GPTC is committed to providing quality service by offering the same safe, clean, reliable, efficient and courteous transportation services that is afforded to our Fixed Route customers.
What is ADA Complementary Paratransit Service?
ADA Paratransit Service is a complementary service provided by the Gary Public Transportation Corporation (GPTC) to Gary and other communities where our service operates within ¾ miles of residents who are unable to use fixed route bus service due to a disability. Residents who are eligible for Paratransit Service can ride to and from any location within GPTC’s service area. All Paratransit vehicles are accessible to individuals with disabilities and are equipped with wheelchair lifts, ramps and securement devices.
Why Paratransit service works for residents who wish to be active in the Northwest Indiana community.
Low-cost fares
Simple trip reservations
Reliable service
Convenient curb-to-curb transportation
Paratransit Eligibility and How To Apply
How do I know if I am eligible for service?
To be eligible for Paratransit service you must be determined eligible under one of the following categories:
Category I: Inability to independently navigate the fixed route system Any individual with a disability who is unable as the result of a physical or mental disability (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 to and usable by individuals with disabilities.
Category II: Transit system’s lack of accessible vehicles, stations or bus stops on the fixed route system 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 which is readily accessible to and useable by individuals with disabilities. If the individual wants to travel on a route of the system during the hours of operation of the system or within a reasonable period of such time, when such a vehicle is not being used to provide designated public transportation on the route.
Category III: The inability to reach a boarding point, or final destination on the fixed route system 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 the fixed route system.
How do I apply to become a Paratransit rider?
Call GPTC’s ADA Coordinator at (219) 884-6100 extension 113 or extension 106 to request a Paratransit application.
Or click the button below to download an application.
As the applicant, complete Part I of the application. Ask the licensed or certified professional most familiar with the limitations imposed by your disability to complete Part II of the application.
You can either apply in person or send your completed application to the address below: ADA Coordinator Gary Public Transportation Corp. 2101 West 35th Avenue Gary, IN 46408
When will I know if I can use the service?
Within 21 days of the date your completed application is received you will be notified in writing of approval or disapproval of your application. If your application is approved, you should visit the GPTC’s Transportation Office at 2101 W. 35th Avenue weekdays between 8:30 a.m. 4:00 p.m. to obtain a GPTC ADA Complementary Paratransit Photo ID Card.
Certified Paratransit riders who are able to use GPTC’s fixed route bus service may present their ADA photo ID card to drivers on GPTC’s local and express routes and ride for the reduced fare afforded to seniors, Medicare, temporarily, conditional or permanently disabled riders.
Paratransit FAQs
1Who operates the service?
GPTC provides Paratransit Service as part of its overall transportation services in the community. By Federal Standards, GPTC must provide Paratransit service to individuals with certain disabilities who reside within ¾ miles of any fixed route service that GPTC provides.
2What are the hours of service?
ADA Complementary Paratransit service is provided during the same days and hours as fixed route service.
Monday - Friday 5:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Saturday 5:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
3Can I travel outside of Gary?
Yes! GPTC’s Service Area includes all of Gary and ¾ of a mile within our
fixed route service in the following cities and towns: Calumet Township, Crown
Point, East Chicago, Griffith, Hammond, Highland, Hobart, Merrillville and
Munster.
4How can I find out about policies and procedures regarding ridership rules?
For detailed information, please click the button below this FAQ section for our Rider's Guide to Complementary Paratransit Service.
5Who do I contact if I have additional questions?
Call GPTC’s ADA Coordinator at (219)884-6100 extension 113
or the Dispatch office: (219) 884-6100 extension 104
PARATRANSIT FARES
- One-way trips: $2.50 within the City of Gary boundary
- Outside Gary city limits: $4.00
- ADA Paratransit Multiple Ride Passes: 20 Local Rides $50.00
- ADA Paratransit Multiple Ride Passes: 12 Non Local Rides $48.00
Established fares must be paid at the time a rider boards a vehicle. If a fare is not paid, including the use of a riding pass, the driver can refuse to provide a ride and a no-show will be assessed.
Passes can be purchased at: Metro Center 100 West 4th Ave (3rd Floor) Gary, IN, 46402 Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Or by mail: send a money order payable to: Gary Public Transportation Corporation to GPTC’s Metro Center Office, 100 West 4th Ave, Gary, IN 46402 (no personal checks or cash accepted. Include your return address and a $3.00 additional convenience fee that covers the cost of postage and fees. Please allow ten days for delivery).
Personal Care Attendants (PCA) are not required to pay a fare. A PCA must board and alight at the same location and time as the eligible rider and will not be allowed to board or travel without the eligible rider.
Companions are required to pay the same fare paid by the ADA eligible rider and will be provided service if there is space available for them on the Paratransit vehicle transporting the ADA eligible individual. A Companion must board and exit at the same location and time as the eligible rider and will not be allowed to board or travel without the eligible rider.
Companions are required to pay the same fare paid by the ADA eligible rider and will be provided service if there is space available for them on the Paratransit vehicle transporting the ADA eligible individual. A Companion must board and exit at the same location and time as the eligible rider and will not be allowed to board or travel without the eligible rider.
Rider Responsibilities
- Rider should be ready for pickup throughout the pickup window of the scheduled trip.
- Pay exact fare at time of boarding the vehicle.
- Treat drivers, other riders, and GPTC staff with courtesy and respect.
- Keep personal assistance devices in good condition and be able to operate without driver intervention.
- Make sure ramps, sidewalks and walkways are properly maintained and clear of snow and ice.
- Wear vehicle seatbelts/restraints during transport.
- Keep service animals under control at all times.
- Cancel reservations at least one hour before scheduled pickup time.
- Do not eat, drink or smoke in a GPTC vehicle.
- Do not engage in disruptive or abusive behavior.
- Provide up-to-date information to the GPTC ADA Coordinator such as: home address, phone number, types of mobility aids at time of trip (s) reservation.
Helpful Tips
- When scheduling a trip, try to arrange the pick-up and return trip at the same time.
- When cancelling trips, rider must contact the trip schedule at least one (1) hour in advance of their scheduled pick-up time to avoid being charged a “No Show.”
- Riders should be ready to for pick-up throughout the 30 minute window (15 minutes before and 15 minutes after) of their scheduled pick-up time.
- Rider should advise the trip scheduler when they will be traveling with a PCA or Companion at the time of trip request.
- A PCA is not charged a fare when traveling with an eligible rider but a Companion is charged the same fare as an eligible rider.
- Potential trip delays beyond the control of GPTC and the driver may occur, such as: traffic, weather, late appointments of other shared riders.
- Rider should have exact fare or riding pass at the time of boarding the vehicle.
- Driver assistance: drivers are not allowed or required to offer assistance beyond the first door of the pick-up or drop off location.