Reasonable Modifications

What is Reasonable Modification?
The Greater New Haven Transit District is committed to providing customers including those with disabilities with safe, reliable, accessible and user-friendly services.  As part of this commitment, GNHTD has adopted this policy to provide a procedure for receiving, processing and responding to requests for reasonable modifications to GNHTD’s policies or practices by individuals with disabilities.

Legislation
On March 13, 2015, the Department of Transportation issued a Final Ruling regarding 49 CFR Parts 27 and 37  Transportation for Individuals with Disabilities; Reasonable Modification of Policies and Practices. This ruling requires public entities providing designated public transportation services to make reasonable modifications/accommodations to policies and practices to ensure program accessibility. The rule further requires that public entities adopt a formal process for tracking and responding to said requests for modifications.

Reasonable Modifications Request Form

  • Individuals requesting modifications shall describe what they need in order to use the service.

  • Individuals requesting modifications are not required to use the term "reasonable modification" when making a request.

  • Whenever feasible, requests for modifications shall be made and determined in advance, before GNHTD is expected to provide the modified service, for example, during the paratransit eligibility process, through customer service inquiries, or through the GNHTD’s comment process.

  • Where a request for modification cannot practicably be made and determined in advance, operating personnel shall make a determination of whether the modification should be provided at the time of the request. Operating personnel may consult with GNHTD’s management before making a determination to grant or deny the request.

GNHTD will accommodate requests provided that:

  • Fundamental nature of the service, program or activity is not altered, or

  • It does not cause a direct threat to the health or safety of others, or

  • It does not result in an undue financial and administrative burden, or

  • The requestor would not be able to fully use the service provided by GNHTD without the modification.

REQUEST DENIALS/PROTESTS
If a request for reasonable modification is denied, the requester has the right to protest the decision by following GNHTD’s ADA appeal process.  Also, a copy of the ADA appeal procedures will be included with the written decision of denial.  The GNHTD will take, to the maximum extent possible, any other actions that may be available to them to ensure that the individual with a disability receives the services or benefits provided by the GNHTD that would not result in a direct threat or fundamental alteration.

GNHTD Reasonable Request Form:

There are several ways to obtain and submit a Reasonable Modification/Accommodation request form:

  • Download the form here

  • Fax the request form to 203-891-6057

  • Send an email to: request@gnhtd.org

  • Call 203-288-6282 ext. 2501 or 2518

  • Mail a request to:
    Greater New Haven Transit District
    840 Sherman Avenue
    Hamden, CT 06514
    Attn: Mobility Unit

Record Retention
GNHTD will maintain all records related to reasonable modification requests and denials for at least three (3) years.