Under the American Disabilities Act (ADA), ADA Complementary Paratransit

Service is a transportation service designed for individuals with disabilities.  This

service provides transportation for individuals who cannot otherwise access the

fixed route bus service and live in the cities of Sumter, Shaw, Lee or Orangeburg

within 3/4 of a mile from a fixed route.  This service is limited to individuals with

disabilities who:

​

• are unable to board, ride, or disembark from an accessible vehicle without                                                          the assistance of another person (except for the bus driver and lift)

• could ride an accessible vehicle but the route is not accessible

• have a specific impairment-related condition that prevents them from                                                                traveling to or from a boarding or disembarking location

​

ADA Complementary Paratransit Service is an origin-to-destination service, or curb-to-curb and reservations are necessary.  Reservations may be made by calling the SWRTA Sumter office Monday through Friday between 7:30am and 5:00pm.  Reservations maybe made up to fourteen (14) days in advance.  After 5:00pm, request for next day services cannot be accommodated.  In addition, calls received on Saturday or Sunday at 803-775-9347, ext 124, for trips on Monday will be returned on Monday. Reservations must be made no less than 48 hours prior to desired pick up time.

​

When making reservations, please have the following information ready: Name of passenger, telephone number where passenger can be reach, date of travel, the physical address of pick up and destination, telephone number of the destination location, time you wish to leave and time you wish to return, whether a PCA will be traveling with you, and whether or not you'll be using a mobility device such as a wheelchair.

 

We will do our best to schedule rides at the desired times.  However, we may negotiate mutually agreeable times up to one (1) hour before or after the requested times.

​

You must be pre-approved for ADA Complementary Paratransit Service. 

 

Download the application below.  The application is a two-part process.  You will need to complete your portion of the application and then have your health care professional complete the second part.  Once the application is completed, simply return it to SWRTA.  It may take up to three (3) weeks to process your application. 

 

Once your application has been received, we will review it for approval. 

​

Paratransit services will not be provided during the appeal review process. However, you are welcome to take advantage of our Demand Response Services as an alternative during this time.  For more information or to schedule a ride through Demand Response, please contact our office at 803-775-9347.

​

If you are approved, you will received a notification letter from SWRTA.  Once you have received that letter, you should contact SWRTA to make an appointment for a photo ID card to be processed for you.  You then simply show your card to your driver when you board the vehicle. 

 

If your application is denied, you may appeal within 60 days of notification.  A copy of the appeal request form can be found below.

​

​​​SWRTA honors eligibility cards or approved ADA certifications from other transit systems for non-residents visiting the Sumter, Shaw, Lee, or Orangeburg areas. Eligible visitors may receive paratransit services for up to 21 days within a calendar year, with requests typically fulfilled within one day of submission.

​​

Frequently Asked Questions Concerning Complementary Paratransit:

​

What is ADA Complementary Paratransit Service?                                                                                         

This is a service for eligible persons who cannot use the fixed route bus system and live up to 3/4 of a mile on either side of a transit route.

​

When is this service available?                                                                                                                        

Service is available in Sumter, Shaw, Lee or Orangeburg; Monday through Friday from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm with no service on the weekends.

​

Where can I go?                                                                                                                                                

 You can travel to the same destinations available within 3/4 miles of our Fixed Route Service.

​

How do I get an eligibility application?                                                                                                              

Call 803-775-9347 and we will mail one to you or you can download an application here.

 

What are the fares?                                                                                                                                                 

Sumter, Shaw and Orangeburg Services Area:   

One-Way Fare                                $2.00*                                               

Personal Care Attendant (PCA)     No Charge                                                                                                       

Children under 2 years old            No Charge                                                                                                         

Escorts - One Way Fare                 $2.00*                                                                                                                 

 

 Lee County Area:

  All Passengers                               No Charge

​

*Please have exact change ready when you board the van.  Our drivers cannot make change.

​

How do I schedule or cancel a ride?                                                                                                                       

Call 803-775-9347 or TTY 711

 

Can I take a friend or family member with me?                                                                                                         

A PCA (personal care attendant) and/or a companion may travel with you at no charge.  Service animals are   allowed. Seating for others is limited to space available and they would be charged the same fee.

​

How does my pickup work?                                                                                                                                       

You should be ready and waiting at the pickup point up to thirty (30) minutes before and after the scheduled   pick up times.  Once the driver arrives, she/he will wait five (5) minutes for you to board.  If you do not board   within five (5) minutes, you may be considered a 'no show'.

​​

Can I use paratransit services while my eligibility application is being reviewed?

Yes. While your eligibility application is under review, you are welcome to use our demand response services. This service is also available even if your application is denied.

​

Will you provide complimentary paratransit services during my appeal process?

Paratransit services will not be provided during the appeal review process. However, you are welcome to take advantage of our Demand Response Services as an alternative during this time.  For more information or to schedule a ride through Demand Response, please contact our office at 803-775-9347.

​

Accessible Boarding Information​​

​SWRTA buses are equipped with hydraulic lifts or ramps to accommodate passengers with mobility limitations. Individuals using wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, or other mobility aids may use the lift by simply notifying the bus operator prior to boarding. The lifts are designed to accommodate mobility devices that meet ADA guidelines, ensuring safe and accessible boarding for all eligible passengers.

​

​​Reasonable Modification Statement

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and directives from the Federal Transit Administration, SWRTA is committed to providing accessible and inclusive transportation services. To the maximum extent feasible, SWRTA will ensure that individuals with disabilities have equal access to, and can fully benefit from, its services. When necessary to avoid discrimination and promote accessibility, reasonable modifications will be made to policies, programs, and procedures related to transportation services.

​

To request reasonable modifications based on a disability, please complete the Reasonable Modification Request Form or contact SWRTA directly for assistance. SWRTA is committed to providing the support necessary to ensure accessible and equitable transportation services for all passengers.

​

If you have a request for an accessible format—such as a reader, Braille, or sign language interpretation—you can submit a Reasonable Accommodation Form. For assistance or to make your request by phone, please contact SWRTA Customer Service at (803) 775-9347 ext. 147.

​

​ADA Application

ADA Service Guide

ADA Appeal Letter​​​​​​​​

ADA Reasonable Modifications Form

SWRTA Reasonable Accommodation Form

​

​​​​ADA Civil Right Complaints

If you believe that the SWRTA discriminated against you and denied transportation due to a disability, you can file a complaint.

​

Complaints may be submitted to SWRTA's ADA Coordinator by using one of the contact methods below:

 

By Phone: (803) 775-9347 ext. 124

By Email: info@swrta.com

By mail via USPS:

Santee Wateree RTA

PO Box 2462

129 S. Harvin Street

Sumter, SC 29151-2462

ATTN: ADA Coordinator

​

SWRTA investigates all ADA complaints received within 90 days of the alleged incident.  Complaints may be submitted by phone, email, USPS or in person.  The online complaint form can be downloaded here.  You may contact SWRTA at (803) 775-9347 ext. 124 to have a copy sent to you, which you can return to the above address.

​

Upon receipt of the complaint, SWRTA will review the information and inform the complainant within 10 days to inform them that their complaint has been received.  SWRTA will have up to 30 calendar days to investigate the alleged incident, and respond via letter or email.  If the complainant is satisfied with the outcome, or if the complainant does not wish to pursue his or her case, SWRTA can administratively close the case.  As soon as the complaint has been reviewed, the investigator will issue one of two letters to the complainant: (1) a closure letter or (2) a letter of finding (LOF).  A closure letter provides brief information about the allegation and states that there was no finding of an ADA violation.  An LOF provides brief information about the allegations and the interviews regarding the alleged incident.  This letter explains what actions where taken.  If the complainant wishes to appeal SWRTA's finding, he or she will have 10 business days to do so.

​

Complaints can also be filed directly to the Federal Transit Administration at:

​

FTA Office of Civil Rights

ATTN: Complaints

East Building, 5th Floor-TCR

1200 New Jersey Avenue SE

Washington, DC 20590

​

Please include your contact information.