The RTA is looking for three Community Representatives to serve as Eligibility Review Board members for the ADA Paratransit Certification Formal Appeals program. Community representatives are short-term contractual positions, not employees of the RTA. Candidates must be professionally affiliated with an organization that supports people with disabilities or have experience working with older adults and people with disabilities, and have a basic understanding of public transportation in the RTA region and ADA Regulations. People with disabilities who meet these requirements are encouraged to apply. Each Community Representative must be available to serve a minimum of a two-year term agreement beginning in 2024. After the completion of the first term, there may be an option to extend the agreement up to two additional times, not to exceed four years total. Apply by December 15, 2023.
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) requires public transit agencies to provide ADA complementary paratransit service for customers whose disability or health condition prevents them from using fixed route bus and rail services for some or all their trips. In this region, Pace operates ADA Paratransit service on behalf of CTA and Pace; as a commuter rail provider, the ADA does not require Metra to provide ADA Paratransit service.
ADA Paratransit service is only to be provided as an alternative for an eligible fixed route trip that an individual cannot complete independently. It is important to note that having a disability does not automatically qualify an individual for ADA Paratransit; eligibility is based on an individual’s ability to use accessible fixed-route public transportation services for some or all their trips.
Eligibility for ADA Paratransit service requires potential riders to apply and be certified by the RTA ADA Paratransit Certification Program. The eligibility decision is based on information provided by the applicant, an in-person interview, functional assessments necessary to help evaluate the applicant’s abilities, and information provided by professionals familiar with the applicant if needed. If an applicant disagrees with a decision of “Not Eligible,” “Conditionally Eligible,” or “Temporary Eligibility,” they may appeal that decision.
ADA Paratransit eligibility appeals are heard by the RTA Eligibility Review Board (ERB), which is an independent panel of four individuals, including two Community Representatives, who were not involved in the initial certification decision, and two RTA staff.
All potential ERB members must meet the minimum requirements and be available to perform the duties as described below. (Note, the ERB Community Members are not employees of the RTA.)
Please submit a letter of interest that includes the following information:
Letters of interest should be submitted by December 15, 2023, to:
Regional Transportation Authority
Mobility Services Department – Attn. Daphine Phillips
175 W. Jackson, Suite 1550
Chicago, IL 60604
or emailed to daphine.phillips@rtachicago.org
If you have any questions, please contact Daphine Phillips at (312) 913-3153 or daphine.phillips@rtachicago.org.