Demand Response Transportation Riders Policy/Guide
Our Transportation Services through the senior centers provide accessible and affordable door-to-door/door-through-door transportation to older adults aged 60 and over and persons with disabilities of any age. The general public for a fee can also utilize our transportation services if space is available. Riders can travel with us to medical/dental appointments, grocery shopping, meal sites, and community based care programs; personal trips and group recreational trips. Our service area is generally within a 10 mile radius of the senior center with special trips as scheduled outside of the 10 mile radius.
Vehicle capacity varies at each location from mini-vans to small 12 passenger plus 2 wheelchair station buses. We utilize volunteer service providers and vehicles to maximize funding and extend hours and boundaries. Safety and service quality is our goal. Our Transportation Services program ensures individual independence, provides mobility for self-sufficiency and the opportunity to participate fully in the life of the community.
Contact you senior center to schedule a ride. Rides for older adults and persons with disabilities are provided at no fee, although donations are accepted and greatly appreciated to defray costs. There is a fee for the general public. Service animals are accepted on vehicles.
It is our mission to provide safe, efficient, affordable, prompt, friendly, professional and clean public transportation to improve the quality of life for citizens in our communities.
These policies are provided to insure our mission is held to the highest standard. Your cooperation in abiding by these policies is greatly appreciated. Failure to abide by these policies or excessive complaints could ultimately result in suspension or discontinued service. Treat others as you would like to be treated and show respect for your fellow passengers, the transit vehicles and facilities you use. You may download a copy of this policy by clicking here.
All operators are trained to provide minimal assistance. Operators are not trained to provide medical assistance. A caregiver or companion must accompany a passenger if that passenger has health issues that may need to be attended to during transport and/or if that passenger needs assistance with their wheelchair.
Minimal assistance includes:
ADA Certification Process
An individual under 65 years of age with a disability must complete form 5-18(a) EOA Rural Transportation for Persons with Disabilities - Application Packet. The application must be legible and properly completed. A health care provider familiar with applicant's condition must complete Part D of the application and submit to EOA. This form can be downloaded by clicking here.
Vehicle capacity varies at each location from mini-vans to small 12 passenger plus 2 wheelchair station buses. We utilize volunteer service providers and vehicles to maximize funding and extend hours and boundaries. Safety and service quality is our goal. Our Transportation Services program ensures individual independence, provides mobility for self-sufficiency and the opportunity to participate fully in the life of the community.
Contact you senior center to schedule a ride. Rides for older adults and persons with disabilities are provided at no fee, although donations are accepted and greatly appreciated to defray costs. There is a fee for the general public. Service animals are accepted on vehicles.
It is our mission to provide safe, efficient, affordable, prompt, friendly, professional and clean public transportation to improve the quality of life for citizens in our communities.
These policies are provided to insure our mission is held to the highest standard. Your cooperation in abiding by these policies is greatly appreciated. Failure to abide by these policies or excessive complaints could ultimately result in suspension or discontinued service. Treat others as you would like to be treated and show respect for your fellow passengers, the transit vehicles and facilities you use. You may download a copy of this policy by clicking here.
All operators are trained to provide minimal assistance. Operators are not trained to provide medical assistance. A caregiver or companion must accompany a passenger if that passenger has health issues that may need to be attended to during transport and/or if that passenger needs assistance with their wheelchair.
Minimal assistance includes:
- The vehicle will come to the door of a residence. Service to or from inaccessible origins or destinations will be provided at the curb instead of at the door if no safe access exists.
- The operator will attempt to notify passengers of arrival by sounding horn or ringing doorbell.
- The operator will assist passengers in boarding and exiting the van.
- The operator will deliver the passenger from origin to destination.
- Assistance getting in or out of wheelchair.
- Assistance in getting ready for the trip.
- Administering medication or oxygen.
- Assisting passengers in wheelchairs up or down stairs.
- Assisting passengers up and /or down ramps at residence or destination.
- Assistance in carrying personal belongings or purchases.
ADA Certification Process
An individual under 65 years of age with a disability must complete form 5-18(a) EOA Rural Transportation for Persons with Disabilities - Application Packet. The application must be legible and properly completed. A health care provider familiar with applicant's condition must complete Part D of the application and submit to EOA. This form can be downloaded by clicking here.
Hours of Operation; Services; Service Area |
Please contact your local senior center for hours of operation, services and service area.
Service on Demand - Trip requests can be made the same day or up to seven days in advance. Requests are honored as received and are based on availability. In the event the requested time cannot be accommodated, the next available time will be offered. Standing Reservations - A standing reservation or subscription can be established for trips to the same location, at the same time, on the same day every week. New subscriptions are honored as received based on space availability. Patrons with subscriptions who will not be travelling for an extended period of time may suspend their reservations for up to 30 days. Scheduling Trips - To request a ride or a subscription call your local senior center. Messages concerning rescheduling, cancellations, or request for rides may be left at any time on voicemail. Be prepared to provide the following information:
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Donations
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Donations are an essential part of the funding that makes this service possible. Please consider a contribution in any amount to help us continue this essential service so others may benefit from it too.
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Accessibility
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All buses are wheelchair accessible. A lift is available for passengers with wheelchairs. Passengers who are disabled and unable to climb stairs may choose to use the lift. Shopping carts and/or baby strollers may not be carried on the lift.
Please note: Many scooter and power chair manufacturers do not recommend transport of their product. Please consult your owner's guide for information on safe transport. |
Service Animal/Pet Policy
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Service animals are permitted to accompany individuals with disabilities in vehicle. Pets may be transported in a kennel-type pet carrier. Riders must notify scheduler at time of request that a service animal or pet will accompany the rider.
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Personal Care Attendant
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Personal Care Attendant (PCA) accompanying a rider will not be charged a fare. Riders must notify scheduler at time of request that a PCA will accompany the rider.
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Door-To-Door Service Policy
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Door-to-Door service means the driver will assist all passengers on and off the vehicle when special assistance is requested. The driver may assist the passenger from the main entrance door of the origin of the ride to the main entrance door of the destination. It is expected that riders' walkways, pathways, and ramps will be kept clean and clear of hazards, ice and snow. Drivers may deem walkways, paths and ramps as unsafe and cancel pick-up and/or drop-off.
Drivers are allowed to assist with loading and unloading of packages if combined weight is no more that 50 pounds. Service provider is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged articles. |
Pick Up/Drop Off Schedule
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Riders are expected to be ready at time of scheduled pick up; drivers may not be able to wait in order to accommodate other riders. Service Provider is committed to having riders picked up no more than fifteen minutes before or after scheduled pick up time, and dropped off no more than fifteen minutes before or after scheduled drop off time.
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Restraints - Securement
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All passengers and drivers regardless of age or disability must wear seatbelts when seated anywhere in a transportation vehicle. The driver will assist all passengers with securing a seatbelt. The driver may make periodic checks to assure all riders are in compliance and seatbelts are securely fastened.
Motorized wheelchairs that are constructed to be transported safely will be secured in a four-point tie-down method. Wheelchair riders are required to wear approved seatbelts. Motorized scooters and power chairs that are not constructed to be transported safely will be secured to the best of the driver's ability and rider will be assisted to vehicle seating. Riders refusing approved methods and equipment and/or vehicle seating might be required to find alternate transportation. Please Note: some motorized scooter and power chair manufacturers do not recommend sitting in your chair while riding in a motor vehicle even if chair is secured. Many manufacturers do not construct their product to be safely secured. Please consult your owner's guide for information. Service provider is not responsible for injuries and/or damage resulting from rider's failure to follow the warnings. Infants and children who are either or both under the age of four and weighing less than forty pounds must be in a federal motor safety approved and properly used child safety seat while being transported. Passengers must furnish the child restraint system and secure the child in a forward-facing seat. Drivers will not secure the child restraint system; accompanying passenger is responsible for securement. Riders who use portable oxygen tanks are allowed to ride on vehicles with properly secured containers. Oxygen securement is available but limited. Riders must notify scheduler at time of request of their use of portable oxygen tanks. |
Cancellation and No-/Show Policy
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Cancellations require a minimum of 24 hours advance notice.
No-show passengers who have scheduled a round-trip and are a no-show for one leg of the trip are automatically cancelled for the return trip. Please remember, no-shows cause service delays and potential denial of service to other passengers. Any combination of three (3) cancellations and/or no-shows within a thirty (30) day period may result in denial of service for thirty (30) days. |
Inclement/Adverse Weather Cancellations
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Passenger, driver, and public safety are our primary concerns. During adverse weather conditions, every effort will be made to maintain operations; however, service provider reserves the right to delay or cancel operations as necessary. Riders will be informed via phone call.
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Rider Rights and Responsibilities
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To ensure everyone has a safe and comfortable trip:
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Rider Code of Conduct
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This program is operated in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. The following policies have been established to address instance when a passenger's conduct may adversely affect others using Rural Public Transit.
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Unruly Rider Policy
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Passengers may not refuse to ride with other passengers; drivers may eject one or both parties. Riders who are disruptive, abusive, or argumentative will not be tolerated. Without placing themselves or other passengers in harm's way, drivers will request the rider discontinue the behavior. Riders who continue the behavior may be asked to leave the vehicle. Continued repeated misbehavior will result in review and possible suspension of service by service provider. This behavior applies to riders and callers alike.
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Complaints/Appeals Process
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Riders may call 1-800-273-4462 and ask to speak to the Executive Director. We accept positive suggestions for improvement as well as complaints.
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