NDAD’s Direct Financial Assistance can include help with public transportation costs for paratransit services, specifically for people with mobility issues who cannot use regular fixed-route city buses.

Typically, paratransit provides door-to-door accessible transport using an advance-notice reservation system through the transit provider. Paratransit vehicles have lifts to help people who can’t climb stairs or who use wheelchairs and other mobility devices.

Required notice may range from same-day reservations to at least 24 hours in advance, depending on the agency. Some paratransit rides may be shared with other passengers, which can mean multiple stops and longer rides.

Several examples in North Dakota include Cities Area Transit Dial-A-Ride in Grand Forks and East Grand Forks, Minn.; MAT Paratransit in Fargo, West Fargo, and Moorhead and Dilworth, Minn.; and Bis-Man Transit in Bismarck, Mandan and Lincoln.
 
Here’s the ND Department of Transportation’s local bus and transit services website.

Each NDAD monthly ride allotment is capped and based in part on the client’s regular usage. 

Under NDAD guidelines, you must complete NDAD’s general assistance application form either online, in office or by mail to see whether you meet our organization’s income requirements. Out-of-pocket medical expenses are taken into consideration.

You also must qualify to use paratransit through your local transit system. If you’ve not done so already, you need to complete its application form, usually available for download on the system’s website.

You also need to have a mobility issue that’s documented by your medical provider.

For more information about this NDAD program, contact an NDAD office in Grand Forks, Fargo, Minot or Williston.