Services for Persons with Disabilities Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Persons with Disabilities Program?

This program provides shared ride transportation services to qualified persons with a disability as defined by the American with Disability Act (ADA). Transportation is provided at a discounted rate. This service is available only if transportation is not available through another program.

Who can use this service?

Any qualified resident of Montgomery County between the ages of 18-64, having a verified disability as defined by the ADA, either temporary or permanent. If a qualified person lives or is traveling within the SEPTA or Pottstown Urban Transit (PUT) ADA service area, they must use complementary paratransit or public transit to reach their destination.

How do I register for the Program?

If you feel that you may qualify and would like to participate in this program, you must complete an eligibility and registration form. This form is available by calling TransNet at 215-542-RIDE (7433). You also need to provide written verification that you are a person with a disability. If you do not have any written verification, you can submit the certification of disability form, which is attached to the eligibility/registration form. A professional who is familiar with your situation must complete this form.

How do I schedule a trip?

Once you are notified that you are eligible, call TransNet at 215-542-RIDE (7433). Reservations can be made up to 14 days in advance, but you need to call us between
8:00 a.m – 4:00 p.m. at least one day before the day you wish to travel. If you want to travel on a Monday, you need to make a reservation the prior Friday before 4:00 p.m. When you call for a reservation, please be prepared to tell us when you wish to be picked up and your exact pick up and drop off location. If you have any special travel needs or will have an escort or service animal traveling with you, please inform the reservationist. For standing orders (repeat trips to the same location at the same time), you may make up to 2 weeks of reservations at the same time.

How much does it cost to take a trip?

If eligible, you will receive an 85% discount on the shared ride service fare. You are responsible to pay 15% of the fare (minimum $4.00), when boarding the vehicle. You are required to have exact change for your fare. Do not forget to ask what the fare will be when you make your reservation, so you can have the exact change available.

Can someone accompany me on my trip?

Yes, but they may need to pay the full fare for the trip. If you are approved to have an escort or personal assistant travel with you to provide assistance for you, then they will pay $1.00 each way. Their origin and destination must be the same as yours.
We do not provide escorts or personal assistants. If you want someone to come along with you just as a companion, they must pay the full fare for the trip. Certified guide and service dogs may travel with you on the vehicle. This is a curb-to-curb service. Door-to-door service is available upon request.

Where can I go?

You may travel anywhere in your shared ride service area. Visit our website at www.suburbantransit.org to view a service area map. You may use the service for any purpose, for work, shopping, medical appointment or to visit a friend.

When can I travel?

Service hours vary depending on where you live. Visit our website for more information or call TransNet at 215-542-RIDE (7433). Some trip times and destinations may only be available on a limited basis. You may need to be flexible with you travel time. Shared ride service is not an exclusive, one-person service. The availability of trips depends on the number of vehicles in an area and other trips that are scheduled.

Can I change my trip once I am on the vehicle?

No. Once you are in transit to your destination, you may not change your trip. You must schedule any trip destinations through a prior day reservation. The only change that can be made to that trip is to cancel it.

What if I need to cancel my scheduled trip?

You must contact the dispatcher at least 2 hours prior to your scheduled pick up time to cancel a trip. You may cancel as many times as you like without penalty. If you fail to cancel a trip, you are considered a no-show. The first time this happens, you are not penalized. The second time, you are required to pay the full fare (100%) of the trip before any other trip reservations are made.

What if I have a complaint about service?

If you are unhappy with your shared ride experience, please share that information with us. We investigate and follow up on consumer complaints as part of continuous quality improvement. Complaints are accepted by phone, in writing or through our website. For a complaint to help improve service, it must be relevant, timely, and complete. We will try to respond to your concerns promptly.

 

Services for Persons Who are Mentally Disabled Frequently Asked Questions

I am disabled and need assistance when traveling. How much assistance can I expect the driver to provide?

Please refer to the TransNet Passenger Assistance Policy.

I have a son/daughter who is a special education student who will be graduating from school this year and will be attending a vocational training program. How do I arrange for transportation to this program?

TransNet has a contract with the Montgomery County Mental Retardation Office to provide transportation to vocational training centers. You must contact your MR Supports Coordinator to process a transportation referral.

TransNet currently transports my child with special needs to school and I would like to change my child's pick-up or drop-off location. Who should I contact?

TransNet is not allowed to accept changes in school transportation directly from parents. You must contact your local school district to make any changes in your child's transportation, including the pick-up and drop-off location.

TransNet transports my son to a vocational training center. Who should I call to cancel his ride?

If you are canceling on the same day, you should contact your carrier directly. This contact information will be given to you when the transportation service begins. If you are canceling in advance for vacation, you should contact TransNet at 215-542-7433 and select Option 5.