The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Public Transportation

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 is a Federal Civil Rights Law that requires public transportation to be available to people with disabilities. TriCounty Link recognizes that barriers and functional limitations may often prevent people with disabilities or with disability related conditions, whether temporary or permanent, from using public transit. TriCounty Link meets the ADA requirements by deviating off route for their passengers with disabilities.

TriCounty Link’s deviated route service is primarily a curb-to-curb service that is scheduled in advance. Pre-certification as ADA eligible is required.

Route deviations will not be provided on TriCounty Link’s commuter routes. This service utilizes TriCounty Link’s existing fleet of vehicles. The deviated route service is offered within the existing routes, schedules and hours of the day. TriCounty Link will deviate off the established routes by 3/4 of a mile for their ADA eligible passengers. Assistance will be provided to ensure the safety of all passengers upon boarding and exiting the vehicle. Driver and passenger safety policies will be strictly followed. All TriCounty Link buses are ADA compliant.

Eligibility for TriCounty Link’s ADA deviated route service follows ADA regulations. Those requesting deviated service must first go through an eligibility assessment. TriCounty Link will only deviate for people who cannot use the regular fixed- route bus service because of the nature of their disability or condition. Applicants and riders have the right to ask for a review, or to make a formal appeal about their eligibility decision. Appeals must be filed within 60 days.

For a copy of the ADA regulations, please go to www.ada.gov or contact TriCounty Link’s customer service department at 843-899-4096, toll free 800-966-6631, or for TTY, please call the SC RELAY 7-1-1.