Special Services Guide Shared-Ride (Paratransit) Program Information
610-921-2361 • www.bartabus.com Berks Area Regional Transportation Authority 1700 N. 11th Street, Reading, PA 19604
Updated November 2015 Table of Contents
General Information ...... 3 Overview of BARTA Special Services . . . . . 4 Description of BARTA Special Services . . . . . 5 Senior Citizen Shared Ride Program . . . . . 7 ADA Complementary Program ...... 8 Medical Transportation Assistance Program . . 10 Persons With Disabilities Program ...... 12 Getting Started ...... 13 Reservation Process ...... 14 Be Prepared for Your Trip ...... 15 Fares - How Much Do I Pay? ...... 16 Cancellations and No Show Policy . . . . . 17 Customer Etiquette ...... 19 Title VI Program ...... 20 Equal Employment Opportunity ...... 21 Senior Free Ride Program on BARTA . . . . 22 Half Fare Program for Persons with Disabilities 23
2 General Information
Customer Service Phone Hours Berks Area Regional Transportation Authority (BARTA) Special Services Shared Ride Phone Hours Monday–Friday, 8:00 a .m . to 5:30 p .m ., 610-921-2361 TDD 610-921-1018 Toll Free 1-800-383-2278
On holidays, Saturdays and Sundays when BARTA offices are closed, please call 610- 921-2361 to leave a message or to schedule a trip eligible under ADA. Holiday Closings BARTA Special Services generally does not provide service on the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day .
Our Mission The Berks Area Regional Transportation Authority exists to provide effective public transportation services to the citizens of Berks County and to perform these services at the highest standards of safety, courtesy, reliability and efficiency . Our Services The Berks Area Regional Transportation Authority provides comprehensive public transportation services throughout Berks County . These include BARTA Transit, our fixed-route bus service that operates 20 routes; BARTA Special Services, our county- wide shared ride, paratransit service operated by BARTA and one private transportation provider . Our Board BARTA is governed by a five member Board appointed by the Berks County Commissioners . Regular public meetings are held every other month on the third Wednesday at the BARTA Main Facility, 1700 N . 11th Street, Reading at 6 pm .
3 Overview of BARTA Special Services
What is shared-ride (paratransit) services? BARTA operates a shared-ride BARTA Special Services is not a (paratransit) program called BARTA "taxi" service and is not a non-stop Special Services for senior citizens ride for one person . BARTA Special and persons with disabilities in Berks Services does not provide emergency County . Services are also provided medical transportation services . in Montgomery County to residents within 10 miles of Berks County to BARTA Special Services offers many the Boyertown Multi-Service Senior programs for specific needs . There is Center if there is vehicle availability . an application process and reservation This door-to-door transportation requirements . The transportation service is available to those who is provided by BARTA and Easton are unable to use BARTA's fixed- Coach Co . route bus system . It is a shared-ride transportation service where trips This guide was created to help explain are grouped together depending the various programs available and upon their travel time and locations . to help communicate the various These services are usually sponsored guidelines and requirements for the by a human service agency or BARTA Special Services . the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation .
4 Description of BARTA Special Services Programs
Senior Shared-Ride Program Senior Citizens who are 65 years of MATP Fixed-Route is for customers age or older are eligible . There is who live along an established bus route no restriction on purpose of the trip and are able to use the fixed-route bus . so seniors can travel for any kind of Customers are eligible for MATP Fixed trip: medical appointments, shopping, Route 20 - Trip Ticket . Physician and/ recreation, senior centers and more . or provider of service (i .e . pharmacy) There is a co-pay each time a senior verification is required . rides that averages about 15% of the total cost of the trip . MATP Mileage Reimbursement Customers who have Medical Medical Assistance Transportation Assistance and have access to private Program (MATP) vehicles but cannot meet their own County residents who have Medical transportation needs may be eligible for Assistance (hold an Access Card) the MATP Mileage Reimbursement and meet specific requirements are Program . This reimbursement will be eligible . The MATP Program at a specified rate per mile for travel provides free transportation to medical expenses . Physician and/or provider of appointments and any service that service (i .e . pharmacy) verification is Medical Assistance pays for including: required . therapies, tests, dental visits, trips to the pharmacy and trips to medical MATP Door-to-Door equipment suppliers . Customers who have Medical Assistance may be eligible for the Various transportation options are shared-ride transportation service available under the MATP Program provided by BARTA Special Services based on accessibility including: for medical trips . fixed-route transportation, mileage reimbursement and door-to-door service .
5 ADA Complementary Program (ADA) Individuals with a qualifying disability preventing them from riding a regular BARTA bus may use BARTA Special Services under the ADA program . The passenger must live or travel within 3⁄4 of a mile of a bus route. This service operates during the same days and same hours as the fixed-route service . This type of transportation can be used for any kind of trip: medical appointments, shopping, recreation, senior centers and more . The cost of a one-way ADA trip on the door-to-door service is typically twice the amount of the current fixed-route bus fare .
Persons with Disabilities Program (PWD) Individuals with a disability are eligible for this program if they need transportation in areas (1) not served by the fixed-route (mostly rural areas), (2) not eligible for any other funding sources and (3) are between the ages of 18 - 64 .
6 Senior Citizen Shared-Ride Program
Social Security Administration Scheduling a Trip Trip reservations may be scheduled by calling 610-921-2361 between 8:00 a .m . and 5:30 p .m ., Monday through Friday . Transportation is generally available Monday through Friday from 5:30 a .m . to 6:30 p .m . daily . Monday through Friday evening service from 6:30 p .m . to 10:30 p .m . is available for trips where the pick- up address and destination are located within 3/4 miles of fixed-route bus service . Saturday service is available 5:30 a .m . to Senior Citizen Shared-Ride Program 10:30 p .m . for trips where pick-up address Senior Citizens who are 65 years of age or and destination are located with 3/4 miles older are eligible . There is no restriction of fixed-route bus service . Sunday service on purpose of the trip, so seniors may is available from 11:00 a .m . to 7:00 p .m . travel for medical appointments, shopping, for trips where the pick-up address and recreation, senior centers and more . There destination are located within 3/4 miles of is a co-pay each time a senior rides that fixed-route bus service . averages about 15% of the total cost of the trip . Transportation in the county is available Monday through Friday with times Applying for the Senior Citizen Shared- varying based on where the customer Ride Program lives . Trips outside of the 3/4 miles of the fixed-route bus require at least An application must be completed to be two business days notice . Trips where eligible for the service . An application the pick-up address and destination are can be obtained by: located within 3/4 miles of the fixed-route Phone: Call 610-921-2361 and a customer bus service can be scheduled the previous service representative will mail one . day . Customers can call up to two weeks In Person: Applications can also be before their appointment to reserve their completed at: ride . BARTA Special Services 1700 N . 11th Street, Reading When calling to schedule a trip, please have the following information ready: Proof of Age is required for the programs • The address where the customer wants approval . A copy of the proof of age must to be picked up be attached with the senior application . • The full address of the final The following are the acceptable proof of destination age documents: • The appointment and return time • A valid driver's license • Any special assistance requirements • A PA State Photo ID • A birth or baptismal certificate Customers should be ready early and wait • Armed Forces discharge or separation for the driver at the exact address given papers when making the reservation . Wait where • A passport you can see the vehicle approach . The drivers can wait only 5 minutes for you . • Naturalization papers • PACE Card
• Statement of age verification from the7 7 ADA Complementary Shared-Ride Program
ADA Complementary Shared-Ride How quickly can an ADA Program Complementary Shared-Ride Individuals who have a disability application be processed? may be eligible for shared-ride Within 21 days of receiving an ADA transportation with BARTA Special application for service, BARTA is Services if their disability prevents required to make a determination of them from independently boarding a eligibility . BARTA bus or they must travel more than 3/4 of a mile to or from a BARTA Scheduling a Trip? bus stop . Reservations can be made between the hours of 8 a .m . to 5:30 p .m ., What is the Americans with Monday through Friday . BARTA Disabilities Act (ADA) ? uses an answering machine device to The Americans with Disabilities Act take "ADA eligible" trip requests on (ADA) is a civil rights law . The intent Saturdays and Sundays and Holidays . of the ADA is to remove barriers that Saturday, Sunday and Holiday trip have prevented people with disabilities requests must be called in to the from fully participating in life . Under answering machine between the hours the ADA, fixed-route service (regular of 8:00 a .m . and 5:30 p .m . Calls city buses) is to be the primary means received outside of those hours will of public transportation for everyone, not be scheduled . It is important to including people with disabilities . remember that you must be certified as being "ADA eligible" and be taking Applying for the ADA Shared-Ride an "ADA eligible" trip BEFORE you Program can take advantage of the previous-day An application must be completed to advance reservation request . determine eligibility . An application may be obtained by: When calling to schedule a trip, please Phone: Call 610-921-2361 or TDD have the following information ready: at 610-921-1018 and a customer service representative will mail the • The address where the customer application . wants to be picked up • The full address of the final In Person: Applications can also be destination picked up and completed at: The • The appointment and return time BARTA Special Services Office, 1700 • Any special assistance N . 11th St ., Reading . requirements
Individuals are required to have their Customers should be ready early and disability certified by their physician . wait for the driver at the exact address given when making the reservation . Customers should wait where you can see the vehicle approach . The drivers can wait only 5 minutes .
8 How much does it cost to ride? ADA Certified individuals will pay no more than twice the fare of someone riding the same route on a BARTA fixed-route bus .
Can I travel with a friend? A companion may travel with you . Your companion will pay the same fare as you for each ride . Additional fare paying companions will be permitted if space is available . If you require the assistance of a personal care attendant to meet your mobility needs, your attendant will ride free of charge only if you are certified in advance to travel with an attendant .
How to Cancel a Trip? Customers should inform BARTA at 610-921-2361 no later than 30 minutes prior to your pick-up time to cancel any trips . Cancellations can be made between 6:00 a .m . and 6:00 p .m ., Monday through Friday, or you may leave a message during the holidays or non-business hours . Try to call the day before if you feel you will not be able to make your appointment .
If the customer does not cancel the trip, a "No Show" will be issued .
ADA "No Show" Policy Failure to cancel a trip at least 30 minutes in advance of the scheduled pick-up time or choosing not to travel upon arrival of the vehicle will result in a "No Show" .
Customers who receive 3 "No Shows" in one calendar month period will be suspended for 7 days .
9 Medical Transportation Assistance Program (MATP)
Medical Transportation Assistance Completed applications must be sent Program (MATP) to BARTA to keep on file . Individuals County residents who have Medical are required to have their disability Assistance (hold an ACCESS Card) certified by their physician . and meet specific requirements are eligible . The MATP program Scheduling a Trip? provides free transportation to medical Trip reservations may be scheduled by appointments and any service the calling 610-921-2361 between 8:00 Medical Assistance pays for including: a .m . and 5:30 p .m ., Monday through therapies, tests, dental visits, trips to Friday . Transportation is generally the pharmacy and trips to medical available Monday through Friday from equipment suppliers . The Pennsylvania 5:30 a .m . to 6:30 p .m . daily . Monday Department of Public Welfare funds through Friday evening service from MATP . In Berks County, BARTA 6:30 p .m . to 10:30 p .m . is available for manages the MATP Program . trips where the pick-up address and destination are located within 3/4 miles Various transportation options are of fixed-route bus service . Saturday available under the MATP Program service is available 5:30 a .m . to 10:30 based on accessibility including: p .m . for trips where pick-up address fixed-route transportation, mileage and destination are located with 3/4 reimbursement and door-to-door miles of fixed-route bus service . service . BARTA is required to provide Sunday service is available from 11:00 customers with the least expensive a .m . to 7:00 p .m . for trips where the most appropriate service available for pick-up address and destination are the customer . located within 3/4 miles of fixed-route bus service . MATP Shared-Ride Service is a shared-ride transportation service Transportation in the county is provided by BARTA Special Services available Monday through Friday with and our sub-contractor . times varying based on where the customer lives . Trips outside of the Applying for the MATP program 3/4 miles of the fixed-route bus require An application must be completed at least two business days notice . within 30 days of the date of recipient's Trips where the pick-up address and eligibility for the MATP to be verified . destination are located within 3/4 Eligible recipients may be transported miles of the fixed-route bus service for up to 30 days without a signed can be scheduled the previous day . application . An application can be Customers can call up to two weeks obtained by: before their appointment to reserve their ride . Phone: Call 610-921-2361 and a customer service representative will assist you .
In Person: at BARTA Special Services 1700 N . 11th St ., Reading
10 When calling to schedule a trip, please verification is required . Reimbursement have the following information ready: checks will be issued only when the total amount reaches or exceeds ten • The address where the customer dollars ($10) . All mileage is verified wants to be picked up using Google Maps . • The full address of the final destination MATP "No Show" Policy • The appointment and return time Failure to cancel a trip at least 30 • Any special assistance requirements minutes in advance of the scheduled pick-up time or choosing not to travel Customers should be ready early and upon arrival of the vehicle will result in wait for your driver at the exact address a "No Show" . given when making the reservation . Customers should wait where you can Customers who have two (2) or more see the vehicle approach . The drivers "No Shows" in a 90-day period shall can wait only 5 minutes for you . receive a warning that an additional "No Show" will result in a suspension of Escort Policy service . If two (2) "No Shows" occur within a 90-day period, service will You may bring someone with you as be suspended for 30 days . Customers an escort at no cost in the following will be notified ten days in advance of situations: the suspension . Customers will have • If you are under 18, you can be ten days to appeal the suspension . If escorted by a parent or other the customer files an appeal within the relative/guardian first ten days of receipt of the appeal, • If you cannot travel independently BARTA will not uphold the suspension or you need any assistance due until the appeal is resolved . to age, illness, physical or mental disability . • A physicians statement is necessary to verify this information . . MATP Fixed-Route 20 Trip Ticket is for customers who live along an established BARTA bus route and are able to use the fixed-route bus . Physician and/or provider of service (i .e . pharmacy) verification is required .
MATP Mileage Reimbursement is for customers who have access to private vehicles but cannot meet their own transportation needs . This reimbursement will be at a specified rate per mile (currently $0 .12 per mile) for travel expenses . Physician and/ or provider of service (i .e . pharmacy)
11 Persons With Disabilities Program (PWD)
Persons With Disabilities Program by calling 610-921-2361 between (PWD) 8:00 a .m . and 5:30 p .m ., Monday Individuals with a disability are through Friday . Trips must be eligible for this program if they need scheduled at least two days in transportation in areas that are not advance . Transportation for the served by the fixed-route (mostly PWD program is generally available rural areas) . Monday through Friday between 5:30 a .m . to 6:30 p .m . To qualify for the PWD program you must: When calling to schedule a trip, • Be between the ages of 18 and 64 please have the following information • Have a disability as defined by the ready: ADA and your disability must be certified by a physician or agency • The address where the customer • Live in suburbs and be more than wants to be picked up 3/4 mile from a bus route or need • The full address of the final transportation in areas not served destination by the fixed-route • The appointment and return time • Any special assistance The Persons with Disabilities program requirements does not replace services already being provided by BARTA . It has Customers should be ready early been designed to be the funding and wait for your driver at the source of last resort . exact address given when making the reservation . Customers should Applying for the Persons With wait where you can see the vehicle Disabilities Program approach . The drivers can wait only An application must be completed to 5 minutes . determine eligibility for the service . An application can be obtained by: Traveling with a personal care Phone: Call 610-921-2361 and a attendant customer service representative will If you require the assistance of a mail one . personal care attendant to meet your mobility needs, your attendant may In Person: at BARTA Special Services ride for free only if you are certified Office, 1700 N . 11th St ., Reading in advance to travel with an attendant .
Individuals are required to have their A companion may travel with the disability certified by their physician . customer . The companion will pay the full fare . Scheduling a Trip Trip reservations may be scheduled 12 Getting Started - Application Process
Some government agencies help 4 . Proof of age is required for some fund the entire cost of transportation programs to apply . The acceptable for customers or they pay a portion, proofs of age include: Birth leaving the customer with a smaller Certificate, Baptismal Certificate, co-pay fare for each trip . Each Driver's License, PACE Card, program under BARTA Special State ID, Armed Forces Discharge/ Services has different application and Separation papers, Passport or program guidelines to be eligible . Naturalization Papers, Statement of Age from Social Security Once the correct application is Administration or Resident Alien completed and approved a customer Card . can make reservations for their transportation needs . The application process takes about 5 to 21 business days for acceptance . How to Apply Upon acceptance, the applicant will 1 . To receive an application by mail receive an acceptance letter through call 610-921-2361 or 1-800-383- the mail informing you that you have 2278 . Applications are also available been approved for the service . on our website at www .bartabus .com .
2 . All applications should be mailed to BARTA, 1700 N . 11th St ., Reading, PA 19604 .
3 . To apply in person, stop by the BARTA Special Services Office, 1700 N . 11th St ., Reading, PA 19604
13 Reservation Process
How do I schedule a trip? Transportation in the county is All shared-ride door-to-door trips available Monday through Friday with require an advance reservation . All times varying based on where the reservations must be made at least two customer lives . Trips outside of the days prior to the scheduled trip . You 3/4 miles of the fixed-route bus require may schedule a trip as far ahead as at least two business days notice . two weeks . Recurring trips may also Trips where the pick-up address and be scheduled to happen automatically destination are located within 3/4 without further calls to BARTA . miles of the fixed-route bus service These trips are placed on a "standing can be scheduled the previous day . order" reservation . Customers can call up to two weeks before their appointment to reserve Scheduling a trip can be done by their ride . calling 610-921-2361, Monday through Friday between 8 a .m . and What information do I need to 5:30 p .m . schedule a trip?
Transportation is generally available • Name Monday through Friday from 5:30 • The date of the trip a .m . to 6:30 p .m . daily . Monday • The address where the customer through Friday evening service from wants to be picked up 6:30 p .m . to 10:30 p m. . is available • The full address of the final for trips where the pick-up address destination and destination are located within • The appointment time 3/4 miles of fixed-route bus service . • Any mobility device that is Saturday service is available 5:30 a .m . required to 10:30 p .m . for trips where pick-up address and destination are located with 3/4 miles of fixed-route bus Please be advised if a customer service . Sunday service is available cannot be left alone, someone must from 11:00 a .m . to 7:00 p .m . for be present at their destination drop-off trips where the pick-up address and address . Drivers are not responsible destination are located within 3/4 for the passengers once they have been miles of fixed-route bus service . dropped off at their final destination .
Companions
Companions A companion may travel with you on your trip . The companion will pay the full trip cost . 14 Be Prepared for Your Trip
When To Be Ready Mobility Devices/Aids Please be ready early and wait at the exact All passengers who utilize wheelchairs address used when scheduling your trip . must be properly secured before the The driver may only wait 5 minutes for vehicle may move . you . Your promptness and consideration for other customers is greatly appreciated . Service animals are permitted on all BARTA vehicles . Paying Your Fare Customers should have the co-pay ready Bus Lift Limitations when boarding the vehicle . The co-pay Shared-ride vehicles have lifts that can needs to be paid in cash . Please have the accommodate a total combined weight of exact fare for the trip . The drivers do not 800 pounds, which includes the mobility provide change . device and the customer . The lift can All co-pays are due upon boarding the accommodate wheelchair dimensions of vehicle. If you have a co-pay for your 31" x 54" . trip, you must pay the driver when you Driver Assistance board the vehicle. If you need assistance, our drivers will Preparing for the Long Ride Times gladly lend you a hand within reason . Shared-ride service is not "taxi" or non- Drivers may not enter your residence to stop service for one individual . Passengers provide assistance for security reasons . share the vehicles with others taking trips Seat Belts at similar times in similar directions . Utilizing Shared-Ride services, a All customers and escorts are required to customer's ride time will be approximately wear a seat belt if one is available . two (2) and 1/2 times as long as it may Child Safety Seats take to drive the trip in a personal vehicle . For instance, if it takes you one hour to On shared-ride vehicles, customers must reach a doctor's office traveling directly provide appropriate child safety seats there in a personal vehicle, it may take according to Pennsylvania state law you two and 1/2 hours to reach the same including; child safety seats for children doctor's office when utilizing BARTA under 4 and a booster seat for children Special Services . between the ages of 4 and 7 . We will not transport passengers on shared-ride Given the reality of long ride times, vehicles if appropriate child safety seats passengers should plan for their individual are not provided . needs accordingly . This may include packing necessary supplies . Please Carry-on Packages note that BARTA is not able to make To ensure timely service, customers are additional stops at rest room facilities and limited to two shopping bags . Drivers the vehicles are not equipped with this will assist customers to the front door of amenity . their place of residence or, if the customers is a resident of an apartment building to If a customer has oxygen or another the front door of the building . If you medical aid, it must be in a pack or be have more than two shopping bags, you able to be properly secured . At times, will be required to carry them yourself . our vehicles are delayed due to traffic, Customers are welcome to bring a auto accidents or unusual circumstances . collapsible shopping cart on board the Customers must have enough oxygen to vehicle . last the duration of their trip . 15 Fares - How Much Do I Pay?
Regular Mileage Based Fares
Mileage Increments Copay PWD Non- Copay ADA under 65 0 Miles - 1 .99 Miles $2 .00 $3 .40 $13 .05 2 Miles - 3 .99 Miles $2 .50 $3 .40 $16 .50 4 Miles - 5 .99 Miles $3 .00 $3 .40 $20 .00 6 Miles - 9 .99 Miles $3 .45 $3 .45 $23 .00 10 Miles - 15 .99 Miles $4 .20 $4 .20 $28 .00 More than 16 .0 Miles $5 .10 $5 .10 $34 .00
Companions Pay Full Fare
16 Cancellations & No Show Policy
Cancelling a Trip not obligated to board until their Customers should inform BARTA at scheduled pick-up time . 610-921-2361 no later than 30 minutes • Even though an individual may prior to your pick-up time to cancel fail to contact BARTA to cancel any trips . Cancellations can be made a trip, the return trip will not be between 6:00 a .m . and 6:00 p .m ., automatically cancelled . The Monday through Friday, or you may return trip will remain on the leave a message during holidays or schedule . non-business hours . Try to call the • BARTA can impose sanctions day before if you will not be able to for a pattern and practice of "No make an appointment . Shows" as listed below: Trips missed by customers for If the customer does not cancel the reasons beyond their control, trip, a "No Show" will be issued . If including trips missed due to BARTA you receive several no shows you driver or system error, will not count may be placed on suspension and not in assessing "No Show" penalties . be able to use the service . (However, the customer must inform BARTA about such circumstance) No Show Policy A "No Show" occurs when a BARTA BARTA will track and document all provided vehicle arrives on-time for customer "No Shows" in customer's a scheduled trip, but the customer files . Before any penalties are elects not to take the trip and has not imposed, BARTA will notify the cancelled the trip ahead of time . customer in writing and provide a list • Customers must, whenever of the "No Show" trips incurred . possible, cancel unwanted trips through the BARTA office at Customers have the right to appeal or 610-921-2361 at least thirty (30) dispute BARTA "No Show" findings . minutes prior to their pick-up time • Customers must be ready to ride, Upon request, BARTA will research waiting at the address used in "No Shows" for customers . scheduling their trip . • If a BARTA vehicle arrives "No Show" Policy Penalties on-time for a scheduled pick-up BARTA can impose sanctions for and after waiting five (5) minutes a pattern and practice of missed the customer is not present, or trips by a customer . A pattern decides not to take the trip, the or practice involves intentional, customer will be considered a repeated, or regular actions, not "No Show" . an isolated, accidental, or singular • On-time is defined as when the incident . A review of a customer's vehicle arrives at your scheduled "No Shows" can occur if there are at pick-up time . If a vehicle least three (3) "No Shows" within a arrives early, the customer is 30-day period . A sanction could be 17 imposed if more than 50% of all trips Appeal Process scheduled during that period were Anytime BARTA must suspend or "No Shows" that were not beyond the terminate a customer's service, that customer's control . customer has the right to appeal BARTA's decision . There is an After one (1) "No Show", BARTA appeal process that will be followed . will issue a documented written Details of the Appeal Process are warning to the customer with a copy available upon request by calling of the "No Show" Policy . BARTA Special Services staff . After two (2) "No Shows" within a 30-day period, BARTA will again Complaint Process issue a documented written warning A complaint is any issue or dispute to the customer . or objection you express to us about our agency or about the coverage, After three (3) "No Shows" within operations or policies . If you have a a 30-day period, AND if more than complaint or compliment about our 50% of all trips scheduled during that services, about how you were treated period were "No Shows" that were by our staff or a driver, or about our not beyond the customer's control, policies and procedures, please tell a one week (7 days) suspension of us . You can call at 610-921-2361 or service may occur . email us at barta@bartabus .com . We will record your complaint, investigate it and respond to you within five (5) days . Copies of the complaint, agency responses/resolutions and corrective action plan will be kept on file .
18 Customer Etiquette
• Remain seated while vehicle is in motion .
• Eating, drinking, and smoking on BARTA vehicles is prohibited .
• Please refrain from using profane language .
• Please keep all electronic devices at a low volume as a courtesy to passengers and the driver . Playing music (except with earphones) is prohibited on BARTA vehicles .
Disruptive Behavior BARTA may discontinue the service of any customer who endangers the safe operation of the vehicle, endangers another passenger, themselves, or the driver . A warning will be issued at least ten (10) days in advance of suspension for no less than thirty (30) days or permanently, depending on the severity of the act .
19 Title VI Program
NOTIFYING THE PUBLIC OF RIGHTS UNDER TITLE VI BERKS AREA REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY
BARTA operates its programs and services without regard to race, color and national origin in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act .
Any person who believes she or he have been subjected to discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin may file a complaint with BARTA .
For more information on BARTA's civil rights program and the procedures to file a complaint, contact BARTA at 610-921-2361 (TDD 610-921-1018); email barta@ bartabus .com; or visit our administrative office at 1700 N . 11th St ., Reading, PA 19604 . For more information, visit http://www .bartabus .com/about/title-vi-lep- policy .
A complainant may file a complaint directly with the Federal Transit Administration by filing a complaint with the Office of Civil Rights, Attention: Title VI Program Coordinator, East Building, 5th Floor-TCR, 1200 New Jersey Ave ., SE, Washington, DC 20590 .
If information is needed in another language contact 610-921-2361 .
NOTIFICANDO AL PÚBLICO DE LOS DERECHOS BAJO EL TÍTULO VI
AUTORIDAD DE TRÁNSITO RED ROSE
BARTA opera sus programas y servicios sin distinción de raza, color y origen nacional con arreglo al título VI de la ley de derechos civiles .
Cualquier persona que cree que él o ella han sido objeto de discriminación por motivos de raza, color o nacionalidad puede presentar una queja con BARTA .
Para más información sobre el programa derechos civiles de BARTA y los procedimientos para presentar una queja, comuníquese con BARTA en 610-921- 2361 (TDD 610-921-1018); correo electrónico barta@bartabus .com;
O visite nuestra oficina administrativa en 1700 N . 11th St, Reading, PA 19604 . Para obtener más información, visite http://www .bartabus .com/about/title-vi-lep-policy .
El demandante puede presentar una queja directamente ante la Administración Federal de tránsito por archivar una queja con la oficina de derechos civiles, atención: Coordinador del programa Título VI, East Building, 5th Floor-TCR, 1200 New Jersey Ave ., SE, Washington, DC 20590 .
20 Equal Employment Opportunity
Policy Statement It is the policy of BARTA that equal employment opportunity will be afforded to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, genetic information, or any other status protected by law . All employment policies and practices including promotion, compensation, training, work assignments and termination shall be in accordance with this policy .
In accordance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act, and following the guidelines of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), it is the policy of BARTA that harassment based on race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, genetic information, or any other protected status will not be tolerated . This includes, but not limited to, actions by supervisors to employees, employees to employees, employees to supervisors, employees to vendors, and/or employees to customers .
BARTA’s No Harassment / No Discrimination Policy (Attachment A) sets forth in detail prohibited conduct and what an employee should do if he or she believes they are a victim of sexual harassment, other harassment, or discrimination .
Violations of BARTA's No Harassment / No Discrimination Policy shall be subject to disciplinary action up to and including discharge from employment . Violations should be reported immediately to the EEO Officer, the Director of Administration & HR and/or the Executive Director, in accordance with the No Harassment / No Discrimination Policy . BARTA will respect and maintain to the maximum extent possible, the confidentiality of the offended party . However, BARTA cannot guarantee confidentiality .
Igualdad de oportunidad de empleo – Declaración
Es la política de BARTA que tendrán oportunidad de empleo igualitaria a todos los individuos sin importar raza, color, religión, credo, origen nacional, sexo, edad, discapacidad, estado civil, información genética o cualquier otra condición protegida por la ley . Todas las políticas de empleo y prácticas incluyendo promoción, remuneración, capacitación, asignaciones de trabajo y terminación será conforme a esta política . Conformidad con el título VII de la ley de derechos civiles de 1964 y la ley sobre relaciones humanas de Pennsylvania y siguiendo las directrices de la Comisión igualdad de oportunidad de empleo (EEOC), que es la política de BARTA ese acoso basado en raza, color, religión, credo, origen nacional, sexo, edad, discapacidad, estado civil, información genética, o cualquier otra condición protegida no será tolerado . Esto incluye, pero no limitado a, las acciones de los supervisores a empleados, empleados a los empleados, los empleados supervisores, empleados a los vendedores o empleados a los clientes . No Hara de BARTA .
21 Senior Free Ride Program on BARTA
Seniors Ride FREE on BARTA
Bus Service The following are Pennsylvania's approved proof of age documents: As part of the Pennsylvania Senior • Driver's License, Citizens Free Ride Program, customers • Birth Certificate or Baptismal 65 years of age or older can ride Certificate FREE on BARTA bus service . • Naturalization Papers, Customers must complete a senior • Passport application to determine eligibility for • Statement from Social Security the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Administration Senior ID Card . Customers must • Armed Forces discharge/Separation present approved proof of age when Papers completing the application . Seniors • Pennsylvania Identification Card may visit BARTA offices to complete an • Resident Alien Card application . BARTA staff will make • Pace Card copies of the appropriate proof of age documents and the Senior ID card will be issued immediately . Customers may also mail an application with a photocopy of the proof of age . BARTA staff will mail the Senior ID card to the customer upon approval .
22 Half-Fare Program for Persons With Disabilities
Half-Fare Program on BARTA Bus Service Persons with Disabilities who have a Medicare card and are under 65 years of age may qualify for the Half-Fare Program on BARTA's fixed-route bus service . If no Medicare card the application must be completed by a professional . A half-fare application must be completed to determine eligibility for the half-fare program . Once approved, the customer can show the half-fare card to the driver to receive the discount fare . The card must be shown each time the customer rides .
Call BARTA at 610-921-2361 to request a Half-Fare Program Application or apply in person at BARTA Special Services Office, 1700 N . 11th St ., Reading, PA 19604 .
Stay Informed! Winter Weather Tips
1 . Check the local radio and TV stations to make sure that Special Services will be operating . The radio stations reporting for BARTA are WRFY (102 .5 FM), WRAW (1320 AM), WLEV-FM (100 .7), WCTO-FM (Cat Country 96), WBYN-FM (107 .5), WODE-FM (99 The Hawk), WBYN-AM (1160), WWYY-FM 107 .1 (107 The Bone), and WMGH-FM (Magic 105 .5) . Television station WFMZ-TV Channel 69 .
2 . Call Special Services at 610-921-2361 as soon as possible to cancel any trips .
3 . Please make sure that a path from your front door to the street is clear of ice and snow . If there is not a safe path to the vehicle, the drivers have been instructed not to provide transportation . This is for your safety as well as the driver .
4 . Please be ready a few minutes earlier than your originally scheduled pick- up time, just in case the driver does arrive early .
23 610-921-2361 • www.bartabus.com
Berks Area Regional Transportation Authority 1700 N. 11th Street, Reading, PA 19604