Vehicles

ACCESS service is provided with a combination of lift-equipped vans and sedans.

  • If you use a wheelchair or scooter, a lift van will always be provided for you.
  • You cannot request a specific vehicle type unless you require use of the lift.
  • If you cannot walk up or down the steps of a vehicle, 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 cannot get in and out of a sedan, a van will be provided for you.

Mobility Aids

Mobility Aids are accommodated in all vehicles and drivers are trained to secure them appropriately.

Portable oxygen, personal respirators or other life support equipment is permitted on board. The equipment must be small enough to fit into the vehicle and be secured.

If you use a wheelchair or scooter:

  • Any wheelchair up to 50” long and 32” wide can be accommodated.
  • All vehicles with lifts can accommodate a total 800 lbs combined weight of a rider and their wheelchair or scooter. There are a limited number of vehicles that can accommodate a combined weight of 1000 lbs. Please contact the main ACCESS program office if your combined weight exceeds 800 lbs.
  • You may choose to board the lift either facing outward or pull on facing the vehicle.
  • All wheelchairs and scooters will be secured by the driver using a four-point securement system.
  • The driver will secure the seat belt. Use of the shoulder harness is strongly recommended, but not required. Ask the driver to adjust the height if it is not comfortable.
  • If you use a manual wheelchair, the driver will assist you up or down curbs or up to 4 steps, asl long as the total combined weight of the rider and the wheelchair does not exceed 250 lbs.
  • If you use a power wheelchair or scooter, the driver is not able to provide any assistance up or down curbs or steps.
  • Other than assisting you on and off the lift, the driver will not operate your power wheelchair or scooter.

Service Animals

Service animals and service animals in training are welcome on all vehicles. A service animal is a dog or other animal that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability.

Service animals must sit on the floor of the vehicle and are not permitted on vehicle seats.

Service animals must be under the control of the owner at all times, and not create a disruptive atmosphere or direct threat to the safety of others.

Caring for a service animal is the responsibility of the passenger or a personal care attendant. A request that the driver take charge of the animal may be denied.

Pets, emotional support animals, and comfort animals are permitted on the vehicle as long as they are in a carrier that fits on your lap. They are not permitted on vehicle seats. They must not create a disruptive atmosphere or pose a threat to safety of others.

Accessible Formats

Upon request, all materials can be provided in the following accessible formats:

  • Braille
  • Large print
  • Word or Text file by e-mail

Upon request, aids or services are provided to communicate with people who have communication disabilities.

Language Line Services are available for individuals who need an English language interpreter.

Hand-to-Hand Service

In addition to the basic paratransit service offering, hand-to-hand service is available for individuals who require a higher level of supervision and cannot be left unattended. These riders carry a special code in their file alerting drivers to ensure they are handed off to a responsible person and 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.

Riders must complete an application and family agreement form to get started with Hand-to-Hand service. For more information, call the main ACCESS program office.

Committee for Accessible Transportation (CAT)

The Committee for Accessible Transportation (CAT) is a volunteer advisory group that works to identify ways to improve public transit for older adults and individuals with disabilities.

Founded in 1991, membership is open to older adults and individuals with disabilities who ride PRT or ACCESS, as well as members of their families and representatives of the agencies that serve them.

If you are interested in joining CAT, visit rideprt.org.