

Service animals are permitted on board.



The equipment must be small enough to fit into the vehicle and be secured.



You cannot request a specific vehicle type unless you require the use of the lift or cannot go up

or down steps.



If you are not able to walk up and down the steps of the van, you can ride up and down

standing on the lift. There are handrails on both sides for you to hold on to, and the driver will

help you.

If you use a wheelchair or scooter:

o

Any wheelchair or scooter up to 50” long and 32” wide can be accommodated.

o

The total combined weight of the rider and the wheelchair or scooter must not exceed 800

lbs.

o

Requests for service from people whose mobility aid exceeds this size or weight are

considered on a case-by-case basis

.

Contact the ACCESS program office for assistance.

o

You may choose to board the lift either facing outward or facing the vehicle.

o

All wheelchairs and scooters must be secured by the driver using a four-point securement

system

o

The driver will secure the seat belt. If you use a wheelchair, the use of the shoulder

harness is strongly recommended, but not required. Ask the driver to adjust the height of if

it is not comfortable.

o

If you use a power wheelchair or scooter, the driver is not able to provide any assistance up

or down curbs or steps

o

Other than assisting you on and off the lift, the driver will not operate your power wheelchair

or scooter

HAND-TO-HAND SERVICE

In addition to the basic paratransit service offering, hand-to-hand service is provided for individuals

who require constant supervision and cannot be left alone. These riders carry a special code in their

file alerting drivers to ensure they are met by a responsible person. The driver cannot leave the rider

unless there is someone available to receive them both at home and at their destination. A safety net

is in place in the event of a problem. Contact the ACCESS program office for more information.

INCIDENT REPORTING

Drivers are required to report incidents, which are then individually investigated by ACCESS program

staff. Although they may not be strictly transportation-related issues, the ACCESS program works

with its network of community agencies to resolve individual issues including: lack of accessibility to

the house; a change in condition (onset of confusion or poor balance); signs of abuse; or problems

with personal hygiene or nutrition.

SPECIAL REQUESTS

If there is an ACCESS program rule or policy that, due to your disability, makes it difficult or prevents

you from using the service, you may call or write to the ACCESS program office to discuss your

situation. When at all possible, requests should be made in advance. They are considered on a case-

by-case basis and implemented as long as they are reasonable and do not create a direct threat to

others or a fundamental change to basic ACCESS service.

DRIVER TRAINING

Drivers receive a combination of classroom and on-the-road training to proficiency, including the

following areas:

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