SERVICES
PARATRANSIT
OVERVIEW
About Paratransit
Big Bend Transit is committed to providing safe & reliable nonemergency transportation for the public in the Big Bend area. If you need a ride, just give us a call—we're here to help! We can take you to a doctor's appointment, to work, or even on a trip to the local grocery store. Our staff at local branches are ready and waiting to assist you. Please note that rates vary by county.
Big Bend Transit Paratransit services are available throughout the week, with hours varying by county:
Leon County
Monday - Saturday, 6AM - 10PM
& Sunday 6AM - 6PM
Gadsden County
Monday - Saturday, 6AM - 8PM
Jefferson County
Monday - Saturday, 6AM - 6PM
Madison County
Monday - Saturday, 6AM - 6PM
Taylor County
Monday - Saturday, 6AM - 6PM
Gulf County
Monday - Friday, 8AM - 5PM
Franklin County
Monday - Friday, 8AM - 5PM
What Is Paratransit,
and How Does It Work?
Paratransit is a specialized, door-to-door transportation service for individuals with disabilities who are unable to use fixed-route public transportation. This may be due to an inability to:
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Board, ride, or disembark independently from any readily accessible vehicle on the regular fixed-route system
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Access existing accessible fixed-route transportation because that transportation is not available at the needed time on that route
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Get to the boarding/alighting locations of regular public transportation
Paratransit operates on a demand-responsive basis, meaning riders can schedule a ride by phone or through our registration system. The program’s goal is to ensure that everyone has access to reliable transportation to meet their essential mobility needs.
Paratransit Eligibility Requirements
Because most paratransit services are subsidized by federal, state, or local programs, riders must meet specific eligibility requirements. Individuals may qualify based on a permanent or temporary disability, but must meet one of the following three defined criteria categories to access service:
Category 1
Individuals Who Cannot Use Fixed-Route Transit Independently
Riders who, due to a physical or mental disability, are unable to board, ride, or exit a regular accessible bus independently qualify for paratransit services. This includes people with visual, cognitive, or other impairments that make navigating the fixed-route system unsafe or impossible. If a person requires an attendant or assistance to use accessible public transit, they are eligible for paratransit.
Category 2
Limited Availability of Fixed-Route Transit
Individuals with a physical or mental disability who can use accessible public transportation but cannot access it at the required time on a specific route are also eligible for paratransit. This may occur if an accessible vehicle is temporarily out of service, a wheelchair lift is unavailable, or other accessibility features cannot be deployed.
Category 3
Impairment-Related Travel Limitations
Individuals with a disability or impairment that prevents them from traveling to or from a fixed-route transit stop are eligible for paratransit services. Eligibility requires that the impairment directly limits access to the public transportation system. Experiencing inconvenience, difficulty, or external obstacles beyond the individual’s control does not qualify for this service.
Fare Information
Leon County
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$10.00 for the general public within Tallahassee.
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$17.50 for the general public within Leon County.
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Escorts pay the same fare.
Gadsden, Taylor, Madison, & Jefferson CountY
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$3.00 for TD eligible riders.
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$10.00 for the general public.
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Escorts pay the same fare.
FRANKLIN & Gulf County
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Fare waived.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 ensures that people with disabilities have the same rights as everyone else to access public services and facilities, including transportation. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) oversees the enforcement of ADA’s transportation requirements.