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Complementary Paratransit Service

Frequently Asked Questions Concerning Complementary Paratransit

1. What is Complementary Paratransit Service?
   This is a van service for eligible persons who cannot use the fixed route bus system and live up to 3/4 of a mile on either side of a transit route.
2. When is this service available?
   This service is available from 7 - 10am and 3 - 6pm.
3. Where can I go?
   You can travel to the same destinations available on our Fixed Route Service.
4. How do I get an eligibility application?
   Call 843-665-2227 and we will mail one to you or you can download an application here.
5. How much does it cost?
   The fare is $2.50 each way.
6. How do I schedule or cancel a ride?
   Call 843-665-2227
7. Can I take a friend or family member with me?
   A PCA (Personal Care Attendant) and/or a companion may travel with you at no charge. Seating for others is limited to space available.

A Deeper Look Into Complementary Paratransit

PDRTA's Complementary Paratransit Service is a transportation service designed for individuals with disabilities as defined by ADA that provides paratransit or van transportation for individuals who cannot otherwise access the fixed route bus service. This service is limited to individuals with disabilities who

• are unable to board, ride, or disembark from an accessible vehicle without the assistance of another person (except for the bus driver and lift)
• could ride an accessible vehicle but the route is not accessible
• have a specific impairment-related condition that prevents them from traveling to or from a boarding or disembarking location

Complementary Paratransit Service is provided to any eligible person who lives up to 3/4 of a mile on either side of the fixed bus route. A PCA (Personal Care Attendant) may accompany the eligible person at no charge, and service animals are allowed. Destinations are the same as those for the fixed route system.

Complementary Paratransit Service is a curb-to-curb service, and reservations are necessary. Reservations may be made by calling the PDRTA Florence office Monday through Friday between 8am and 5pm. Reservations may be made up to 14 days in advance but must be scheduled no less than 24 hours in advance.

The fare for Complementary Paratransit Service is $2.50 per one way trip. Complementary Paratransit is available from 7 - 10am and 3 - 5pm Monday - Friday.

Download the Complementary Paratransit Brochure.

How Do I Know If I'm Eligible for Complementary Paratransit Service?

You must be pre-approved for Complementary Paratransit Service. Applications for Complementary Paratransit are available from the PDRTA office, on the Florence Transit System buses, or can be downloaded here.

The application is a two-part process. You will need to complete your portion of the application and then have your health care professional complete the second part. Once the application is completed, simply return it to PDRTA.

It may take up to 2 weeks to process your application, and we will provide the service while your application is pending. If your application is approved, you will receive a card in the mail. Simply show your card to your driver when you board the vehicle.

If your application is denied, you may appeal the denial.

PDRTA honors eligibility cards from another transit system when the cardholder is not a resident of the area and is visiting Florence for up to a 30 day duration. Visitors who plan to remain in the area for more than 30 days must complete a PDRTA application.

Additional Information for Complementary Paratransit Riders

• Reservations for Complementary Paratransit may be made by calling 843-665-2227. Reservations are taken up to 24 hours ahead of time.
• Fare is $2.50 each way. Please have exact change ready when you board the van. Our drivers cannot make change. Tokens may be purchased at 313 Stadium Road, Florence.
• When making a reservation, please have the following information ready: date of travel, the physical address of pick up and destination, telephone number of the destination, time you wish to leave and time you wish to return, whether a PCA will be traveling with you, and whether or not you'll be using a mobility device such as a wheelchair.
• We will do our best to schedule rides at the desired times. However, we may negotiate mutually agreeable times up to 1 hour before or after the requested times.
• You should be ready and waiting at the pick up point 15 minutes before and after the scheduled pick up times. Once the driver arrives, he will wait 5 minutes for you to board. If you do not board within 5 minutes, you may be considered a "no show". If you are a "no show" 3 or more times in a 30 day period, we may refuse service.

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