Reasonable Modification Policy

The Erie Metropolitan Transit Authority will 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.

Requests for accommodations will be considered on a case-by-case basis and may be denied if:

  • Granting the request would fundamentally alter the nature of the authority’s service, programs, or activities;
  • Granting the request could create a direct threat to the health or safety of others;
  • Without such modification, the individual with a disability is otherwise able to fully use the authority’s services, programs, or activities for their intended purpose.
  • Granting the request if it is an undue financial or administrative burden.

Process for Requesting Modifications/Accommodations for Individuals with Disabilities:

Requests for modifications of the authority’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. The authority is best able to address and accommodate a request when it is made in advance.

Advanced Requests:

When making a request, please thoroughly describe what is needed in order to use the service, and why this accommodation is necessary.

Authority staff will review the request, and make every effort to communicate in advance whether or not the requested modification can be made.

If the modification is not made, the authority 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 the authority’s service, programs, or activities;
  • Granting the request could create a direct threat to the health or safety of others;
  • Without such modification, the individual with a disability is otherwise able to fully use the authority’s services, programs, or activities for their intended purpose.
  • Granting the request if it is an undue financial or administrative burden

Requests may be made through the following means:

ADA Coordinator:

Phone: 814-459-8922 x 227
Email: jmeyers@ride-the-e.com
Mail: 127 E. 14th Street Erie PA 16503, Attn: Julie Meyers

Same-day requests:

When a request for modification cannot be made in advance, a request may be made on the same day, or during service.

The request should be made to the operator of the EMTA vehicle.

Please describe in detail the accommodation needed, and why it is necessary in order to use the service.

Operators may grant a request if it is reasonable and meets the requirements of the authority’s policy.

If an operator is unsure if the request should be granted or declined, she/he is required to consult with the dispatch office to receive direction. Requests may be denied on the following grounds:

  • Granting the request would fundamentally alter the nature of the authority’s service, programs, or activities;
  • Granting the request could create a direct threat to the health or safety of others;
  • Without such modification, the individual with a disability is otherwise able to fully use the authority’s services, programs, or activities for their intended purpose
  • Granting the request if it is an undue financial or administrative burden

A vehicle operator’s availability to provide an accommodation may be quite limited when he/she is providing service, and if the request would require extended consideration and attention, the request may not be accommodated immediately, in which case the passenger will be encouraged to submit a written request for consideration on future trips.

The authority’s ability to accommodate the requested modifications may vary by route, day of travel, time of day, or other circumstances.

Appeal process:

If a passenger wishes to appeal the authority’s denial of a request for accommodations, contact information is as follows:

Contact the ADA Coordinator:

Phone: 814-452-8922 x 227
Email: jmeyers@ride-the-e.com
Mail: 127 E. 14th Street Erie PA 16503, Attn: Julie Meyers

Complaint Process:

Complaints regarding accommodations for persons with disabilities may be made by phone, mail or in-person:

Phone: 814-459-8922 x 108
Email: etorres@ride-the-e.com
Mail: 127 E. 14th Street Erie PA 16503, Attn: Ed Torres

ADA- Complaint Procedures