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Split image showing a messy desk with papers, a pill bottle, and coffee in the "PAST" section, and a hand holding a tablet displaying an "ADA Application" in the "FUTURE" section.

Cognitive Load Is Breaking Your ADA Application Process

Most ADA paratransit applications weren’t built for today’s world—and it shows. What should be a clear, accessible process has become long, complex, and often overwhelming for applicants.

But what if the issue isn’t the applicant—it’s the design?

This article explores how outdated forms create unnecessary barriers—and what a smarter, more streamlined approach could look like.

A smiling older man in a wheelchair hands a card to a smiling Black woman at a desk in an office with a "Paratransit Eligibility" sign.

What a Modern Eligibility Process Actually Looks Like

A fragmented eligibility process slows your team down and creates unnecessary frustration for both staff and applicants. By moving to a centralized, structured system, agencies can streamline workflows, reduce errors, and provide clearer, more timely communication. The result is a faster, more consistent process that improves outcomes, strengthens compliance, and allows your team to focus on what matters most—serving clients.

A Black woman in a wheelchair sits at a table, writing on papers with a pen and holding her glasses.

Why Paratransit Eligibility Feels So Manual (and What It’s Costing You)

Paratransit eligibility is a complex, largely manual process that relies on paper applications, disconnected systems, and time-consuming follow-ups that slow down determinations. While ADA guidelines call for decisions within 21 days of a completed application, real timelines are often longer due to documentation and assessment requirements. These delays impact both staff efficiency and the rider experience, creating frustration and inconsistency. GetGoing helps agencies modernize this process by digitizing workflows, centralizing data, and reducing manual effort so teams can move faster and focus on serving riders.

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When Demand Outpaces Capacity

Paratransit demand rarely grows overnight – it builds gradually through application trends, eligibility determinations, and shifting rider needs. When agencies find themselves reacting to capacity shortfalls, the underlying signals were often present long before service strain became visible. This article explores how eligibility data can be used proactively to forecast demand, guide service planning, and support smarter, more sustainable decisions.

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The Hidden Costs of Manual Eligibility Intake

Manual eligibility intake processes often appear inexpensive on the surface, but they carry significant hidden costs that compound over time. From staff inefficiencies and inconsistent determinations to delayed decisions and audit risk, manual workflows quietly strain ADA paratransit programs. This article examines where those hidden costs arise, how they impact agencies and riders, and why modernizing intake is increasingly a necessity rather than a luxury.

An elderly man in a flat cap and brown jacket pushes a wheelchair while a younger woman in a purple jacket walks beside him, placing her hand on his shoulder.

Travel Training That Works: Program Models with Results

Travel training is one of the most effective, and often underutilized, strategies for expanding mobility, reducing long-term paratransit demand, and empowering riders with greater independence. When designed intentionally, travel training programs can deliver measurable outcomes for both riders and transit agencies. This article explores proven travel training program models, what makes them successful, and how agencies can scale results sustainably.