Paratransit
Personal care attendant or companion? Use the right paratransit term
The distinction can affect eligibility records, reservations, fares, and the number of people traveling with an ADA paratransit rider.
A family member traveling with a paratransit rider may be a companion on one trip and act as a personal care attendant on another. These terms have specific meanings in complementary ADA paratransit. Using the right term helps the transit provider reserve the correct space and apply its rules accurately.
Understand the role, not the relationship
FTA describes a personal care attendant, or PCA, as someone designated or employed to help an eligible rider meet personal needs. A friend or family member is not automatically a PCA simply because of the relationship.
A companion travels with the eligible rider but is not acting in the registered PCA capacity. Ask the local paratransit program how the rider’s eligibility record identifies PCA use and what must be stated during reservation.
Further readingFederal Transit Administration: ADA Circular 4710.1, Personal Care Attendants and Companions (opens in a new tab)Reserve space for every traveler
When booking, state whether the rider will travel with a PCA, a companion, or both, and describe any mobility devices or service animals the program asks about. The accompanying person must travel between the same origin and destination as the eligible rider.
FTA states that a transit entity may require space for the PCA or companion to be reserved with the rider’s trip. Do not wait until vehicle arrival to add someone whose place was never requested.
Further readingFederal Transit Administration: Transportation Services for Individuals with Disabilities, 49 CFR Part 37 (opens in a new tab)Know the federal minimum for accompanying riders
Under DOT ADA rules, one companion must be permitted to accompany the eligible rider. If the rider travels with a PCA, the rider may also bring one companion. Additional companions are served on a space-available basis.
The provider may not choose who the companion is, but the rider and companion must share the same origin and destination for that trip. Local programs may explain reservation details in their rider guides.
Further readingFederal Transit Administration: May a rider be accompanied by more than one individual? (opens in a new tab)Check the fare rule before travel
FTA states that a PCA may not be charged a fare on complementary ADA paratransit, while a companion is generally treated as another passenger under the provider’s fare policy. Confirm the current local fare and payment process.
Fixed-route rules may differ from complementary paratransit. Do not assume the same PCA fare treatment applies to every transportation service.
Further readingFederal Transit Administration: ADA Frequently Asked Questions (opens in a new tab)Keep the trip details clear
Confirm both travelers’ pickup point, destination, reservation window, return trip, mobility needs, and contact information. If the accompanying person changes, update the provider through its process.
The local transit provider’s eligibility determination and rider guide control the individual reservation. Contact Cathay for help understanding the operational logistics of a planned paratransit trip.
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