Student Ride FREE | UVA Ride FREE | FREE Trolley | Bikes and Buses
All CAT buses are accessible to persons with disabilities and are wheelchair lift-equipped.
Ask your bus driver if you need help with boarding, or securing your chair. All mobility devices must be secured while traveling.
Service dogs are always welcome on CAT buses (other animals must be in pet carriers).
For persons with disabilities who cannot use standard fixed-route CAT buses for all trips, paratransit service is provided through JAUNT. See below for a downloadable application, and instructions on how to apply.
A disability might include:
* not being able to get to and from bus stops
* not being able to stand and wait for a bus
* not being able to understand how to use the
bus system
Paratransit service through JAUNT is funded by the City of Charlottesville and Albemarle Country based on the origin and destination of trips.
Anyone showing a valid CAT Paratransit ID Card to the bus driver when boarding may travel on CAT buses fare-free. Users of paratransit must be eligible, certified riders.
Persons wishing to obtain a CAT Paratransit ID card need to apply.
Download the application here:
CAT Paratransit Application
The application must be completed (either on your computer and printed out, or printed out and filled in by hand), then signed, and submitted in person or by mail to:
Charlottesville Area Transit
Downtown Transit Station
615 East Water Street
Charlottesville, VA 22902
Paratransit Applications will be reviewed by CAT to determine eligibility to use paratransit service. Sometimes, in order to determine eligibility, CAT may ask an applicant to provide additional information regarding a disability. CAT will provide notice of its eligibility determination and instructions on how to obtain a CAT Paratransit Identification Card.
If CAT determines that an applicant is not eligible for paratransit, or is only eligible for some trips, CAT will also provide information on how to appeal the decision.
Some eligibility determinations are time-limited due to the temporary nature of a disability. CAT will provide those granted temporary eligibility with a special Temporary Paratransit ID Card that clearly indicates the card is valid on a temporary basis only. If a temporary card expires and the holder believes that their eligibility should be extended, then CAT will review their application.
Because providing paratransit service is more expensive than fixed-route bus service and passenger fares are more expensive, everyone is encouraged to use fixed-route buses when they are able. CAT, with help from several local agencies, provides travel training to help passengers learn how to ride CAT buses.
If you have would like more information about travel training, or have any questions or comments about paratransit service, please contact Customer Service at (434) 970-3649 or by email at CAT@charlottesville.org.
In accordance with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the City of Charlottesville (dba CAT) does not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, color, national origin, or gender. For more information about these statutes, for information in alternative formats, or to file a complaint, contact the City of Charlottesville's designated Disability Rights and Title VI coordinator, Jim Herndon, at:
PO Box 911
Charlottesville VA 22902
434.970.3185