Everyone should be able to use public transportation to get where they need to go. Since 1978, Maritime Metro Transit has been providing bus service to the cities of Manitowoc and Two Rivers. In 1992, under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Metro began providing paratransit service. Maritime Metro’s paratransit service is curb-to-curb van transportation for people with disabilities who have been certified as unable to use Maritime Metro’s accessible ramp-equipped bus service for some or all trips. Door-to-door service is available for an extra $2 fee each way.
Eligibility
Federal law requires that Maritime Metro provide curb-to-curb paratransit services to persons who cannot utilize available bus services. In other words, individuals who are unable, because of a disability, to use Metro’s bus service may be eligible for the program. Please keep in mind that any condition which makes traveling to or from a boarding / disembarking location or riding on a bus route system more difficult or less comfortable but not impossible is not a reason for paratransit eligibility.
Maritime Metro Transit will determine eligibility upon review of a completed application form containing information regarding the applicant’s functional ability. Metro requires a medical professional’s opinion and reserves the right to require a functional assessment prior to determining eligibility. You will be notified in writing of your eligibility status within 21 days of Metro receiving your fully completed application form. If paratransit service is denied or if a determination of conditional eligibility (for example, seasonal eligibility) is made, notification of our appeal process will be included with your letter.
Individuals meeting any of the following criteria will be determined ADA paratransit eligible as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA):
1. An individual with a disability who is unable to board, ride, or disembark from a fully accessible Maritime Metro bus.
2. An individual with a disability who is able to board, ride, or disembark from an accessible bus, however, an accessible vehicle is not available on the regular bus system.
3. An individual who has a specific impairment-related condition which prevents the individual from getting to or from a boarding or departure location of the regular bus system. This relates to environmental or architectural barriers under public control, which prevent individuals getting to or from accessible transportation.
For an application, click here. You can also get an application by stopping at our office or the Transfer Center, by sending us an e-mail with your name and address, or by calling 920-683-4560.
Hours of service
Metro’s paratransit service is available only when the regular Maritime Metro Transit buses are operating. Your trip origin and destination must be within ¾ mile of a fixed bus route. Paratransit service is available on weekdays from 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM and on Saturday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Paratransit service is not available on Sundays or on the same major holidays that the bus does not run (New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day).
Scheduling a trip
To schedule a trip in 2007-2009, contact Assist-To-Transport at 682-8820. Notify them you wish to schedule a Maritime Metro Paratransit trip. To assure quick and easy service, you are asked to have the following information easily accessible when making your reservation:
- name,
- address,
- phone number,
- paratransit I.D. number,
- exact address and entrance you wish to be picked up at, time you wish to be picked up,
- destination address, and
- whether or not you are ambulatory or are in a wheelchair.
If you require special accommodations, please notify the carrier when scheduling the trip. As an example, if you have an over-sized wheelchair, notification would be required to assure the appropriate vehicle is dispatched. The carrier will try to accommodate your specific requests but cannot make any guarantees.
Note: Our current provider can accommodate mobility aids, which are 32” wide by 48” long. Please consider how safely your device can be transported when you purchase it. For example, some scooters can be top-heavy when people are seated on them in transit.
You should be ready at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled pickup time and must have a valid ADA Paratransit Eligibility I.D. Card. Upon arrival for pickup, the driver is required to wait only five (5) minutes before departing. Drivers will assist you from the curb into the vehicle; however, if you pay extra for door-to-door service, drivers are not required to assist you with steps.
We encourage you to call early to secure a trip at your desired time. You must reserve your trip at least 24 hours in advance. It may be necessary to negotiate your pickup time on occasion; however, you won’t be required to schedule your trip more than one hour before or after your desired time.
In an effort to provide all individuals the necessary transportation, please be prompt in notifying the carrier of any cancellations . You are required to notify the carrier of cancellations at least thirty (30) minutes prior to the scheduled pickup time. An established pattern or practice of missed trips or “no shows” may lead to sanctions being imposed. You will be notified in writing of our “no show” policy prior to sanctions being imposed.
Fares
The cash fare for curb-to-curb transportation is $3.00 per ride ($6.00 round trip). Booklets of ten (10) tickets for $30.00 are available for purchase at the following sales outlets:
Metro Office, 2655 S 35 St., 7 AM - 3:30 PM
Metro Intermodal Transfer Center, 915 S 11 St., open Mon through Fri 8-4
The booklets can also be purchased through the mail for an extra $1.00 postage and handling fee per order. If you wish to purchase booklets via mail, please send your request to:
Maritime Metro Transit, 2655 South 35th Street, Manitowoc WI 54220.
Gift certificates for booklets of tickets for curb-to-curb transportation are also available at both Metro locations.
Door-to-door transportation is available for $5.00 per ride ($10.00 round trip). Individuals requiring this service must pay cash; tickets are not available for door-to-door service.
Safety tips
- Be sure the driver is ready to assist you before approaching the lift or ramp.
- Follow the instructions given by the driver.
- If you use a wheelchair, make sure it is properly tied down and the brakes are on.
- If you use a power wheelchair, turn off the power after it has been secured.
- Always wear your seatbelt.
Attendant/Companions
If you require a personal care attendant (PCA), one will be allowed to travel with you at no additional charge. Your need for a personal care attendant must be certified during the eligibility evaluation. In addition, one companion will be allowed to travel with you but your companion must pay the same fare. Additional companions may be allowed to travel with you on a space available basis. Arrangements for additional riders should be made when the trip is reserved; however, if other ADA certified people make arrangements for a ride at least 24 hours in advance and space for your additional companions becomes unavailable, the provider will contact you. Your additional riders must have the same origin and destination, as you do, in order to be eligible as stated above.
Be an involved customer
- Be sure to let us know if your status or address changes.
- Register compliments, comments, suggestions, or complaints with us at
920-683-4560 or write us at Maritime Metro Transit, 2655 S 35th St, Manitowoc, WI 54220-5965.
MARITIME METRO TRANSIT