Paratransit Eligibility and Application
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority (BJCTA) offers Paratransit services to individuals with a disability (physical, cognitive or visual), that prevents them from accessing MAX fixed route buses. The ADA defines eligibility for complementary Paratransit service in 49 CFR Section 37.123 (click for more details) of the federal regulations and limits it to people who fall within one of the following three categories according to their degree of disability.
Categories of Disability for Paratransit Eligibility
Inability to Navigate System Independently
Any individual with a disability who is unable, as the result of a physical or mental impairment (including a vision impairment), and without the assistance of another individual (except the operator of a wheelchair lift or other boarding assistance device), to board, ride, or disembark from any vehicle on the system which is readily accessible and usable by individuals with disabilities.
Lack of Accessible Vehicles, Stations, or Bus Stops
Any individual with a disability who needs the assistance of a wheelchair lift or other boarding assistance device and is able, with such assistance, to board, ride and disembark from any vehicle readily accessible and usable by individuals with disabilities if the individual wants to travel on a system route during hours of operation, or within a reasonable period of such time, when such a vehicle is not being used to provide designated public transportation on the route.
Specific Impairment-Related Condition
Any individual with a disability who has a specific impairment- related condition which prevents such individual from traveling to a boarding location or from a disembarking location on such system.
Forms Needed to Apply for Paratransit Services
Please ensure you complete and submit all three forms. An incomplete application will be returned for completion, which will delay the determination process.
- Application(Completed and signed by applicant or their representative.)
- Release of Information Form(Completed and signed by applicant or their representative.)
- Medical Verification Form(Completed and signed by one of the licensed medical professionals indicated on the form.)
In order for the BJCTA to evaluate your application for Paratransit eligibility, it may be necessary for a representative to contact a physician or other licensed health care professional to confirm the information provided.Submit Your Complete ApplicationApplications (three forms) can be submitted by email or U.S. Mail to the following:Email: ada@bjcta.orgMailing Address:Birmingham Jefferson County Transit AuthorityAttention: ADA OfficerPost Office Box 10212Birmingham, AL 35202-0212Determination of EligibilityA determination regarding your eligibility for Paratransit service will be made within 21 days after receipt of the completed application. You will be notified of the decision on eligibility in writing only.If eligibility is denied, the written notification of denial of services will also include information as to how you may appeal the decision.To check the status of your application, call (205) 961-5614.Travel CoveredMAX Transit does not charge for travel to and from Paratransit eligibility assessments, interviews, or photo ID issuance.Recertification for ParatransitAll Paratransit customers are required to recertify every three years by going through the same process.
Obtain a Paratransit ID Card
Paratransit ID cards are available at no charge and can be obtained or renewed with valid identification on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the location listed below. A $5 fee applies to replacement cards. To schedule an appointment for a Paratransit ID or speak with someone for more information, please call 205-521-0101.
MAX Central Station1701 Morris Ave.Birmingham, AL 35203
Paratransit Visitor Eligibility
MAX Transit provides transportation to Paratransit visitors from other Transit Agencies.
Steps to Acquire Visitor Privileges
It is important to notify the BJCTA/MAX Paratransit Department at (205) 961-5614, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (CST) upon or prior to your arrival in the Birmingham area for approval. As a visitor you are allowed 21 service days. If you require more than 21 service days, you may complete a Paratransit application.Persons Currently Certified for Paratransit ServiceProvide your eligibility card from transit agency in your city or request that your transit agency email your eligibility information to us.Persons Requesting Presumptive EligibilityIndividuals with disabilities who have not been certified by a Paratransit provider must provide place of residence and nature of disability that meets eligibility requirements.In Person RequestYou can make an in-person request by visiting our ADA Office at the address below. Please call (205) 961 – 5614 to schedule an appointment.BJCTA / MAX1801 Morris Ave.Birmingham AL 35203For additional Information call (659) 903-2409 ext.1029 or Alabama Relay 711.