ADA Regulations

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that transit providers establish a process for persons to appeal decisions if they are denied (fully or partially) to ride Dial-A-Ride (i.e. Paratransit ADA service).  CyRide has established an appeals procedure when individuals are denied the right to ride Dial-A-Ride.

Specifically, an individual may file an appeal when denied the opportunity to ride Dial-A-Ride for any of the following:

• Denial of eligibility, whether an individual received complete denial, conditional approval or temporary approval to ride Dial-A-Ride. If the individual is not fully approved to ride Dial-A-Ride services, they have the right to appeal that decision.  
• Suspension for Disruptive Behavior

The Appeals Process

CyRide will inform an applicant or current customer of a decision for denying the individual approval to ride Dial-A-Ride service via letter which will offer the opportunity to appeal to CYCADA.  (i.e. CyRide Committee on the Americans with Disability Act.)

If an individual wants to appeal this decision by CyRide that denied them eligibility to ride Dial-A-Ride services, the individual should notify CyRide within 60 days of the denial /suspension letter.  If the individual calls CyRide, an appeal meeting will be set up as soon as available where all parties can attend.  The following appeal process includes an opportunity for the applicant to be heard and to present information and arguments against being denied service. 

Requests to appeal may be made by simply calling, emailing or writing to CyRide below: 

Once the request for an appeal is received, CyRide will contact the applicant to schedule a meeting with CYCADA to review the decision initially made. A formal letter will also be sent for the day and time of the appeals meeting. CYCADA consists of two CyRide staff members (Transit Planner & Secretary), and a volunteer who rides and utilizes the Dial-A-Ride (ADA Paratransit) service in Ames. 

Persons requesting an appeal will be notified over the phone but also again in writing of the time, date and location of the appeal hearing with CYCADA. Individuals appealing the original decision are encouraged to attend the appeal hearing, although attendance is not mandatory. If persons requesting appeals cannot physically attend themselves, they may also request a Zoom or telephone interview or have another person(s) represent them at the hearing. If the individual or a designated representative is not present at the appeal hearing, the CYCADA decision will be based on the documentation submitted by all parties. Individuals may submit or bring additional documentation or materials for the appeals meeting. All copies of the appellants' application and all supporting materials used in the appeals process remain confidential.

Decisions regarding the appeal will not be made by anyone who was involved in the initial decision to deny eligibility.  CyRide will provide a written notification of any appeal determination with the reasoning behind said decision. CYCADA will issue a final written decision of any appeal within 30 days of the hearing but if possible, most decisions will be made verbally on the appeal hearing date itself. The decisions of the CYCADA shall be final.

According to the Federal Transit Administration regulations, CYCADA is not required to provide service to persons pursuing an eligibility appeal. However, temporary Dial-A-Ride services will always be provided until a final decision on the appeal (eligibility, cancellation or suspension) is reached. 

Questions about appeals

If you have questions about your right to appeal, contact Rob Holm, CyRide’s Transit Operations Manager at Robert.Holm@cyride.com, (515) 239-5564 or (515) 292-1100.