METROLift - An Overview - Presentation

Sep 19, 2026

METROLift is an ADA paratransit service provided by METRO for people with disabilities who cannot ride METRO’s accessible fixed-route bus or rail some or all of the time. The service offers curb-to-curb, door-to-door shared-ride transportation on request. It operates within defined service-area boundaries and matches ADA requirements on service area, hours, advance reservations, fares, trip purposes, and operational capacity constraints. Eligibility is determined through an application process including a signed eligibility form and functional assessment, with in-person interviews and an appeal option.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryPresentations

FormatPDF

Pages18

Reading Time6 min

AccessFree to download

METROLift: An Overview

ADA requirements and paratransit comparison

METRO service area and required buffers

Eligibility for METROLift

Eligibility process

METROLift programs and service modes

Service modes comparison

METROLift: An Overview METROLift (ADA Paratransit) • METROLift is a service offered by METRO for persons with disabilities who are prevented from riding METRO’s local accessible fixed-route bus or rail service some or all of the time • Provides curb-to-curb, or door-to-door service upon request • Shared ride transportation Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) | ADA
Requirement | Paratransit Service
Comparable to Fixed-Route | | --- | --- | | Service area | Operate within ¾ mile of a
local fixed-route | | Hours and days of service | Operate during same days and hours as fixed-route | | Advance reservation | Accept advance reservation at least the day before | | Fares | Charge a fare no more than twice the base, non-discounted adult fare for fixed-route | | Trip purpose | Serve requests for all trip purposes | | Capacity constraints | Operate without a substantial number of untimely pickups, missed trips, excessive trip lengths, excessive telephone hold times | METRO Service Area (with Harris County) METRO Service Area 1286 Square Miles 4 4 METROLift Required Service Area 3/4 Mile Buffer Around Local Service 531 Square Miles METROLift Extended Service Area METROLift Extended Service Area 751 Square Miles Dark blue area required by ADA Light blue area added in 1999 • 29% more than required by ADA on weekdays • 50% more than required by ADA on weekends 6 Who is eligible for METROLift? Three Categories 1) Persons with disabilities who are unable, without the assistance of another person, to board, navigate, ride or disembark from an accessible local bus. 2) Persons with disabilities who can use an accessible vehicle but want to travel on a bus or rail route that is inaccessible. 3) Persons with disabilities who are prevented from getting to and from the local bus due to their disability. Eligibility is based on a functional limitation preventing the patron from walking or rolling to a bus stop without assistance from others . Eligibility Process Application Process • Eligibility form with doctor’s signature • In person interview and functional assessment by Memorial Hermann healthcare professionals here at METRO Admin Bldg. • Able to use the rail platform and transit center in the assessment process • Approximately 50 applicants are scheduled each day for a first time interview or a renewal • Notification of decision • Appeal (if needed) METROLift Programs Van Van Lite Minivan Taxi Backup MSP Service Modes | Characteristic | METROLift Minivan | METROLift Van | METROLift Lite | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Vehicles | Contractor | METRO furnished | METRO furnished | | Facility | Contractor | Contractor | METRO furnished | | Maintenance | Contractor | Contractor | METRO furnished | | Safety & Training | Contractor | Contractor | Contractor | | Operations | Contractor | Contractor | Contractor | | Administrative & Support Staff | Contractor | Contractor | Contractor |

FAQs

What is METROLift and who is it for?

METROLift is a paratransit service offered by METRO for persons with disabilities who are prevented from riding accessible fixed-route bus or rail service some or all of the time.

How does METROLift compare to fixed-route service under the ADA?

METROLift operates within the ADA-defined service area, during the same days and hours as fixed-route, with advance reservations, fares no more than twice the base fixed-route adult fare, and service that serves requests for all trip purposes.

How is eligibility for METROLift determined?

Eligibility is based on functional limitations that prevent walking or rolling to a bus stop without assistance. The process includes an eligibility form with a doctor’s signature and an in-person interview with a functional assessment by Memorial Hermann healthcare professionals at the METRO Admin Building, followed by a notification and an appeal if needed.

Sep 19, 2026

Uploaded by Bill Black