Complementary Paratransit FixedRoute|Riding a Paratransit Vehicle

How Do I Board The Vehicle With A Mobility Aid?

Lift Requirements
A vehicle lift can accommodate 800-1,000 pounds or less. Any passenger may use the lift at any designated stop. Drivers are instructed to deploy a lift, at the request of the passenger, to board or exit the vehicle. CATS vehicles are equipped with lifts that can accommodate mobility aids measuring 30” in width and 48” in length. Passengers whose wheelchairs exceed the capacity of the lift may not be able to be transported.

For passenger safety and comfort while traveling on CATS, the following procedures are recommended:
● Lock brakes, if applicable, while on the lift.
● Turn off electric power on wheelchair. The driver will instruct the passenger when to re-engage the power.
● Wait for the driver’s assistance and follow instructions when entering or exiting the vehicle.
● CATS cannot transport passengers with inoperative mobility devices.
All wheelchairs and scooters must be secured. Any passenger refusing for his/her wheelchair or scooter to be secured will not be allowed transportation.

May I Transport Packages?
Packages are allowed on the vehicle. The number of packages allowed is only what a passenger (or the passenger’s PCA, companion, or child) can carry on or off the vehicle in one trip. Drivers do not provide assistance loading or unloading packages, groceries or luggage.
● Excessive luggage and large boxes cannot be accommodated. The maximum combined weight of all packages cannot exceed twenty-five (25) pounds.
● Passengers will be required to secure their packages at their seats, as storage space on the vehicle is limited.

May I Transport Animals?
Service animals are allowed in all CATS vehicles and facilities. A service animal is defined by ADA as any guide dog, signal dog, or other animal individually trained to work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability, including, but not limited to, guiding individuals with impaired vision, alerting individuals with impaired hearing to intruders or sounds, providing minimal protection or rescue work, pulling a wheelchair, or fetching dropped items. For safety reasons, drivers are not permitted to handle service animals. A passenger may board a vehicle at any time with a service animal with no prior arrangements. Pets and emotional support animals, however, are not allowed in any CATS vehicle or facility.

What Is My Responsibility When Riding CATS Paratransit Service?
The following rules are provided to ensure the safety and comfort of all CATS passengers:
● No eating, drinking or smoking in a CATS vehicle.

● No riding under the influence of alcohol and/or intoxicating drugs in a CATS vehicle.
● No operating or tampering with any equipment while in the vehicle. This rule includes operating the hydraulic lift and attempting to remove wheelchair tie-downs.
● Fold strollers.
What Are The Driver’s Responsibilities?
Drivers are expected to obey the same rules as passengers. The following rules also apply:
● Drivers may assist passengers when boarding or exiting the vehicle.
● Drivers may assist when boarding or exiting the vehicle.
● Drivers are not allowed to assist with packages with the exception of a wheelchair passenger’s packages.
● The driver shall assist in pushing a manual wheelchair up the ramp or onto the lift of the bus.
● Drivers are not allowed to accept tips or gratuities, or act in any manner that would suggest that tipping is appropriate. This includes special occasions such as birthdays and/or holidays.
● Drivers are not allowed to talk with passengers or engage in any other distracting activity (i.e. using a cell phone or electronic audio and/or video device) while operating a vehicle.