SERVICE ANIMALS

Service Animals are allowed on paraTransit vehicles to aid a passenger with disabilities that makes completing certain work/tasks challenging or need further assistance due to cognitive conditions. Example of such tasks are: guiding people who are visually impaired, alerting people who are deaf, pulling a wheelchair, alerting and protecting a person who is having a seizure, reminding an individual with mental illness to take prescribed medications, calming a person with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) during an anxiety attack, or performing other duties.

A service animal must be under the control of its handler. Under the ADA, service animals must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered, unless the individual’s disability prevents using these devices or these devices interfere with the service animal’s safe and effective performance of tasks. In that case, the individual must maintain control of the animal through voice, signal or other effective controls.

Pets are not service animals. The work or task a service animal has been trained to provide must be directly related to the person’s disability. Animals whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA.

Miniature Horses

Miniature Horses can be used as a service animal that have been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. Miniature Horses generally range in height from 24 inches (60cm) to 34 inches (86cm) measured to the shoulders and generally weigh between 70 (31kg) to 100 pounds (45kg). Bee Line ParaTransit will allow the use of Miniature Horses where reasonable. A four factor assessment will need to be performed to determining whether a Miniature Horse can be accommodated on Bee Line ParaTransit vehicles and facilities. The assessment factors are: (1) whether the Miniature Horse is housebroken; (2) whether the Miniature Horse is under the owner’s control; (3) whether the facility can accommodate the Miniature Horse’s type, size and weight; and (4) whether the miniature horse’s presence will not compromise legitimate safety requirements necessary for safe operation of the facility.

If you have any questions concerning this policy or need further assistance, please contact the supervisor at (914) 995-7272.
Bee-Line ParaTransit receives advise and guidance from the Transportation Ridership and Advocates.  The committee meets quarterly or as needed to discuss transportation issues which afect the disabled community.  The subcommittee is composed of consumers, advocates and agency representatives.  For more information about the Transportation Advisory Committee, call the Office for People with Disabilities at (914) 995-2960.

The Westchester County Department of Public Works and Transportation (WCDPW&T) has always reviewed and made reasonable modifications when requested. This Reasonable Modifications Policy formalizes this practice.

WCDPW&T makes reasonable modifications to its policies, practices and procedures when such accommodations are necessary to avoid discrimination on the basis of disability. However, a request for an accommodation will not be granted if granting the request would: fundamentally alter the nature of the service, program or activity; create a direct threat to anyone; the individual(s) requesting the accommodation can fully use the service without the requested modification; or result in an undue financial or administrative burden.

The procedures described herein regarding reasonable modifications apply to all services operated by WCDPW&T including, but not limited to, fixed route services and ADA ParaTransit services. WCDPW&T recognizes that there may be requests for reasonable modifications related to other programs or activities offered by WCDPW&T.

Requests for reasonable modifications for these programs and activities will be handled in accordance with this policy.

The Director of the Westchester County Office for People with Disabilities is the designated position who coordinates WCDPW&T’s efforts in regards to reasonable modifications. Requests for reasonable modifications should generally be made in advance. However, when the request cannot be made in advance, the operating personnel who receive the request (call taker or dispatcher) shall contact the lead dispatcher or dispatch manager for a decision. The decision of that lead dispatcher or dispatch manager is final for the individual trip in question. However, the person making the request for a reasonable accommodation can refer the matter to the Director for review in regards to future trips where such a request is anticipated.

As stated, requests for reasonable modifications are made in advance of service as much as possible. Send requests for reasonable modifications in writing to:

Westchester County Office for People with Disabilities
Evan Latainer, Director
148 Martine Avenue, Room 102
White Plains, NY 10601

Requests of reasonable modifications may also be sent by e-mail to . For inquiries, questions or comments call (914) 995-2957.

The individual requesting a reasonable modification must give his/her name, address, and phone number. The request itself must clearly state the WCDPW&T policy, practice or procedure for which a reasonable modification is being requested. Further, it must clearly explain what modification is being requested and why. The request for reasonable modification does not have to use the specific words “reasonable modification”. However, it must be clear what is being requested. The request for the reasonable modifications is granted unless one of the following situations exists:

1. Granting the request fundamentally alters the nature of WCDPW&T service or services, programs or activities.
2. Granting the request creates a direct threat to the health or safety of the driver or anyone else.
3. The individual can fully use the service, program or activity as intended without the requested modification.
4. Granting the request results in an undue financial or administrative burden.

In the event that a request for a reasonable modification is denied, WCDPW&T will work with the individual or individuals making the request to identify and implement alternative actions, steps or modifications that can be taken to ensure that the individual receives the service or benefit sought.

WCDPW&T recognizes that requests for reasonable modifications may come through the WCDPW&T complaint process. WCDPW&T handles any complaint that is in fact a request for a reasonable accommodation in accordance with this policy.

All requests for reasonable modifications are logged and maintained. This policy is available on the WCDPW&T web site.

ParaTransit: Rider Smart Phone App
Planning your trip with Westchester County ParaTransit has gotten much easier, with the transition to a Rider Smart phone application.

Bee-Line Smart Phone App Facebook Live

How to Use the ParaTransit Smart Phone App

Read the official department letter that outlines the new phone application that allows riders to quickly and easily book a trip and get real-time updates about their respective trips through their phone.

Download the Rider Smart phone application brochure for a quick overview on using the app.

Read the in-depth guide with instructions about how to download and use the new Bee-line System Mobile App.

Frequently Asked Questions

Read the official department letter that outlines the new phone application that allows riders to quickly and easily book a trip and get real-time updates about their respective trips through their phone.

Please email with any inquiries or requests for new self service accounts in order to use the Bee-Line System online reservation system and mobile app. Remember to include your full name, Client ID, and a valid email address.

Be prepared for your ParaTransit ride by knowing what to expect on the day of your trip.

 

Please read the ParaTransit Rider Information Guide 

Origin-to-Destination
ParaTransit is an Origin-to-Destination service. Drivers will assist upon request only from van to first entrance door or from first entrance door to van.