Learn about GoDurham ACCESS, our ADA paratransit service, at godurhamtransit.org/access.
Accessibility
GoDurham is a fixed route transit system; we are permitted by Federal Law to pick up and disembark customers at designated bus stops. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), all GoDurham vehicles are handicapped accessible and can provide ADA transportation service along our fixed route public transportation system network. It is GoDurham’s practice to deploy the ramp of the transit vehicle at any bus stop requested by the customer. It is also GoDurham’s practice to transport all mobility devices regardless of size or weight as long as the lift or ramp of the transit vehicle can safely accommodate them.
Fixed Route systems have up to 30 minutes in which to provide ADA service along its fixed route in the event a bus is full or equipment malfunctions. Mobility devices aboard our transit vehicles are required to be secured, regardless of whether the customer remains seated in the device or not. Bus operators will provide the time required by the patron to board or disembark the bus. Our objective is to allow the necessary time required for the customer to safely embark or disembark the vehicle, irrespective of the amount of time involved.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Policy
In accordance with the requirements of Title II of the ADA, the City of Durham may not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities on the basis of disability in the City's services, programs, or activities. The City has adopted policy GS-1 Americans with Disabilities Act - Title II Access to City Programs, Services & Activities.
It is the policy of the City of Durham to provide reasonable modifications or adjustments (accessibility modification request form linked here) to services, programs, or activities to avoid discrimination on the basis of disability, unless such modification would result in a fundamental alteration. These modifications must be made in a timely manner and on an individualized and flexible basis. The ADA does not require the City to take any action that would fundamentally alter the nature of its programs or services, or impose any undue financial or administrative burden. All ADA compliance activities, inquiries, accommodation requests and complaints are handled by the City of Durham Transportation Department Strategic Performance and Mobility Service Manager:
Phone: (919) 560-4366, ext. 36404
Voice: 711
Email: brian.fahey@durhamnc.gov
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Complaints & Grievances
Complaints that GoDurham is not accessible to persons with disabilities should be directed to the Strategic Performance and Compliance Manager. Any customer who wishes to file a formal complaint with the City that alleges noncompliance or any actions that would be prohibited by the ADA should follow the Grievance Procedures set below.
City of Durham ADA Grievance Procedures: In English / In Spanish
Click here to view the ADA Public Participation Plan
Priority Seating
Priority Seating notices are onboard each vehicle. It is our objective to keep priority seating open whenever possible. If a customer with a disability boards and the priority seating is full, GoDurham’s practice is to have the Bus Operator make a request for the person(s) to move to other seats when the disability securement area needs to be utilized or an eligible person requires use of the priority seating.
Service Animals
ADA Service Animals are permitted aboard GoDurham vehicles. Please note that the Americans with Disabilities Act does not recognize "comfort" or "emotional support" animals as a service animal. The animal must provide a service to the individual and it must be something the individual is unable to do by themselves, in order to meet the criteria to be eligible as a Service Animal under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Service animals must be restrained with a leash or harness and sit on the floor by the owner's feet. Any customer traveling with an animal may be expelled if the animal's behavior compromises the safe operation of the Transit vehicle or otherwise poses a threat to the health, safety, and/or welfare of the public.
Stop Announcements
GoDurham utilizes an Automatic Voice Annunciation System that utilizes schedule and GPS information to provide automatic announcements of the bus stop names and the bus route the bus is serving along the fixed route. Each bus also has an electronic head sign to indicate the bus route and direction of travel. In the event of an equipment malfunction or absence of technology, the Bus Operator will make verbal announcements via the PA system to meet the requirements of this service provision of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Transportation of Medical Devices
Individuals with respirators, portable oxygen or other life support equipment are permitted to use the fixed route service with their medical equipment.
For riders traveling with portable oxygen, National Council on Aging has a guide on traveling with portable oxygen tanks that can be viewed here: A Guide to Traveling With Portable Oxygen by Air, Car, Train, Bus, and Ship in 2023 (ncoa.org)