Rider’s Guide and

Paratransit Policies

December 2016 Revision

Baker City Trolley and its associated service are operated by Northeast Oregon Transit (NEOtransit), a program of Community Connection of Northeast Oregon, Inc.

For more information contact: NEOtransit 2810 Cedar St. Baker City OR 97814 (541)523-7433

TTY: 711 (Relay)

See the website at www.NEOtransit.org for more transportation options

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Table of Contents

SECTION 1 – The TROLLEY Scheduled Route

Catching The TROLLEY 3 What The TROLLEY Does Flex Stops Service Summary Can I Get a Ride? Safety & Courtesy Bus Stops Reference

SECTION 2 –– Limitations

Limitations 5 Animals Carry-on & Assistance Securing Mobility Devices Personal Care Attendants Mobility Devices Paratransit Refusal of Service Other Prohibited Conduct Mobility Devices

SECTION 3 – References

Appendix A 7 Routes and Schedules

Appendix B 9 Paratransit Policy

Appendix C 9 Paratransit Application

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Section One – The TROLLEY Scheduled Route

1.0 CATCHING THE TROLLEY:

1.01 WHAT THE TROLLEY DOES: The TROLLEY endeavors to provide a safe, efficient, courteous and affordable fixed route public transit service in Baker City.

1.02 SERVICE SUMMARY: The TROLLEY runs between the NEOtransit location and St. Alphonsus Medical Center with various stops and points of interest between. The days of operation are Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM.

The TROLLEY is closed on weekends, and on federal holidays.

Please see Appendix A for route maps and schedule details.

1.03 CAN I GET A RIDE? YES!! The TROLLEY is open to ANYONE. All vehicles are equipped with wheelchair lifts; however, if a disabling condition prevents you from using a fixed route, you can also apply to our Paratransit program for mobility accommodations.

1.11 BUS STOPS: Bus stops have been conveniently placed in public areas throughout the community. Every effort is made to keep our on time (The TROLLEY driver stops only long enough to safely board passengers and may not stop at all if there are no passengers at a stop). So it’s always a good idea to arrive at your stop a few minutes early and allow yourself enough time to get to your destination if the bus is a few minutes late. Please allow passengers to get off the bus before you try to board.

When approaching your , be prepared to deboard as soon as the bus comes to a stop. For your safety, please remain seated until the vehicle comes to a complete stop.

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1.12 FLEX STOPS: Catching a TROLLEY doesn’t limit you to a bus stop. At most points along a route you are welcome to flag down the Trolley and the driver will pull over at the nearest safe point and allow you to board. Please flag down the trolley from an intersection corner if possible.

Likewise, it is not necessary to ride to a fixed stop before exiting the bus. Simply tell the driver at what point in the route you’d like to make a Flex Stop to unload, and request stop one block ahead of time, so driver can safely pull over.

We can only flex stop at corner intersections on Main Street between Campbell and Auburn Ave. (see Appendix A for a route map).

1.15 BUS FARES: The TROLLEY features the following rate schedule:

Fare type Individual Family Single use $ 1.00 N/A All Day Unlimited Pass $ 3.00 $5.00 Unlimited Monthly Pass $35.00 $50.00

Children 6 years of age and younger ride free with adult.

The TROLLEY honors all Paratransit and Title XIX passes for fixed route service.

Passengers are required to present with exact to ride the bus. The TROLLEY driver is unable to make change.

1.15 SAFETY, COMFORT & COURTESY: To help make sure that everyone has a safe and comfortable journey, please observe the following travel tips and safety guidelines:

1. Please reserve the seats in the front of the bus for elderly passengers and passengers with disabilities.

2. If your action or behavior creates a hazard, you are subject to removal, citation, or arrest.

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3. Please use media players with earphones only

4. Fold shopping carts and strollers and keep them and other objects out of the aisles.

5. Infants should be held securely on your lap, or placed in your child carrier.

6. Keep all food and beverages in closed containers, and place litter in trash cans.

1.20 REFERENCE: Please see also the following sections related to the TROLLEY System:

Section 2 on Limitations

Appendix A Route and Schedule

Appendix B Paratransit Policy

Appendix C Paratransit Application

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Section Two– Limitations

2.0 LIMITATIONS

2.01 ANIMALS: Service animals are welcome on the TROLLEY. No permit is required, but you may be asked to confirm that your animal is a service animal. You are responsible for the care and supervision of your animal while on board; the animal must be on a leash or in a carrier, and in your control at all times. Birds, Reptiles, amphibians and rodents must be kept in an enclosed carrier. The animal may not sit on a vehicle seat.

No other animals are allowed, unless they are in a carrier.

2.02 CARRY-ON ITEMS AND PASSENGER ASSISTANCE: The TROLLEY’s driver will assist all passengers who require the use of our ADA lifts and equipment. Upon request, the driver will assist passengers in or deboarding from the bus.

The driver will NOT assist with a passenger’s carry-on items. Carry on items are limited to those parcels that a passenger can load, unload and stow safely (in the driver’s estimation) for .

2.03 PERSONAL CARE ATTENDANTS: The TROLLEY happily provides free rides to the care attendant of a passenger with a disability (based on his or her paid fare) we do not provide, refer or recommend care attendants.

2.04 MOBILITY DEVICES: We will not transport any mobility device that exceed the capacity of our equipment. Wheelchairs must fit entirely within the width of our ramp/lifts (including helper ringer on wheels). We will likewise not attempt a boarding where the combined weight of a rider and device exceeds equipment specifications. If you have a large mobility device please call for an evaluation before making a ride request.

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2.045 SECURING MOBILITY DEVICES: Passengers with Disabilities have the option of having their wheelchair or scooter secured in fixed route services. The TROLLEY’s driver (and only the driver) will be responsible for securing your mobility device into our vehicle. In addition, we encourage all of our passengers to take advantage of our shoulder restraints and lap belts.

2.05 PARATRANSIT: NEOtransit of Baker’s Paratransit service provides mobility accommodation for people who are prevented from using the fixed route system due to a disabling condition. Applications for the origin- to-destination Paratransit service are available at the NEOtransit-Baker offices at 2810 Cedar St., Baker City, Oregon. See Appendix B.

2.06 REFUSAL OF SERVICE: The TROLLEY shall not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, age, marital status, or national origin. We maintain the right to refuse based upon (but not limited to):  Intoxication  Illegal conduct  Belligerence or disruptive behavior (disability unrelated)  Anyone who’s actions compromise the operators attention  Any passenger with any type of bodily or fluid discharge that is not, or cannot be contained in the appropriate manner.

In addition to these restrictions, The TROLLEY will NOT transport anyone with a medical emergency (unless the emergency occurs during transit, boarding or deboarding from the bus).

2.07 OTHER PROHIBITED CONDUCT: In addition to the items listed in the foregoing, a passenger may not:  Smoke or spit on the bus  Fight, push, shout or engage in rough behavior  Use vulgar or offensive language  Throw objects  Engage in illegal activity  Carry hazardous objects, firearms or weapons  Transport caustic, flammable or poisonous materials

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 Transport any material that may harm others, could spill or has an offensive odor Section Three – Appendixes and References

Appendix A – Regular Route and Schedule

Appendix B – Paratransit Policy

Appendix C – Paratransit Application

APPENDIX A –Regular Route and Schedule

(Stops on the following minutes of each hour)

Stop # West East Interests Nearby bound bound 1 NEOtransit :00 :55 Community Connection, Community Action Agency 2 Campbell & :02 --- Baker Towne Square - Albertsons, Cherry Movie Gallery; Safeway 3 Main & Court :09 :49 Downtown Historic Baker City

4 4th & Mitchell :13 :41 Residential, South Baker area

5 2nd & Auburn :21 :37 Courthouse; Baker Middle School

6 4th & Court :22 :36 Salvation Army

7 Broadway & 6th :23 :35 Dept. of Human Services; Baker High School 8 10th & E St. :27 :33 Doctor Clinics; Health Dept.; shopping 9 St. Alphonsus $28 :30 Doctor Clinics; Health Dept.; Medical Center shopping

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APPENDIX A –Regular Route and Schedule (cont’d)

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APPENDIX B – PARATRANSIT POLICY

1.0 SYSTEM OVERVIEW

1.01 - WHAT IS 'PARATRANSIT'? Sometimes the transit industry uses terms to describe services that those who use them don’t understand. While we have made efforts to keep this publication free of jargon, it is often necessary to use a term that demonstrates our compliance with a common standard (such as Americans with Disabilities Act provisions). The following list is provided for your ease of reference where technical terminology was unavoidable.

Paratransit – Paratransit refers to a service that people who can’t use a regular fixed route due to a disabling condition. (Picking up and delivering eligible passengers who call in advance to schedule a ride).

Demand Response – is the term for the model we use to provide our Paratransit service. It means that we pick you up at the address you request and take you to that address. We will provide the necessary level of service to provide your ride from origin-to-destination.

Eligibility – Eligibility is the process by which a rider can apply to use our Paratransit service. We are looking for level of ability to assist us in making a determination, not a specific diagnosis.

1.02 SERVICE SUMMARY: The mission of Paratransit is to integrate people of all abilities into public transit and the larger community. We are obligated under the Americans with Disabilities Act to strictly limit Paratransit to those who are “PREVENTED” from using a fixed route due to a disabling condition. By definition, Paratransit is not for those who are inconvenienced or have difficulty with a fixed route service.

Paratransit is open to eligible passengers who have applied for and been approved to use bus service in our service area. Our vehicles are equipped with a wheelchair lift or ramp and feature ADA securement

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1.03 CAN I GET A LIFT? If a disabling condition prevents you from using a fixed route service, Paratransit is for you! Eligibility is based on your capabilities, not a specific diagnosis. An application is available at our office at 2810 Cedar St., Baker City OR, and comes in alternative format(s) upon request. All information is kept confidential. You will be notified in writing of an eligibility finding no later than 21 days after we receive your application. Incomplete or illegible applications will be returned for revision. Even if you live outside our service area, you may apply to use the service for those times when you are in the area.

1.04 HOURS OF SERVICE: The Paratransit service operates during the same days and hours as The Trolley fixed route service.

1.05 SERVICE AREA: The service area of Paratransit is ¾ of a mile from any fixed route point. In general, Paratransit in Baker City covers the area within the city limits. (See Section 3 for a route map).

1.06 TYPES OF ELIGIBILITY There are four possible outcomes to a review of your eligibility application: Eligible, Ineligible or Conditionally Eligible.

1.061 Temporary Eligibility Temporary Eligibility usually occurs the first time you call. After an informal interview a call taker may find you have an eligible condition. If so, you are considered Temporarily Eligible until we receive and review your application. Temporary Eligibility will expire in 21 days or when a more formal finding has been made.

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1.062 Eligibility Eligibility is a finding resulting from review of your application indicating you have a mobility limiting condition that prevents use of a fixed route system and is not likely to improve.

Eligibility is good for up to three years (a review coming on or around your birthday). You will need to reapply at the time that your eligibility is up.

1.063 Conditional Eligibility: Conditional eligibility is found to exist when a passenger is prevented from using a fixed route for some, but not all trips. For example, a passenger with a knee replacement may be able to use a fixed route during the summer but prevented by terrain hazards from doing so during the winter.

In the event that Conditional Eligibility is found, the Paratransit identification card will note the conditions under which a passenger is eligible to ride.

1.064 Ineligible Ineligibility is the result of an application that does not demonstrate a mobility or other limiting condition that prevents a rider from using the fixed route transit system. Applicants who have been found ineligible may appeal the finding (see 1.08 Denial, Review and Appeals).

1.07 DETERMINATION OF ELIGIBILITY: When we get your application we’ll make an eligibility determination (including your category of service) within 21 days. You’ll receive notification in writing or an accessible format, if requested. If you’re found eligible we’ll send you an ID card featuring your name, expiration date and conditions of your eligibility. It is important to inspect the card for errors and keep it in a safe place (as you may be asked to present it in order to ride).

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1.08 DENIAL REVIEW AND APPEALS: If you are denied eligibility for Paratransit services and you disagree with the outcome, you may request a review by Community Connection’s local County Manager. He or she may gather other facts to reach a finding. His or her conclusion will be provided to you in writing (or accessible format upon request) within 30 days. The decision of the County Manager is final.

1.10 HOW TO USE THE PARATRANSIT SYSTEM:

1.11 SCHEDULING A RIDE: Trip planners are available to take your call at (541) 523-7433 on Monday thru Friday from 8 AM to 4:30 PM. Simply schedule your trip 4HOURS IN ADVANCE. For your convenience, we’ll consider your reservation up to 14 days in advance.

1.12 TYPES OF TRIPS: We offer three types of trips, Simple, Compound & Subscription. 1.121 Simple Trips Simple trips are from one point to another and back. A trip to the Post Office and back home is a simple trip.

1.122 Compound Trips Compound trips are those that require more stops. From home to the post office, the post office to the bank, the bank to the grocery store and the grocery store to home is a compound trip. Compound trips are NOT eligible for Subscription service.

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2.123 Subscription Trips Frequent riders can schedule on-going rides on a subscription or “standing order” basis provided they meet two conditions: 1) It must be a simple trip occurring at the same time, same day of each week. 2) It must occur weekly (or more frequently).

The advantage to subscripting a trip is that you will not need to call in a day in advance to reserve it. Subscriptions expire after 30 days but can be renewed.

1.13 READY TO ROLL? Your Paratransit appointment is our best estimate of your position on our schedule. You must be ready to ride TEN MINUTES before a pickup. Likewise, we may be running as much as TEN MINUTES late on any given day.

1.135 Courtesy Window: It is our policy to give you a two minute courtesy window (meaning we will wait two minutes beyond your scheduled pickup time for you to appear before proceeding on to our next scheduled rider).

However, if the Courtesy Window closes before you appear for your appointment, your trip will be booked as a “no-show” (see Section 1.17) and you will need to book another appointment to ride. Our drivers are not available to return.

The driver can assist you on and off the bus. Likewise, on a case by case basis, he or she may assist you to the door of your house or destination. However, our driver will NEVER leave the line of sight from his or her vehicle.

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1.14 BUS FARE: Paratransit costs $2.00 per direction ($4.00 Round Trip). A Day Pass is $6.00. An unlimited monthly pass is $70.00

1.15 CARRY ON ITEMS: You may carry on those items which can be safely secured, and which you can load and unload independently. While a driver may assist you on and off the vehicle, we will not “help you in with the groceries.” The driver will never leave a line of sight with his or her vehicle.

1.16 PERSONAL CARE ATTENDANTS: Paratransit will transport a personal care attendant free of charge with your paid fair. Public Transit will not provide you with a care provider, nor can our driver fill this role.

1.17 GUEST RIDERS: Companions who are not Paratransit eligible and are not care providers may be transported with you. However, each must pay an individual fare (see Section 1.14).

1.18 CANCELLATION AND NO-SHOWS: If you are unable to make a scheduled ride, you must notify us by calling the office at least fifteen minutes before your scheduled pickup time to avoid a “no-show”. Our drivers CAN NOT make scheduling changes. If you need to cancel a ride outside of office hours, please dial (541) 523- 7433 to leave a voice mail message.

If a passenger receives two no-show rides within any 30 day period he or she will be notified in writing that additional no-shows in the following 30 days may result in suspension of service.

A No-Show on a subscripted trip may result in the automatic cancellation of future subscriptions.

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2.0 LIMITATIONS

2.01 ANIMALS: With the exception of a disability service animal, it is required that animals be transported in carriers.

2.02 REFUSAL OF SERVICE: NEOtransit Baker shall not discriminate based on any protected status. We maintain the right to refuse service based upon (but not limited to):

 Intoxication  Illegal conduct  Belligerence or disruptive behavior (disability unrelated)  Actions that compromise the safety of the driver or other passengers  Any passenger with any type of bodily or fluid discharge that is not, or cannot be contained in the appropriate manner.

A passenger denied service for cause has the same rights of review and appeal as a passenger found ineligible for service under provision 1.08.

2.03 MOBILITY DEVICES: To be eligible for transport, wheelchairs and scooters must fit within the parameters of our ADA compliant equipment (30 inches wide, 48 inches long and weighing no more than 600 pounds – chair and occupant). If you have a scooter or large wheelchair, please call for an evaluation before making a ride request.

2.04 SECURING MOBILITY DEVICES: Paratransit requires all mobility devices to be secured. The (and only the driver) will be responsible for securing your mobility device into our vehicle. In addition, we encourage all of our passengers with mobility devices to take advantage of the shoulder restraints and lap belts featured in our ADA accessible vehicles.

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2.05 OTHER PROHIBITED CONDUCT: In addition to the items listed in the foregoing, a passenger may not:

 Eat, drink, smoke or spit on the bus  Fight, push, shout or engage in rough behavior  Use vulgar or offensive language  Throw objects  Engage in illegal activity  Carry hazardous objects, firearms or weapons  Transport caustic, flammable or poisonous materials  Transport any material that may harm others, could spill or has an offensive odor

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APPENDIX C – PARATRANSIT APPLICATION

INTRODUCTION …

The mission of Community Connection’s Paratransit system is to integrate people of all abilities into public transit and the larger community we serve. We are obligated under the Americans with Disabilities Act to strictly limit Paratransit to people who are “PREVENTED” from using a fixed route due to a disabling condition. By definition, Paratransit is not for those who are inconvenienced or have difficulty with the conventional public transit operation.

In addition to this application, Community Connection may send a staff member to perform a functional assessment of your mobility needs. Paratransit eligibility is based on the individual abilities of our applicants, not a specific diagnosis. If an assessment is requested, it will be conducted at no cost to you (including transit to and from related appointments).

Paratransit is offered in a corridor ¾ of a mile on either side of a fixed route line. Both the origin and destination must be within the corridor to be considered a Paratransit eligible trip. Community Connection’s trip planners will consider both factors (passenger eligibility and trip eligibility) when scheduling a ride.

………INSTRUCTIONS

Please complete the following questions and return your application to: NEOtransit - Baker 2810 Cedar St. Baker City OR 97814

Assistance in completing this application (or alternate format) is available upon request. All information contained in this application is kept strictly confidential.

You will be notified of our findings in writing no later than 21 days after we receive your completed application. During the review process we may send you additional waivers or other documents that allow us to communicate with medical and other service professionals for verification (or interpretation) of statements made in this application. Community Connection will ask you for personal or private information over the phone.

Incomplete or illegible applications will be returned without starting the 21 day response clock.

PLEASE SEE APPLICATION FORM INSERTED INTO THIS BOOKLET. If no form is present please contact the NEOtransit office at 523-7433. TTY: 711 (Relay)

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