King County Metro Modernizes Paratransit Eligibility, Leading the Way for Transit Innovation

Paratransit services exist to fulfill the spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), ensuring that individuals with disabilities have access to equitable transportation options. Central to this promise is the eligibility process, which determines who qualifies for these critical services. Yet, for decades, many agencies have relied on outdated, paper-based systems that make this process unnecessarily complex—for both applicants and the teams managing it.

King County Metro (KCM), serving the expansive Seattle metro area, is taking a bold step to modernize this process. By partnering with Spare, KCM is introducing a digital platform that enhances transparency and efficiency, giving applicants a smoother experience while helping their teams better meet the ADA-mandated requirement to make certification determinations within 21 days. This transformation is not just a win for King County riders; it positions KCM as a leader in innovative, accessible transit services.

A Major Milestone

Modernizing eligibility is no small feat, especially for an agency that serves one of the largest transit regions in the country. By digitizing the process, KCM ensures that applicants can check the status of their applications in real time, reducing the frustration and uncertainty that often accompany paper-based systems. At the same time, the agency is equipping its teams with tools to manage applications more efficiently, freeing up valuable time to focus on service improvements.

This deployment represents one of the largest implementations of Spare’s eligibility platform to date. It highlights KCM’s forward-thinking leadership and commitment to creating an accessible and equitable transit system that truly serves its diverse communities.

A Partnership for Progress

Spare is proud to collaborate with KCM on this transformative project. Together, we’re working to implement a scalable, adaptable solution that not only addresses current challenges but also sets the stage for future innovations.

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Matthew Weidner, Senior Strategic Planner and Analyst at KCM, shared his thoughts:“We’re listening to our community’s feedback and are taking action to improve the user experience for our paratransit customers. We’re excited to partner with Spare on this journey and implement a system that reflects our values and supports our community’s needs. At the end of the day, this project is about more than just a single piece if software – it’s about creating a more inclusive transit system for all King County.”

Leading the Way

KCM’s decision to modernize its eligibility process demonstrates its dedication to innovation and accessibility. It’s a model for what’s possible when transit agencies prioritize the experiences of their riders and teams. Spare congratulates King County Metro for making this forward-thinking decision and is excited to see the positive impact it will bring to the Seattle metro area.

This milestone reflects what is achievable when agencies and technology providers come together to create solutions that embody the spirit of the ADA and elevate transit for all.

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