ADA Policy
The Merrimack Valley Regional Transit Authority provides accessible transportation to persons with disabilities and does not discriminate on the basis of disability as it relates to the provision of public transportation services.
Any person who wants more information on MeVa’s nondiscrimination policy or believes that he or she individually or as a member of any specific class of persons, has been subjected to discrimination on the basis of disability may file a written complaint within 180 days after the date of the alleged discrimination.
Service animals are permitted on all MeVa vehicles. All schedules, brochures and applications are available in braille, audio and large print.
To file a complaint contact MeVa by phone at (978)469-6878, by email at customerservice@MeVaTransit.com or send a letter to 85 Railroad Ave., Haverhill, MA 01835.
Reasonable Modifications
MeVa Transit is dedicated to providing equal access to its services for persons with disabilities as well any individual who (either on occasion or over an extended period) may require modifications to the MeVa Transit’s policy, practices, and procedures. Any individual with a disability requesting reasonable modification accommodations for an extended period of time is required to complete the form here or by calling (978) 469-6878 to request a form. A decision will be made within 3 business days from the date of the request.
Click here for the Reasonable Modification Request Form
Schedules can be requested in accessible formats by contacting MeVa Transit at (978)469-878, Customerservice@MeVaTransit.com.
MeVa Transit will make reasonable modifications to its services unless doing so:
- Would fundamentally alter the entity’s service, programs or activities.
- Would create a direct threat to the health or safety of others.
- Is not necessary for the individual with a disability to be able to fully use the entity’s services, programs, or activities for their intended purpose.
In the event that it is not practicable to make the request in advance, it can also be made with the reservationist (when reserving your trip) or directly with the driver (on the same day). The reservationist, driver, and dispatcher will then make a determination of whether the modification can be accommodated.
Bus Accessibility
The MeVa Transit’s policy for governing ADA DOT requirements to transport any wheelchair that does not exceed the lift capacities of the vehicle and its equipment is: Drivers must transport all passengers in wheelchairs whose combined weight and dimensions do not exceed the capacities of the vehicle and its equipment. If there is any question as to whether a passenger meets the capacity requirements, request that the operator contact the dispatcher on duty who will immediately work with maintenance. Please note that if the combination of the customer and wheelchair/scooter exceeds the lift capacity, we may not be able to accommodate your trip.
All buses have:
- The capability to kneel or lower for customer convenience.
- Deployment of the wheelchair ramp can be requested by the passenger to the driver regardless if the passenger has a mobility aid or not.
- Securement areas for wheeled mobility devices.
- Automated and driver stop announcements at all major stops.
- Destination signs that are bright and easy to read.
- Priority seating areas (normally found near the front of the bus).
Fixed Route Operator ADA Duties:
- Render reasonable assistance, when necessary, with the wheelchair ramp.
- Secure wheeled mobility device to bus.
- If talking bus is not working or not programmed for a stop, the driver must announce all major stops.
- Stop for pedestrians with a white cane to check if they are waiting for their bus.
miniMeVa ADA Paratransit Service
The MeVa Transit’s policy for governing ADA DOT requirements to transport any wheelchair that does not exceed the lift capacities of the vehicle and its equipment is: Drivers must transport all passengers in wheelchairs whose combined weight and dimensions do not exceed the capacities of the vehicle and its equipment. If there is any question as to whether a passenger meets the capacity requirements, request that the operator contact the dispatcher on duty who will immediately work with maintenance. Please note that if the combination of the customer and wheelchair/scooter exceeds the lift capacity, we may not be able to accommodate your trip.
ADA miniMeVa services are provided to those persons with disabilities that meet the definition of eligibility as established under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This definition relates to the physical or cognitive impairments that prevent use of the MeVa Transit’s fixed route bus system. All participants must be certified through the MeVa Transit Office of Special Services. This service is only available within the three-quarter mile corridor on each side of a MeVa Transit fixed bus route.
- All vans are fully accessible and have a wheelchair lift.
- Deployment of the wheelchair lift can be requested by the passenger to the driver regardless if the passenger has a mobility aid or not.
Paratransit Operator ADA Duties:
- Render reasonable assistance, when necessary, with the wheelchair lift.
- Secure wheeled mobility device to van.
- Door to door service upon request.