LinkPlus (Paratransit) Service
LinkPlus paratransit service is supported with funding from Washington’s Climate Commitment Act. The CCA supports Washington’s climate action efforts by putting cap-and-invest dollars to work reducing climate pollution, creating jobs, and improving public health. Information about the CCA is available at www.climate.wa.gov.
LinkPlus Overview
What is LinkPlus Paratransit?
LinkPlus is the name of the transportation service provided by Link Transit as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act for individuals whose disability prevents them from using the regular fixed-route bus service either all of the time, temporarily, or under certain circumstances.
It is a modified door-to-door (line of sight), advanced reservation (minimum one day), shared ride service. You can expect to share a vehicle with others wanting to travel at a similar time in the same general direction.
LinkPlus service will either be for the entire trip when traveling within a community or, if appropriate, as a Connector to or from a regular bus for travel between communities. It is not cab service or emergency medical transportation.
Like all Link Transit services, using LinkPlus is free.
Where Can I Travel?
LinkPlus service is provided up to ¾ of a mile beyond where the regular fixed-route buses travel.
If you live beyond ¾ of a mile from where the regular fixed-route buses operate, you will need to travel on your own to the nearest accessible location. If you are unsure whether your address is within the 3/4 mile service area, please call a Guest Services Representative for assistance at 509-662-1155.
How to Ride
Transporting Mobility Aids
LinkPlus vehicles are designed to accommodate wheelchairs, scooters, and other mobility aids with three (3) or more wheels that measure 30 inches wide, 48 inches long and 600 pounds in total weight (you and the mobility device).
Individuals that exceed these standards will be transported on a space-available basis as long as it can be done safely and without compromising safety devices and features installed on vehicles and mobility aides or putting our guests or operators at risk of injury.
Service Animals
Link Transit allows a trained Service Animal to accompany a rider on board all vehicles.
“Service animal means any guide dog, signal dog, or other animal individually trained to work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability”. The work or tasks performed by a service animal must be directly related to the individual’s disability.
Any other animal/pet that a rider wishes to take on board must be in a suitable, securely closed container that the rider or companion can comfortably carry and does not interfere with other passengers on board the vehicle.
Personal Care Attendants
Link Transit does not provide custodial care. Drivers may only provide assistance to and from the front door of a home or business and up and down one (1) step as long as they can maintain line-of-sight of their vehicle. They may only carry bags or packages not exceeding 25lbs in combined weight. Persons requiring assistance while waiting, riding in a vehicle, or understanding may have a Personal Care Attendant (PCA) ride with them.
A PCA is defined as an individual who is designated or employed specifically to provide care and assistance to the rider, including travel on Link and LinkPlus.
The PCA must board and disembark with the eligible rider.
LinkPlus Eligibility Requirements
Individuals must apply and be found eligible according to ADA guidelines, which require that functional ability to use the fixed-route bus service must be evaluated. It is not a medical decision.
Eligibility for LinkPlus service is assessed through a Personal Interview. The purpose of the interview is to determine whether an individual can ever use fixed-route or if only specific circumstances create a barrier.
We will work with you to see what your specific transportation needs are and how LinkPlus can best assist you with those needs.
If you are determined eligible for LinkPlus service, you will receive one of the following types of eligibility:
- Unconditional: Your disability always prevents you from being able to board, ride, or disembark from any fixed-route bus.
- Conditional: You are able to use fixed-route for some of your trips. You are not able to use the bus in circumstances where a barrier (functional, environmental or architectural) prevents you from getting to or from a bus stop. Examples:
- Functional: You can travel up to two blocks (with some or no difficulty). You would be able to use LinkPlus for trips that would require you to travel more than two blocks to and from a bus stop.
- Environmental: Your functional abilities are affected by extreme cold weather. You would be able to use LinkPlus anytime during the winter.
- Architectural: If you use a wheelchair and there are no curb cuts allowing you to cross streets.
- Temporary: You have a disability/injury that temporarily prevents you from using the fixed-route bus. Temporary service could be either Unconditional or Conditional.
The fact that using the regular fixed-route bus service may be more difficult or less convenient or not having a Driver’s License is not criteria for eligibility.
How To Apply For LinkPlus Service
Complete Eligibility Application
If you believe you may be eligible for this service, you will need to complete an Eligibility Application. Completed applications and any letters and documents regarding your disabilities to be considered for eligibility will need to be sent to Link Transit Guest Services.
Applications can be sent to Guest Services:
- By Mail/In-Person: 300 S Columbia St., 2nd Floor, Wenatchee WA 88801
- By Fax: 509-664-4095
- By Email: guestservices@linktransit.com
View and Complete Application in English
Note: If filling this form out online, you will need to print and sign pages 6 and 7 before sending it.
Nota: Si completa este formulario en línea, deberá imprimir y firmar las páginas 6 y 7 antes de enviarlo.
Set Up Interview Time
Upon receipt of your completed and signed application, a Guest Services Representative will contact you to set up a date and time for your Personal Interview with an Eligibility Specialist.
You may be required to come in person to Columbia Station, 300 S. Columbia St., Wenatchee for your interview.
Participation in the Interview means:
- Answering questions and performing simple tests to assess your ability to use accessible buses.
- If necessary, travel a short distance outside with the Eligibility Specialist so they may observe your ability to navigate a typical path of travel; sidewalks, curb-cuts and cross walks.
The interview process may take up to 45 minutes.
Accept or Appeal Assistance Determination.
Within 21 days after completing the Interview, you will be notified by mail on how LinkPlus can assist you with your travel needs.
If you do not agree with the eligibility determination, you have a right to appeal within 60 days of the eligibility notice.