Civil Rights: Title VI, ADA, and Paratransit
The City of Beaumont, Texas operates its programs and services to include the public transit system known as BMT Zip without regard to race, color, and/or national origin in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. BMT Zip is committed to ensuring that no person is excluded from participation in, or denied the benefits of its transit services due to a disability, including mobility or cognitive impairments, and offers services to those that are eligible. You can learn more below and for more information on the City of Beaumont/BMT Zip Civil Rights Programs, and the procedures to file a complaint, please contact the General Manager of BMT:
General Manager of BMT Contact
Telephone: (409) 835-7895,
TTY line: (409) 832-7656,
Email: claudia.sanmiguel@beaumonttransit
Visit BMT administrative offices: 550 Milam Street, Beaumont, T.X. 77701
- Telephone: (409) 835-7895,
- TTY line: (409) 832-7656,
- Email: [email protected]
- Visit BMT administrative offices: 550 Milam Street, Beaumont, T.X. 77701
Title VI Notice of Public Rights
The City of Beaumont, Texas operates its programs and services to include the public transit system known as BMT Zip without regard to race, color, and/or national origin in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.
How to File a Complaint
The City of Beaumont is committed to protecting the rights of all individuals. If you believe you have been discriminated against, we encourage you to file a complaint. Click the Learn More button for procedures and forms for Title VI, ADA, and general complaints.
A complaint may also be filed directly with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) of Civil Rights, Attention: Title VI Program Coordinator, East Building, 5th Floor-TCR, 1200 New Jersey Ave., SE, Washington, DC 20590. If information is needed in other languages, please contact BMT General Manager.
Have trouble getting around due to a disability?
Do you have a disability (including mobility or cognitive impairments), which prevents you from independently using public fixed-route transportation facilities and/or vehicles? Learn more about out Paratransit services and apply for ADA Paratransit Eligibility.
Welcome to BMT ZIP Paratransit Service and Accommodations
The Transit Management of Beaumont offers demand response transportation services for persons with disabilities. This program continues to meet many transit passengers’ ever-growing and changing transportation demands. BMT ZIP aims to provide excellent public transit services for citizens in the safest, most cost-efficient, effective, and most friendly manner possible.
We hope this guide answers all your questions. If you need further information, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to provide safe, dependable, and efficient public transportation for persons with disabilities. So again, welcome to BMT ZIP Paratransit Services!
Demand Response Paratransit Services
Curb-to-Curb
Vehicle will pick up customers at the curb of the pick-up address and drop-off customers at the curb of the drop-off address. Customers needing assistance beyond the curb can let a BMT ZIP employee know so additional aid can be provided.
Assist-to-Door
Service for customers who cannot independently walk or roll from the front door of their home to a BMT ZIP van parked curbside.
Accommodations
Individuals can request reasonable accommodations (including modifications or exception) in regards to the transit system operating policies by asking the bus operator on the route, by calling the BMT Office, or by filling out and submitting a form.
Wheelchair Guidelines: Riders Guide Update
ATTENTION IMPORTANT INFORMATION
What is a “wheelchair”?
Section 37.3 of the DOT regulations implementing the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) (49 CFR Parts 27, 37, and 38) defines a “wheelchair” as a mobility aid belonging to any class of three- or more-wheeled devices, usable indoors, designed or modified for and used by individuals with mobility impairments, whether operated manually or powered. This does not exclude electric wheelchairs.
Are transportation operators required to retrofit their vehicles to accommodate larger and heavier wheelchairs?
No. 49 CFR Part 38 continues to require that lifts have a minimum design load of 600 pounds and the lift platform accommodates a wheelchair measuring 30 inches by 48 inches.
What kinds of securement equipment must be provided in buses and vans?
Section 38.23(d) of the DOT ADA regulations require all ADA-compliant buses and vans to have a two-part securement system, one to secure the wheelchair, and a seat belt and shoulder harness for the wheelchair user. Section 38.23(a) requires vehicles over 22 feet in length to have enough securement locations and devices to secure two wheelchairs, while vehicles 22 feet and under must be able to accommodate at least one wheelchair. Beaumont Zip Para Transit Fleet is under 22 Feet in length.
May a transit operator deny boarding to a rider whose wheelchair is difficult to secure?
No. If the transit operator has a policy that requires securement, or if a rider asks that the wheelchair be secured, Section 37.165(f) of the DOT ADA regulations require transit personnel to use their best efforts to secure the device. Section 37.165(d) states that transit operators cannot refuse to accommodate a wheelchair because the device cannot be secured to the driver’s satisfaction. Given the diversity of wheelchairs, transit operators should consult with the owner of the wheelchair to determine the best means of securement.
The ramp is manufactured to carry an approximate load capacity of 600LBS (including wheelchair operator and the wheelchair device in use). The designated area space developed in compliance with The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and First Transit Administration (FTA). This designated space for passengers occupying wheelchairs is approximately a 5FT x 4Ft opening (60inch by 48inch).
Beaumont Para Transit is equipped for two wheelchair accessible parties. But, only when the design of the wheelchair and contributing factors related to person/persons occupying the wheelchair and designated ADA are not presenting a hazard to the operators and bus for accommodation. By no means will Transportation be denied, but simply altered for the safety and benefit of all riders. Beaumont Transit Operators/Supervisors/Administrators will assess and inform a reasonable accommodation. It is advantageous to inform Beaumont transport of your design of wheelchair in advance so personnel may have appropriate accommodations for you at our inconvenience and not yours. Beaumont Zip Para Transit is dedicated and appreciative of the opportunity to provide transit services for The City of Beaumont, continuously striving to meet the needs of the community.
TMB Code of Conduct
Title VI and ADA Forms
Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO) Contact Information
If information is needed in other languages, please contact BMT General Manager.
General Manager of BMT Contact
Telephone: (409) 835-7895,
TTY line: (409) 832-7656,
Email: claudia.sanmiguel@beaumonttransit
Visit BMT administrative offices: 550 Milam Street, Beaumont, T.X. 77701