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Paratransit Service
For riders who have a disability that prevents them from making some or all their trips on fixed-route buses, WATA offers a, origin-to-destination service called Paratransit, for our service area. The Paratransit shared-ride service is provided as part of our efforts to meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (or ADA).
Application & Submission
As of December 1st, 2025, WATA will no longer accept Paratransit applications directly. New applicants and renewing passengers should apply through the following options:
Online: https://www.adaride.com
Email: info@adaride.com
Phone Information:
Toll Free: (877) 232-7433
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (PST)
Lunch Break: 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
Fax: (310) 410-0239
Paratransit Riders Guide & Policies
If you have any questions after reviewing the Paratransit Riders Guide, feel free to call the WATA office at 757-220-5493 or email info@gowata.org. Physical copies or accessible formats of the guide are also available upon request.
ADA Cancellation Policy
ADA Grievance Policy
Customer Feedback or Complaint Form
Eligibility
To qualify for our paratransit services, customers must complete the application that will be evaluated based on Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations. The evaluation will determine whether the applicant is:
- Fully Qualified
- Partially Qualified
- Not Qualified
If certified, each paratransit customer must be recertified when their eligibility expires. WATA may also request a rider to recertify their eligibility if there is a change in their status, such as a change in their disability. Typically, eligibility is granted for three (3) years from the initial certification.
Fares
The one-way fare for WATA Paratransit is $3.00, with each trip paid separately. Paratransit accepts exact fare or pre-purchased tickets only, and payment is required when boarding. Operators cannot provide change or accept credit cards or insurance as payment.
Scheduling Rides
You can book a paratransit ride 1 to 14 days in advance unless you have recurring trips. The paratransit office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. A dispatcher is also available on weekends from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. To schedule a ride, call the WATA office at 757-220-5493.
If calling on weekends or holidays for a next-day ride, you may need to leave a message, and we’ll call back to confirm. Your trip isn’t confirmed until we notify you. Please avoid booking trips in advance if you’re unsure about going or the exact time. Changes to the trip details, like time or location, are not guaranteed. Frequently reserving and canceling trips may cause other customers to miss out and can lead to suspension of your Paratransit service.
What to Do If Your Ride Is Late
Sometimes, things happen that may cause delays at your appointment. If your appointment is running late and you might miss your scheduled return trip (or if you’ve already missed the bus), call the WATA office at 757-220-5493 as soon as possible to discuss your situation.
How to Cancel a Ride
If you have scheduled a ride that you no longer need, please call 757-220-5493 as soon as you know or at least one business day in advance of your scheduled pick-up time.
If you need to cancel a trip on the day of your ride, please make every effort to call at least one hour before your scheduled pick-up time so the driver can be notified in time to not make the trip unnecessarily and so that you, as the scheduled passenger, are not considered a "no-show". Early cancellations also allow other customers to use that time on the bus.
Accessibility for Customers
Williamsburg Area Transit Authority (WATA) provides accessibility across all fixed-route buses. Each bus is equipped with a kneeling function to lower the first step, making boarding easier and safer for all passengers. Integrated wheelchair ramps allow seamless access to a flat interior floor, ensuring effortless movement to seating areas. Buses are equipped to securely accommodate up to two wheelchairs, providing a safe and comfortable experience.
While our trolleys and smaller Body-on-Chassis vehicles require steps for entry, they are equipped with a rear wheelchair lift for smooth boarding. These vehicles also securely accommodate up to two wheelchairs.
Reasonable Modification
As a recipient of Federal financial assistance, Williamsburg Area Transit Authority (WATA) is committed to providing reasonable modifications to policies, practices, and procedures when needed by individuals with disabilities to ensure they can participate in our programs or activities. Exceptions may apply if the modifications would create an undue financial or administrative burden or fundamentally alter the program or activity. To request a reasonable modification, please call 757-220-5493 or email info@gowata.org.