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Policy on Reasonable Modification/Accommodations for Individuals with Disabilities

It is Pierce Transit’s policy to make reasonable modifications to its policies, practices, or procedures when requested to do so by individuals with disabilities when such accommodations are necessary to avoid discrimination on the basis of disability.  The effective date of this policy is July 13, 2015.

Requests for accommodations will be considered on a case-by-case basis and may be denied on one or more of the following grounds:

  • Granting the request would fundamentally alter the nature of Pierce Transit’s service, programs, or activities;
  • Granting the request could create a direct threat to the health or safety of the requestor or others;
  • Granting the request would create an undue financial or administrative burden for the Agency; or
  • Without such modification, the individual with a disability is otherwise able to fully use Pierce Transit’s services, programs, or activities for their intended purpose.

In determining whether to grant a requested modification, Pierce Transit will be guided by the provisions of United States Department of Transportation at 49 CFR Appendix E to Part 37.169. 

When choosing among alternatives for accommodations, Pierce Transit will give priority to those methods that offer services, programs and activities to qualified individuals with disabilities in the most integrated setting appropriate for the needs of the individual(s) with disabilities.  In any case in which Pierce Transit denies a request for an accommodation, Pierce Transit will attempt to ensure that the individual with a disability receives the services or benefits provided by Pierce Transit by other means that comport with this policy.

Process for Requesting Modifications/Accommodations for Individuals with Disabilities

Requests for modifications of Pierce Transit’s policies, practices, or procedures to accommodate an individual with a disability may be made either in advance or at the time of the transportation service.  Pierce Transit is best able to address and accommodate a request when customers make their requests for modifications in advance.  The process for making a request is as follows:

Advance Requests:

  • When making a request, please thoroughly describe what is needed in order for you to use the service, and why this assistance is necessary.  
  • Whenever feasible, a request for modification to Pierce Transit’s service should be made in advance before Pierce Transit is expected to provide the service.  Pierce Transit will review your request, and will make every effort to communicate in advance whether or not the requested modification can be made. 
  • If the modification is not made, Pierce Transit will provide the reason for the denial of the request. Requests may  be denied on one or more of the following grounds:
    • Granting the request would fundamentally alter the nature of Pierce Transit’s service, programs, or activities;
    • Granting the request could create a direct threat to the health or safety of the requestor or others;
    • Granting the request would create an undue financial or administrative burden for the Agency; or
    • Without such modification, the individual with a disability is otherwise able to fully use Pierce Transit’s services, programs, or activities for their intended purpose.

Requests may be made through the following means:

  • By Phone: (253) 581-8000; TTY Relay: 711
    • If you are a SHUTTLE customer, follow the menu to SHUTTLE customer services and make a request.
    • If you are a fixed route customer, call 581-8000 and follow the menu to fixed route Customer service.
  • Online: You may complete and submit a written request form online by clicking HERE
  • By Mail: Pierce Transit, ADA Eligibility Assistant Manager, Reasonable Modification Request, 3701 96th St SW, Lakewood, WA 98499

 
Same Day Requests:

  • When a request for modification cannot practicably be made and determined in advance, you may make a request on the same day, at the time of, or during service.  
    • You should make your request to the operator of your bus or SHUTTLE.
    • Please describe in detail what accommodation you require and why it is necessary in order to use the service.
  • Operators may grant a request if such request is reasonable and meets the requirements of the Agency’s policy. 
  • If an Operator is unsure if the request can be granted or declined, she/he is required to consult with the Communications Center to receive direction.  
  • Granting the request would fundamentally alter the nature of Pierce Transit’s service, programs, or activities;
  • Granting the request could create a direct threat to the health or safety of the requestor or others;
  • Granting the request would create an undue financial or administrative burden for the Agency; or
  • Without such modification, the individual with a disability is otherwise able to fully use Pierce Transit’s services, programs, or activities for their intended purpose
  • Requests may be denied on the following grounds:
  • Operator availability may be very limited when providing service and if the request would require extended consideration, we may not be able to grant your request immediately, and you may be encouraged to submit a written request for further consideration in future trips.
  • Pierce Transit’s ability to grant the requested modifications may vary by route, day of travel, time of day, or other circumstances.  For example, while a request may be able to be granted in one instance, that same request may be denied in another instance if granting the request would fundamentally alter the nature of the service or create a safety  threat, or if the request is not a functional necessity.
  • In the case of a denial of a request, Pierce Transit will take, to the maximum extent possible and in compliance with its policies, any other appropriate actions to ensure you receive service.    

Designated employee for compliance:  Pierce Transit has designated the ADA Eligibility Assistant Administrator, as the employee responsible for ensuring compliance of this policy and for administering the prompt and equitable resolution of any related complaints.

Complaint Process and Contact Information:  Complaints regarding the administration of or compliance with this policy shall be made in writing either by letter or email addressed to the Agency’s Civil Rights Officer crofficer@piercetransit.org, or by completing and returning the Title VI or Discrimination Complaint Form found HERE

All complaints will be handled in accordance with Pierce Transit’s Title VI and Discrimination Complaint Process found at  http://www.piercetransit.org/title-vi-complaint-process/ Pierce Transit will make every effort to make a prompt and equitable resolution of any complaint.  The Agency’s response to any Title VI complaint will be in writing and will include the Agency’s decision and the reason(s) therefore.

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Trip Planner Help

Trip Planner Tips - Entering Locations

To create a trip plan you need to enter both a starting location (origin) and an ending location (destination). For information about stops, schedules, or service at a specific location, you only need to enter one location.

The Trip Planner recognizes most street intersections and addresses as well as many landmarks in Pierce, King, and Snohomish Counties. If what you entered is not immediately recognized, the Trip Planner will offer you a list of options. You can choose one of the options, but if your intended location is not there, select the "Revise Original Entries" link to return to the entry page and change the entries you have already made.

Addresses

  • You don't need to type in the city along with the address. The Trip Planner shows the possible city names as options if needed. City names are based on zip codes.
  • You don't need to type in St., Street, Ave., or Avenue, or similar street types. The Trip Planner shows the possible alternatives as options if needed. (Example: type 110 Jones instead of 110 Jones Boulevard.)
  • You don't need to type in the directional designations for streets, but if a direction name is part of a street name, you should include it. (Example: type 1000 Main instead of 1000 S Main. But type 1000 West Viewmont for 1000 West Viewmont Way W.)
  • Some streets and addresses are unknown to the Trip Planner. You may need to enter another nearby location, such as an intersection or a landmark.
  • You should not enter the suite number or apartment number.  Just the house number and street name (Example: type in 401 Broadway instead of 401 Broadway Avenue Suite 800).

Intersections

  • The "&" symbol is the only character used between two street names to show an intersection. (Examples: 1st & B, James & Madison)
  • You don't need to type in the city. The Trip Planner shows the possible city names as options if needed. City names are based on zip codes.
  • You don't need to type in St., Street, Ave., or Avenue, or similar street types. The Trip Planner shows the possible alternatives as options if needed. (Example: type Conifer & Jones instead of Conifer Circle & Jones Boulevard.)
  • You don't need to type in the directional designations for streets, but if a direction name is part of a street name, you should include it. (Example: type 3rd & Main instead of 3rd S & S Main. But type 34th & West Viewmont for 34th W & West Viewmont Way W.)
  • Some streets are unknown to the Trip Planner. You may need to enter another nearby intersection or a landmark.

Landmarks

Government Sites: Pierce County Health Dept, Pierce Co Sheriffs Office, Tacoma City Hall

Major Commercial Sites: Tacoma Mall, Sheraton Hotel

Transportation Facilities: Sea-Tac Airport, Greyhound Bus Depot

Schools & Colleges: Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma Community College

Sports & Leisure: Cheney Stadium, Pt Defiance Zoo

Medical Facilities: Group Health, Tacoma General Hospital


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