Pre-arranged rides. Accessible connections.
Pre-arranged, accessible bus transportation for eligible riders who cannot use regular fixed-route service.
Serving New York City & New York State
Care that fits the passenger
Paratransit is a specialized, often ADA-focused service for eligible riders whose disability prevents them from using regular fixed-route public transportation. Unlike a bus network, each trip is arranged in advance with a pickup window and coordinated assistance from origin to destination within the program’s service area.
Depending on the local program, a ride may be door-to-door or curb-to-curb and may be shared with other eligible passengers. Eligibility, service hours, pickup windows, and the exact service area are set by the applicable transportation program.
Choosing the right service
Public transportation and paratransit both connect people with essential places, but they work in different ways. The right option depends on the rider’s eligibility, mobility needs, and the program’s service area.
Public transportation
Regular public buses are open to everyone and run on published routes and schedules. Riders board at designated stops and plan their trip around the timetable; paratransit eligibility is not required.
Paratransit
Paratransit is specialized, often ADA-focused transportation for eligible riders who cannot use regular fixed-route service because of a disability. Trips are reserved in advance, with a pickup window and origin-to-destination, door-to-door, or curb-to-curb assistance within the program’s service area.
Service hours, eligibility, pickup windows, and door-to-door or curb-to-curb support are set by the applicable transportation program. Call (212) 261-5555 if you are unsure which service fits.
How we support your journey
Our drivers assist passengers using wheelchairs, walkers, and other mobility devices. Appropriate vehicle equipment and securement procedures are coordinated around the passenger’s accessibility needs.
Within the applicable program, paratransit supports trips to therapy, day programs, medical appointments, and other essential destinations. Each journey is planned with the assistance and pickup arrangements the rider needs.
Passengers, families, facilities, and care coordinators help us plan around ongoing mobility needs. Local and regional route knowledge supports coordination around traffic, accessibility, and time-sensitive schedules.
Before the journey
Good transportation starts with a conversation.
Here’s what we’ll work through together.
Discuss eligibility, your mobility needs, and whether your pickup and destination are within the service area.
Reserve the journey in advance and confirm the pickup window, return trip, mobility devices, and any assistance needed.
Ask whether the program provides door-to-door or curb-to-curb support, where to meet the vehicle, and how the pickup window works.
A few helpful details
Something else on your mind?
Our team is a phone call away.
Public transportation is the regular bus network: it is open to everyone and follows fixed routes, designated stops, and published schedules. Paratransit is pre-arranged transportation for eligible riders who cannot use those routes because of a disability. It is booked ahead with a pickup window and typically provides origin-to-destination, door-to-door, or curb-to-curb service within a defined area.
No. Public transportation is open to the general public and does not require paratransit eligibility. You board at a designated stop and follow the published route and schedule.
Our paratransit service supports passengers using wheelchairs, walkers, and other mobility devices. Discuss your specific requirements with dispatch so the right vehicle and assistance can be arranged.
We also support transportation to therapy sessions, day programs, and other essential destinations. Contact our team to discuss your route and schedule.
Paratransit operates within the service area of the relevant transportation program. Contact Cathay to confirm eligibility, whether your trip is within that area, advance-booking requirements, pickup windows, and whether assistance is door-to-door or curb-to-curb.
We’re here to help
Tell us about your transportation needs.
We’ll help you work through the details.
From the Cathay journal
Turn an approved paratransit trip into a clear day-of-travel plan, including meeting points, accompanying passengers, changes, and return reservations.