2010 LIFT Eligibility Process Improvements

We’re improving the process for determining eligibility for 2010 LIFT service. We held a public workshop in April to review process improvements and provide information about the new TriMet Mobility Center.

The goals of the LIFT eligibility process improvements are to:

  • Educate the applicant and the community on the appropriate use of the LIFT service
  • Ensure that LIFT eligibility determinations are accurate and consistent with the Americans Disabilities Act (ADA)
  • Enable TriMet staff to work with each applicant to identify the most appropriate mode of travel based on his or her functional abilities
  • Increase the applicant's knowledge of the resources available to promote independent travel on fixed route when appropriate

Eligibility determination for new applicants beginning in 2010

Beginning in 2010, LIFT applicants will be required to complete an in-person interview. You might also be asked to complete a functional ability assessment to help determine if you can independently access TriMet's fixed route transit service and, if so, under what conditions.

If required, the functional ability assessment will be completed through a simulated and/or actual transit trip. The assessment might include, but not be limited to, an evaluation of your ability to:

  • get to and from transit stops or stations
  • wait at a stop or station
  • board and deboard the bus or train
  • understand and remember how to use the transit system

If you have a cognitive disability, you may be asked to complete the Functional Assessment for Cognitive Transit Skills (FACTS), which evaluates whether you have the mobility skills to use fixed route transit service independently or under some conditions.

Recertification of existing LIFT riders beginning 2010

Under the ADA, transit providers are allowed to require that users of paratransit service be periodically recertified. While a person's disability may be permanent, other factors which impact the determination of eligibility may change over time.

We're establishing a recertification period of every three years. Existing active LIFT riders will be recertified over an initial three-year period beginning 2010. Existing riders will be asked to complete a new application and in-person interviews and functional assessments will be conducted as needed.

All active LIFT riders will receive more information about the recertification process by mail in late summer 2009. LIFT riders will be informed of their need to recertify well in advance and will be asked to contact the TriMet LIFT program for application materials.

For more information about LIFT

Phone 503-962-8000, option #2
TTY 503-962-8058
Fax 503-962-8229
Hours 8 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays