REDUCED FARE PROGRAM FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
This application form is for people who wish to apply for disabled patron status. Individuals with disabilities that significantly limit their ability to use mass transportation may be eligible to receive a disabled patron ID card and ride at a reduced fare.
I. WHO QUALIFIES
The Federal Transit Act 53 USC, Section 5307 defines those who qualify as follows: "Those individuals who by reason of illness, injury, age, congenital malfunction, or other permanent or temporary incapacity or disability, including those who are nonambulatory wheelchair-bound and those with semi-ambulatory capabilities, are unable without special facilities or special planning or design to utilize mass transportation facilities and services as effectively as persons who are not so affected."Financial need is not an allowable disability criteria.
II. HOW TO OBTAIN A REDUCED FARE DISABLED PATRON ID CARD
1. Read the entire application.
2. Fill out Part A of this applicaion.
3. Take the application to your health care professional for certificaion (Part B).
4. If you are a Medicare Card holder from Social Security, you do not need to apply for the Disabled Patron ID card. Just present your Medicare Card plus one proof of identification to the Metrobus Operator when boarding or at the Metro Sales Outlets to purchase the Disabled farecard. This Medicare card entitles you to the same reduced fare at all times.
5. Identification is required for issuance, renewal, and replacement of disabled ID card. For those persons who do not present photo identification, two other forms of identification issued by third parties may be an acceptable alternative.
6. Bring the completed application to the Metro ID Card Office, 600 5th St. N.W. Washington, DC 20001, 7:30 AM-3:00 PM, Monday-Friday. For additional information, read Page 2 or call (202) 962-1245 or (202) 628-8973 (TDD).
7. Applications are not accepted by mail. Applicant is required to appear in person for picture.
8. If you have reached the age of 65, you qualify for a Metro Senior Citizen ID (apply at libraries) that offers the same fare discount as the Disabled Patron ID. You will not be issued a Disable patron ID.
III. WHO CAN CERTIFY
If your disability significantly limits your ability to use mass transportation, one of the following health care professionals, as appropriate to your case, may be able to certify you to qualify for a Reduced Fare Disabled Patron ID Card (see Page 4 for guidelines):
◆ A licensed physician can certify in his/her area of normal practice.
◆ A licensed podiatrist can certify for Guideline 2, semi-ambulatory.
◆ A licensed optometrist can certify for Guideline 8, sight.
◆ A licensed audiologist can certify for Guideline 9, hearing.
◆ A certified school psychologist can certify for those applicants who are under the age of 21 years and for Guideline 14 only, neurological/mental retardation.
IV. CERTIFICATION PROCESS
1. Healthcare professionals must be guided by Part C, "Guidelines For Medical Professionals,"on Page 4 of this application and by the Federal Transportation Administration definition stated above in Item I.
2. WMATA may contact the certifying health care professional to verify the accuracy of the information.
3. WMATA reserves the right to make the final determination as to an applicant's eligibility.
4. The application must be filled out COMPLETELY for processing to occur.
