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The Mobility Impaired Transportation System,
known as MITS, is part of Jefferson Transit,
the Jefferson Parish public bus service. MITS
provides transportation for persons with disabilities
who are unable to use fixed route Jefferson Transit
service. The fixed route service has designated
bus stops at regular 2-block intervals along
specific routes, while MITS service is curb-to-curb
and demand responsive. The MITS service, also
known as paratransit service, is designed to
meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities
Act (ADA). LIFT/Dial-A-Ride is a comparable
paratransit service operated by the Regional
Transit Authority in Orleans Parish.
Who is Eligible to Ride MITS?
MITS service is available to persons who meet
specific criteria described in the ADA. Individuals
are eligible for MITS service only if there is
some part of the fixed route bus system that they
cannot use or navigate because of a disability.
An individual is eligible if he or she has a permanent,
temporary, or intermittent disability as described
below and if the fixed route bus system cannot
provide service to a particular individual for
a particular trip.
How Do I Apply to Ride MITS?
In June 2002, we implemented a new evaluation
process to determine the eligibility for paratransit
riders. The application (see below) must
be completed in its entirety and mailed to
the MITS office (see address below). Upon
receipt of the completed application, a form
will be forwarded to the healthcare professional
specified on the healthcare professional
authorization form. When MITS receives this
form from the healthcare professional an
in-person interview will be scheduled. All
applicants are required to attend an in-person
interview. Within 21 days of the interview,
the applicant will be notified regarding
the status his/her eligibility.
MITS Application (PDF format ) To view or print the application, you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer. To download this free software click here.
Applications are also available by calling or
writing the MITS Office and can be obtained in
other formats upon request. All applicants are
required to attend an in-person interview after
the application and heathcare authorization forms
have been received by MITS.
MITS, Jefferson Transit Paratransit Service
operated by East Jefferson General Hospital
3120 Lime Street, Metairie, Louisiana 70006
(Office) 504.889.7155
(TDD) 504.889.7165
How Much Does it Cost to Ride MITS?
Since July 1996, each MITS rider pays a fare of
$2.00 for each one-way trip. The fare was recommended
by the Transportation Advisory Board and approved
by the Jefferson Parish Council. By law, the fare
for MITS cannot exceed two times the regular fare
for fixed route buses. There is no charge for
a personal care attendant traveling with a MITS
rider. Guests are charged the same fare as certified
MITS riders. Coupon books are available in the
MITS Office.
What Area Does MITS Serve?
MITS serves urbanized Jefferson
Parish and a limited area of Orleans Parish.
Urbanized Jefferson Parish includes the Eastbank,
all developed areas north of the Hero Cutoff on
the Westbank, and the Lafitte area. Areas served
in Orleans Parish include Delgado Community College,
the New Orleans Central Business District and
the Medical Center/Tulane medical complex.
MITS riders can transfer to RTA's paratransit
service, known as the LIFT, at the Eastbank or
Westbank transfer points: (1) Delgado Community
College - Eastbank; (2) Gretna Terminal - Westbank.
MITS Service Area
Map
How Many People use MITS?
Approximately 3,700 persons are certified to ride
MITS. These certified riders took roughly 79,000
trips in 2002, with an average of 6,600 trips
each month.
How Many Vehicles does MITS operate?
MITS operates 18 vehicles. Each year several vehicles
are replaced with new ones to make sure we continue
to operate a reliable service for our riders.
Jefferson Parish
Department of Transit Administration
21 Westbank Expressway
Gretna, LA 70053
504.364.3450 (phone)
504.364.3453 (fax)
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