ADA Complementary Paratransit

ADA Accessibility
Complementary Paratransit

Fixed Route Service ADA Accessibility Overview

Greater Portland Metro is committed to complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act and making sure that people with disabilities have an equal opportunity to take part in community life. As such, equal access to transportation services is key to that participation.

All Metro buses are accessible and equipped with passenger lifts or ramps that can be used by persons with wheelchairs, walkers, and other mobility aids. All Metro’s buses contain space to accommodate two (2) people using wheelchairs.

ADA Service Policies for Fixed Route Bus Service

Rev. August 2016

Bus operators are required to clearly announce time points and major stops.
All Metro’s bus stops include a large print and color coded sticker indicating the route or routes that serve that bus stop. This is to ensure that bus stops have a means of route identification where more than one bus route serves the location.
Bus operators are required to request that persons sitting in priority seats and any fold-down seats over the securement area vacate those seats when a person with a disability needs to use them.
Metro will transport any wheelchair that does not exceed the capacities of its buses and equipment (actual bus capacities will be posted by December 31, 2016).
Bus operators are required to deploy the lift/ramp at any stop upon request presuming is it safe to do so.
Bus operators are required to permit any persons using respirators, concentrators or portable oxygen to board and use the bus.
Bus operators are required to provide passengers with disabilities sufficient time
to board and disembark the bus.
Passengers with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations they deem necessary to use the service. These requests should be made in advance by calling or writing to Metro.
Passengers are allowed to bring a service animal on board Metro buses.
Passengers who feel they have been discriminated against, based on a disability, may file a complaint with Metro.

If you have questions or concerns about any of these policies, please contact Metro at 207-774-0351 or info@gpmetro.org.

Securing Wheelchairs & Devices

Wheelchairs and mobile devices (such as scooters, etc.) must be secured when possible. Passengers who refuse to allow mobile devices to be secured shall not be transported. When shoulder and lap belts are supplied, their use is at the discretion of the passenger. It is the responsibility of the bus operator to make sure that mobile devices are secured before transporting passengers.

Weight Limits

When using a wheelchair lift or ramp, the limit of the combined weight of the customer and mobility aid varies for each bus. Weight limits are posted on buses.

Portable Oxygen – Helpful Tips

National Council on Aging information about travelling with portable oxygen.

Schedules & Accessible Formats

Schedules for Metro routes are available on all Metro buses, at the Metro Pulse at Elm Street (Metro’s Downtown Transit Hub), and convenient locations throughout the service area, as well as on-line.

Complimentary Paratransit Service

The RTP provides ADA Complementary Paratransit Services for those who cannot ride regular fixed routes.

ADA Transportation

If you live in Portland, South Portland, Falmouth, or Westbrook, but cannot use Metro (or the South Portland Bus Service) because of a functional inability to do so, you may apply for ADA transportation, which has a similar schedule to the Metro.

If you think you may qualify for ADA services, please contact RTP at 207-774-2666 to request an application. To find out more about all RTP programs, visit the RTP Website.