within 3/4 mile of WTA in-town route. Please expect "shared-ride" service. Others may be picked up after or dropped off before you. Please allow ample time to reach your destination or appointments.

Driver Assistance:

Drivers will provide reasonable assistance from your pick-up location to your drop-off location unless unsafe conditions exist, for example snow or ice-covered porches or sidewalks. If unsafe conditions exist, unfortunately WTA may not be able to provide service.

Drivers Are Not Allowed To:

Enter a private residence or escort customer beyond the front door of any private residence or the front door of any public building.
Leave sight of the WTA Vehicle.
Pull or push a battery-operated wheelchair.
Perform errands for customers, such as picking up prescriptions, paying bills or checking mail.
Assist with packages such as groceries or boxes.
Perform any personal care assistance, such as assisting with dressing or help with medical equipment.

Seatbelt Use and Wheelchair Securement:

In order to serve you safely, Wilkes Transportation Authority requires that all passengers use a seatbelt. WTA and ADA policy requires that your drivers use 4 straps on all wheelchairs. Wheelchair passengers are also required to use seat belts. If the wheelchair is not equipped with a seatbelt one will be provided.