What is Dial-a-Ride
Dial-A-Ride is a shared-ride service for people who, because of their disability, are unable to ride a regular Valley Transit bus. Dial-A-Ride is not intended to be used as an alternative to the fixed route bus system because it is easier or more convenient than riding the bus.
Who is qualified to ride Dial-a-Ride
A person who lives within the service area of Valley Transit’s fixed route service but is unable to reach a bus stop or ride the fixed route due to a disability would most likely qualify for Dial-A-Ride. Currently, anyone over 70 within the Dial-A-Ride service area would also qualify. Anyone wishing to use Dial-A-Ride will need to complete the application process to be approved to ride Dial-A-Ride.
Why does Dial-a-Ride have an application process?
The application process gives Valley Transit an opportunity to gather information about the applicant to ensure that Dial-A-Ride is the right service for the applicant.
Who fills out the Professional Verification form in the Dial-a-Ride application?
The Professional Verification needs to be filled out by a medical professional who has knowledge about the applicant and the disability that prevents the applicant from using fixed route.
If the applicant is over 70, what parts of the application are they required to fill out?
Currently, applicants over 70 who wish to use Dial-A-Ride service are only required to fill out the first page. All applicants who use a mobility device are asked to fill out the mobility device section of the application to ensure that Valley Transit can provide the appropriate service. If an applicant over 70 would also qualify for Dial-a-Ride based on a disability, this information should be included in the application.
How soon will an application know if they were approved?
Valley Transit will make a determination on the applicant’s eligibility within 21 days. While it will not always take the full 21 days for a determination to be made, this timeline should be taken into consideration for applications who are seeking temporary eligibility for something on a scheduled nature, such as recovery time after a surgery.
May an applicant appeal an eligibility denial?
Applicants for Dial-A-Ride service are able to appeal any eligibility decision other than unconditional eligibility. Please see Valley Transit’s appeal policy for more information.
What is a subscription?
A subscription is an ongoing, regularly scheduled reservation (e.g., to dialysis, physical therapy). It is useful to schedule a subscription if you go to the same place at the same time one or more days each week.
When can I request a subscription?
Subscription rides may be requested once eligibility has been approved and a pattern of ongoing, regularly scheduled rides for 60 days without no shows and/or late cancellations has been established.
What determines if a request for a subscription will be approved?
Requests for subscription rides are accommodated if less than fifty-percent of the total rides available at that time of day are used for subscription rides.
How can I request a subscription?
Please call our dispatch office during normal business hours to request a subscription ride. To expedite your call, please have the following information available:
- Passenger name.
- Exact addresses of where you will be traveling to and from.
- Time of the trip(s).
- How long will you need the subscription?
- Will times, days and addresses be consistent?
How often can a subscription be changed?
A request to change a subscription can be submitted once every 60 days.
Can I cancel a single subscription trip?
Cancellation of a subscription trip must be made at least one hour before your scheduled trip. You must call the Dial-A-Ride dispatcher to cancel a trip. Dial-A-Ride drivers cannot cancel trips or make a new trip request for you.
Can I suspend my subscription?
To avoid no-show penalties, please call our dispatch office to place your subscription ride on hold during times of vacation, illness or any reason you will not be taking your scheduled trips. Be sure to tell us the date you want your subscription ride reactivated.
What happens to subscription trips on holidays when Dial-a-Ride isn’t running?
Subscription rides (including dialysis patients) are automatically cancelled on the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
Why doesn’t Dial-a-Ride run on Saturday or Sunday?
Because Dial-A-Ride is a complimentary service to the fixed route, it runs at the same times as Valley Transit’s fixed route service, which is Monday through Friday from 6:15 am to 5:45 pm.
Does Valley Transit honor paratransit eligibility from other service providers?
Valley Transit honors findings of Paratransit eligibility from other jurisdictions on the same basis as Presumptive Eligibility. For example, a rider visiting Walla Walla from Tri-Cities would enjoy up to 21 days of the same riding privileges on the local system as they found they were eligible for at home. After 21 days they would need to submit a formal application on the Valley Transit system to continue their eligibility status. This visitor status is measured during a rolling 365-day period. (49 CFR 37.121) As another example, if a visitor is coming from an area that does not have Paratransit services but believes they would be eligible if those services existed, they can request visitor eligibility for 21 days by providing proof of disability to Valley Transit. Visitors may be required to provide proof of visitor status (e.g., proof of address, etc.)
If the rider in these examples were moving to the Valley Transit service area, they would be encouraged to submit the Dial-a-Ride application during their 21-day visitor status window to ensure a continuity of service.
