Taking a Trip Using Access-a-Ride

Please read the following information before your trip with Access-a-Ride

• Customers should be ready to leave at the beginning of the pick up window that was provided
• Operators will wait six (6) minutes after arrival at the pick-up address. If upon arrival, the customer is not at the door, the operator will wait 6 minutes at or near the vehicle while waiting for the customer to board the vehicle. The 6 minutes starts only once the 30-minute pick-up window has started.
• Customers should present their IDs and provide payment prior to boarding the vehicle
• Customers may request use of lift for any trip.
• Customers may bring only one mobility device on the vehicle.
• All mobility devices will be secured by the operator while in the vehicle.
• All passengers must wear a lap belt or seatbelt during transport. Access-a-Ride recommends but does not require the use of a shoulder harness for customers traveling in a mobility device.
• Customers may travel with a PCA and/or guest if they have scheduled the trip accounting for additional person(s). If this was not scheduled, there may not be sufficient space on the vehicle.
• Customer may travel with a service animal.
• Operators may assist customers with grocery bags up to 6 bags or boxes up not to exceed 40 lbs.
• Customers may travel with respiratory equipment and up to 2 M24 (E) oxygen tanks
• Customers are responsible for management of pets (in a carrier) and transport of luggage.
• Operators will provide door to door service when it is safe to so.

Door-to-door assistance does not include the following:

• Maneuvering a wheelchair up or down more than one (1) step or curb.
• Assisting customers on steeply inclined mobility ramps or stairs.
• Stabilizing assist for postural or other support.
• Operators entering beyond the door threshold or past the first floor of a residence or main lobby of a building.
• Loading and unloading personal items, except as provided for under the “Package” section of this guide.
• “Do not leave alone” or “Hand-to-hand” or “Door through door” level of service.

Mobility Devices

Access-a-Ride vehicles can accommodate customers with wheelchairs less than 30 inches wide, 48 inches long and weighing less than 800 pounds total while occupied. These measurements include the vertical space as well as the floor space. Wheelchairs that fall outside of these guidelines will be evaluated on an individual basis to ensure Access-a-Ride vehicles and lifts will be able to transport them safely. Access-a-Ride may weigh and measure wheelchairs to make sure they fit within the maximum size and weight requirements.

Customers should update RTD when there is a change and/or addition of a mobility device before taking a trip with that device. These updates allow Access-a-Ride to determine the appropriate vehicle type for the trip, as well as to reserve enough space on board for all customers. In order to correctly document assistance needs, a new assessment may be required with the new device.

Failure to notify RTD about a change or addition of a mobility device could result in a service delay.

Customers may only bring the device that they are using for travel. The only instance where a second device may accompany a customer is for a certification appointment for the purpose of being certified to use more than one device.

All wheelchairs must be secured facing forward while being transported. If a customer needs to change or temporarily modify their seating position, this should be done when the vehicle is stopped.

Equipment that is NOT permitted on any Access-a-Ride vehicle includes, but is not limited to:

• Hospital beds
• Stretchers
• Hoyer lifts
• Large shopping carts