City of Wichita - Guide to Paratransit (Van) Services for the Disabled Scheduling Van Rides
Tuesday, May 13, 2008 :: Currently 61 degrees in Wichita

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Transit Services
777 E. Waterman
Wichita, KS 67202

Hours:
6AM - 6:30PM, M - F
7AM - 5:30PM, Sat

Phone: (316) 265-7221
TDD: (316) 337-9476

Michael Vinson
Acting General Manager


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Scheduling Van Rides

To schedule trips you must contact the scheduling office between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM at least one day, but not more than seven (7) days, before you need the ride. Trips may be scheduled by calling 352-4828. Trip requests are not taken before 8:00 AM. It is requested that rides for Monday also be scheduled on the preceding Friday; however you may call between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM on Saturday or between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM on Sunday to request rides for the following Monday. Should you choose to request a ride for Monday, on the preceding Sunday, the request will be received by way of an automatic recording device. This may also be the case for ride requests made on Saturday. Even though Wichita Transit offices are not open on Sunday every effort will be made to fit Monday ride requests, which are requested on Saturday or Sunday, into Monday’s van schedules.

When scheduling a trip, please be ready to provide the following information:

  • Your name

  • The date you are traveling

  • Your pick-up address (including business name)

  • Any special pick-up instructions

  • The time you need to be at your destination

  • Your return destination (including business name)

  • If needed, the time of your return trip

  • If a guest or a personal care attendant will be with you

As established by the ADA and the Federal Transit Administration, Wichita Transit may schedule a pick-up a maximum of one hour before the requested pick-up time or a maximum of one hour after the requested pick-up time for the return trip.

Confirming your Trip

Your trip and the 30-minute pick-up window will typically be confirmed at the time you place the trip request (the exception is for new subscription trips). If you are provided the 30-minute pick-up window when you placed the trip request, there is no need to recall special services. If the 30-minute pick-up window is not provided to you at the time of the trip request, you will need to call the day of the trip to get the pick-up window (this will be the case for new subscription trips).

Tips for Scheduling Service

When scheduling trips allow ample time to finish appointments. This is needed so you will be ready to board the vehicle at your scheduled pick-up time. Be aware of opening or closing times at your destination to avoid waiting outside the building before or after business hours. When scheduling your trips, please consider these suggestions:

  • Allow adequate time to reach your destination.

  • Allow extra time for the pick-up and drop-off of other passengers before reaching your destination.

  • Allow for traffic conditions and weather delays.

If you are going to a doctor’s office or other medical appointment, let the person who is making your medical appointment know you will be using WT’s Paratransit Service. Ask them how much time should be allowed for the appointment. This will help you to set your return time. Please allow adequate time for your medical appointment. If you miss your ride home because you under-estimated how long the appointment will take, the needs of other paratransit customers may not allow WT to come back a second time. In this case, you will need to find alternative transportation home. If WT is able to return a second time, the needs of other customers may require that you wait several hours after you completed your appointment. In this case, please be patient. It is your responsibility to determine with your doctor how much time to allow for the medical appointment.

Cancellations/No-Shows

Trips must be cancelled at least one hour before the scheduled pick-up time. It is important to call the scheduling office to cancel trips as soon as possible so others can be scheduled in your place. Trips that are not cancelled at least one hour before the beginning of the 30-minute pick up window shall be considered No-Shows. A No-Show occurs when you fail to board the vehicle during the 30-minute pick-up window.

Return Trip Cancellations

You must cancel your return trip if you cancel or No-Show the first part of your trip. You will receive an additional No-Show for return trips that are not canceled.

Actions Resulting from No-Shows

The following actions will be taken because of No-Shows within any 90-day period:

  • 1st No-Show Written warning accompanied by copy of No-Show policy

  • 2nd No-Show Written warning accompanied by copy of No-Show policy

  • 3rd No-Show $5.00 charge and, if applicable, 30-day loss of subscription service privileges.

  • 4th No-Show 30-day total service suspension and a $5.00 reinstatement charge.

A 6-month suspension from service will be imposed for a second total service suspension received within any 12-month period.

Actions Resulting from Excessive Cancellations

Even when a trip is cancelled a day in advance or at least one hour before the established pick-up window, a pattern of excessive cancellations often times causes the paratransit service not be available at the time other customers desire service. In response to this situation, Wichita Transit has implemented a policy to address a pattern of excessive cancellations. The policy is as follows:

  • Persons canceling more that 50% of their demand (non-subscription) trips for any 30-day period MAY receive 14-day total service suspension.

  • A 45-day suspension from service will be imposed for a second total service suspension received within any 12-month period.

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Related to
Guide to Paratransit (Van) Services for the Disabled
Appeals
Certification of Eligibility
Complaints or Comments
Conclusion
Main
Paratransit Fares
Riding the Paratransit Service
Scheduling Van Rides
Subscription Service
Van Service Hours


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