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.