Transportation Disadvantaged (TD) Paratransit Services

Special Services Bus in front of medical facility

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Quick Links & Downloads

TD Paratransit Application Form

Paratransit Appeals Form

Buy TD Paratransit Pass

Rider Guide for Special Services

Frequently Asked Questions

Call to Schedule a Trip

Local Coordinating Board (LCB) for Transportation Services

Space Coast Area Transit offers Transportation Disadvantaged (TD) Paratransit services for people who can’t use regular buses because of disabilities. The service uses vehicles that fit mobility devices and runs from 8:00 AM to 7:30 PM. You must book your ride in advance. You can also bring helpers or companions with you. The service helps people get to important places like doctors, work, or stores, making sure everyone has access to transportation.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much does TD Paratransit cost?

Each ride costs $1.50. A 10-ride pass is $15. You can pay using a smartphone app, by mail, phone, online, or in person. Exact change is needed on the bus. Click here to buy passes online.

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2. Who can use TD Paratransit?

You might qualify if you have a disability, are elderly, or have a low income, making it hard to travel alone. Children with disabilities or at high risk also qualify.

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3. What’s the difference between TD Paratransit and ADA Paratransit?

TD Paratransit helps people with disabilities, low income, or the elderly. ADA Paratransit is required by law for people with disabilities who can’t use regular buses.

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4. How do I book a ride with TD Paratransit?

To book a ride, call 321-633-1878 before 2:00 PM the day before, or book up to 7 days ahead. Reservations are taken from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

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5. How do I apply for TD Paratransit?

You can apply online or by mail by filling out the form and submitting any required documents. It may take up to 21 days to process.

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6. What time does TD Paratransit operate?

TD Paratransit operates from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily, but reservations must be made between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM.

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7. Can I bring someone with me?

Yes, you can bring one personal care attendant (PCA) for free and up to two companions. The companions must pay unless they’re under 15 years old.

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8. What is TD Paratransit?

TD Paratransit is a service that helps people in Brevard County who can’t use regular buses due to disabilities or other challenges. It runs from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM and uses vehicles that can fit wheelchairs.

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9. Can I use TD Paratransit if I use a mobility device?

Yes. Space Coast Area Transit (SCAT) operates a TD Paratransit service specifically designed to accommodate individuals who are unable to use their fixed-route bus or trolley services. This includes people who use mobility devices.

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10. How Can I Contact Space Coast Area Transit regarding TD Paratransit?

You can call the Rideline at 321-633-1878 or email us.

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11. Do I need to rebook regular trips?

No, regular trips like going to work or school don’t need to be rebooked each time. Just let the reservationist know which days you need the service and for how long.

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12. How do I pay if I don’t use a smartphone?

You can pay by mail, phone, online, or in person. If paying on the bus, you’ll need exact change. Click here to buy passes online.

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13. What is a Fixed Route?

A Fixed Route, or Fixed Route service, is the main bus service provided by Space Coast Area Transit. It is featured on all the routes and maps. Unlike other services, such as Contracted Routes and Special Services, Fixed Routes operate on regular schedules with clearly defined stops.

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14. What if my application is denied?

If denied, you can appeal the decision. Click here to access the appeals form

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15. Can visitors use TD Paratransit?

Yes, visitors with ADA Paratransit eligibility from another area can use TD Paratransit for up to 21 days without reapplying. You must send proof of eligibility by email, fax (321-635-1903), or in person at one of these addresses:
401 S. Varr Ave., Cocoa, FL 32922
460 S. Harbor City Blvd., Melbourne, FL 32901

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16. Can I bring a child with me?

Yes, you can bring children. Kids under 15 ride for free. However, children under 5 must ride in a car seat, and you’ll need to bring the car seat with you.

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17. What is a mobility device?

A mobility device is any equipment designed to assist individuals with limited mobility to travel more easily and independently. This includes wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, and other devices that help with movement or provide support. Space Coast Area Transit buses are equipped to accommodate mobility devices to ensure all riders can travel safely and comfortably.

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18. What Service Animals Are Allowed on the Bus?

Only service animals, such as service dogs, are allowed on Space Coast Area Transit buses. Service animals are specially trained to assist individuals with disabilities and perform specific tasks. Pets, including house pets like dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, reptiles, and rodents, as well as emotional support animals, are not permitted on the bus.

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19. What is the Local Coordinating Board (LCB) for Transportation Disadvantaged Service?

The Local Coordinating Board provides input on transportation services for those who need assistance. The board meets regularly, and you can contact 321-635-7815 for more information. View LCB meeting documents.

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helping client in wheelchair off bus

Space Coast Area Transit operates Transportation Disadvantaged (TD) Paratransit Service to serve the mobility needs of Brevard County citizens who are unable to use Fixed Route Bus or Trolley Service. TD Paratransit Service uses mobility device accessible Paratransit vehicles to transport passengers throughout Brevard County on a daily basis. TD Paratransit Service is a point-of-origin to point-of-destination service, accessed through a trip reservation, from 8:00 AM–7:30 PM. The intent of TD Paratransit Service is to ensure that individuals who are transportation disadvantaged have equal access to public transportation. View the Rider’s Guide for Special Services, a public transportation rider’s guide for eligible seniors and transportation disadvantaged, including origin to destination TD Paratransit Service and ADA Paratransit Service

TD PARATRANSIT OVERVIEW

Space Coast Area Transit provides mobility device accessible Fixed Route Bus and Trolley Service in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. This has allowed some individuals with disabilities to use the Fixed Route Bus and Trolley Service instead of TD Paratransit Service. All Space Coast Area Transit Buses are mobility device accessible.

• If an individual is unable to utilize Fixed Route Service, TD Paratransit Service is available throughout Brevard County.

• Individuals can call before 2:00 PM the day before a ride is needed to request a trip. Trips can be requested up to 7 days in advance.

• Trips that occur on the same day and time each week on a regular basis do not need to be reserved each time.

• Trips can be requested for any purpose.

TD PARATRANSIT ELIGIBILITY

Those eligible for TD Paratransit Service include individuals who are defined in Florida Statute 427.001 as: “Those persons who because of physical or mental disability, income, status, or age, or who for other reasons are unable to transport themselves or to purchase transportation and are, therefore, dependent upon others to obtain access to health care, employment, education, shopping, social activities, or other sustaining activities, or children who are disabled or high risk, as defined in F.S. 411.202.”

TD PARATRANSIT REGISTRATION

The Florida Commission for TD and Florida Statutes 427.0155(7) requires a formal eligibility process to verify eligibility for TD transportation. Complete/submit the TD Application online and upload your required documents electronically, or, download, complete and submit the TD Application PDF with required documents manually. The application process takes up to 21 days to be approved once it is received by Space Coast Area Transit. If an individual’s application is denied, they can fill out the Paratransit Eligibility Appeal Form at 321Transit.com/AppealForm.

TD PARATRANSIT FARES AND PAYMENT OPTIONS

A mobile ticketing system powered by Token Transit at 321Transit.com/Pass sends both a $1.50 TD Paratransit 1-Ride Fare or a $15.00 TD Paratransit 10-Ride Pass directly and instantly to a smartphone. Payment with a credit or debit card is required. Otherwise, a 1-Ride Fare is paid when boarding. Exact change is required as the driver is not equipped to make change. There is no charge for 1 personal care attendant (PCA), however, companions must pay their own fare.Children 15 and under are free when accompanied by a fare paying passenger.

A 10-Ride Pass must be purchased in advance. In addition to Token Transit, 10-Ride Pass purchase options include: In person at Space Coast Area Transit, 401 S. Varr Ave., Cocoa, Florida, 32922, or 460 S. Harbor City Blvd., Melbourne, Florida, 32901; By mail to either address listed above, checks up to $100.00, money orders, or credit card orders are accepted; By phone at 321-635-7815, option 2 or 321-952-4561, option 1 with a Visa, MasterCard, or Discover Card; and Online at 321Transit.com/BuyPass with a 5-day mail delivery.

SERVICE ANIMALS AND PETS, COMPANIONS, PERSONAL CARE ATTENDANTS (PCAs), CHILDREN AND VISITORS

Space Coast Area Transit allows TD Paratransit and ADA Paratransit riders to travel with one personal care attendant (PCA), and up to two additional companions for a total of 4 passengers per trip. Example: a rider, a PCA, and up to two companions. Service animals are not included in the passenger count.

SERVICE ANIMALS AND NON-SERVICE ANIMALS (PETS)

Service animals are always welcome on any Space Coast Area Transit Vehicle. However, in keeping with best safety practices, emotional/ therapy animals and other pets are not permitted.

The Department of Transportation ADA regulations, 49 CFR Section 37.3, defines a service animal as any guide dog, signal dog, or other animal individually trained to work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability, including, but not limited to, guiding individuals with impaired vision, alerting individuals with impaired hearing to intruders or sounds, providing minimal protection or rescue work, pulling a mobility device, or fetching dropped items. Regulation 49 C.F.R. Section 37.167(d) requires transit entities to permit service animals to accompany individuals with disabilities in vehicles and facilities.

COMPANIONS AND PERSONAL CARE ATTENDANTS

Riders must reserve space for their PCA and companion(s) when they reserve their trip. Up to two additional companions are allowed per trip on a space available basis.

A PCA is a person accompanying an ADA Paratransit rider to assist with their travel needs. ADA riders are allowed 1 PCA that rides free; companions are allowed, however, they must pay their own fare, unless they are 15 years old, or younger. Activities performed by a PCA may include but are not limited to: mobility assistance, personal care, or communication (translation, interpretation, reading) and assistance at the destination. Space Coast Area Transit does not provide a PCA for riders. If a rider cannot be left alone at a destination or must be under constant care or supervision, Space Coast Area Transit may request (but not require) that the rider travel with a PCA.

A PCA or companion must board the vehicle at the rider’s scheduled location and time of pickup and ride together.

CHILDREN

Children 15 years old, or younger, ride for free when accompanied by a fare-paying passenger. According to state law newborns up to 5 year olds must ride in a federally approved child safety seat according to state law. Child safety seats must be provided by the rider.

VISITOR REQUESTS

Space Coast Area Transit provides complementary visitor Paratransit Service to individuals who travel to Brevard County and are eligible for services under ADA. An individual’s certification by a public entity as “ADA Paratransit eligible” will be honored for up to 21 days. The ADA Paratransit certification document must be submitted in advance using one of the following methods: by email; by fax, 321-635-1903; sent by mail; or presented in person at either Space Coast Area Transit Terminal, 401 S. Varr Ave., Cocoa Florida, 32922 or 460 South Harbor City Blvd., Melbourne, FL 32901. If a visitor requires Paratransit Service beyond 21 days during any 365-day period, they are required to apply for certification through Space Coast Area Transit.

CONTACT US

For questions regarding TD Paratransit Service eligibility, application assistance, information on the appeals process, or reservations, call the Rideline at 321-633-1878 to speak with a TD Paratransit representative or by email.