Paratransit Scheduling Application

[ Registration ] [ Service Policy ] [ Scheduling Rides ]

PARATRANSIT TIMES OF OPERATION
Paratransit is available 24 hours a day, Monday through Friday during the fall and spring semesters, and from 7:30 AM to 6:45 PM during the summer while classes are in session. For rides before and after the Paratransit service hours please call (301) 314-NITE.

Paratransit is not available during the winter and spring breaks as well as between semesters. The service is for academic purposes, such as getting to classes and libraries.

REGISTRATION

People with a permanent disability should register for Paratransit service through Disability Support Services (301) 314-7682 or TTY (301) 314-7683.

People with temporary disabilities, such as broken legs or sprained ankles, should register at the Health Center (301) 314-8180.

PARATRANSIT SERVICE POLICY

GENERAL INFORMATION
The University of Maryland, Department of Transportation Services (DOTS) Shuttle-UM provides paratransit service, which is a curb-to-curb, on demand, and subscription service available to all students, faculty, staff, and visitors with disabilities.  DOTS Shuttle-UM recognizes and services those persons with disabilities registered with Disability Support Services (DSS) and/or the University Health Center (UHC).  Private physicians can diagnose injuries but these diagnoses must be verified by the UHC or DSS.  In addition, passengers must register with DOTS Shuttle-UM.  

TIMES OF SERVICE
During the fall and spring academic semesters, paratransit service hours are twenty-four (24) hours a day Monday through Friday and 12:00 pm through 7:30 am Saturday and Sunday. During summer sessions, paratransit service hours are twenty-four (24) hours a day Monday through Friday and on the weekends 5:30 PM until 7:30 AM.  Advanced, subscription scheduling is available Monday through Friday during the fall and spring academic semesters and summer and winter sessions. All other rides are given by calling 301-314-2255. When the University is closed, none of our transit services are running, including paratransit. 

OBTAINING CERTIFICATION

UHC-evaluated passengers

* Service will only be provided through the end service date and it is the responsibility of the passenger to get an extension on his/her certification.

DSS-evaluated passengers
1.   Obtain certification from DSS  (DSS will contactu Shuttle-UM).
2.   On the initial ride, the passenger will be given a Paratransit Passenger Registration form.  The passenger must return the signed form before he/she can utilize the service again.
3.   Once the registration form is completed and returned to DOTS Shuttle-UM, the passenger can schedule his/her rides through the rest of the semester.

SCHEDULING RIDES WITH DOTS SHUTTLE-UM
Every effort is made to meet the needs of our passengers.  However, the practical reality is that the schedule can fill up quickly.  As a result, paratransit scheduling occurs on a first come, first served basis.  Priority is established by the date on which the trip is scheduled.  DOTS Shuttle-UM prefers you request your ride at least one week in advance.  However, ride requests can be made as late as one hour before your first ride.  Call to confirm your ride(s) for the day at least one (1) hour in advance at the first scheduled ride.  Same day trips can also be scheduled by contacting DOTS Shuttle-UM Dispatch at   301-314-2255.  Rides may be scheduled through our Paratransit Scheduling Application online.  Go to www.transportation.umd.edu and click on the link to schedule rides.

Please note that due to periodic increases in service, some passengers may experience scheduling problems.  Every available option will be considered in an effort to provide service to passengers.  However, in the event that no viable option is possible, the passenger must consider alternative means of transportation, or ask to be placed on a waitlist for the ride.  A denied trip is any trip that can not be scheduled at the requested time and at any other reasonable time during the day.

Changes and cancellations should also be made through the Paratransit Scheduling Application.  Please make cancellations and changes as early as possible.  Same day trip cancellations must be done at least 30 minutes prior to scheduled pick up time.  Cancelled paratransit rides may only be reinstated if the schedule permits.  Passengers may also cancel rides by calling our dispatcher at 301-314-2255.

NO SHOW POLICY
A “no show” will be documented when a passenger;

A passenger will be given two (2) grace no shows.  On the third no show, he/she will be charged $20.00 to his/her student account through the Student I.D given at registration time.  Each additional no show will result in a fine of $20.00.

CONFIRMING RIDES FOR THE DAY
All paratransit passengers must call to confirm their ride(s) for the day one hour before their first scheduled pick-up.  If a passenger does not show for his/her first ride and does not call to confirm his/her ride(s), a “no show” will be documented and all rides will be cancelled for the day.

SERVICE AREA
The service area for paratransit is limited to University property and the following apartment complexes: University Courtyards, Graduate Hills/Graduate Gardens, University House, South Campus Commons, all Fraternity/Sorority houses and College Park/Knox Towers.  Passengers outside of the service boundary are not eligible for paratransit service to and from the University unless their pick-up/drop-off locations are directly on a route serviced by DOTS Shuttle-UM transit services, and only at times when that route is in service.

PARATRANSIT VEHICLE PASSENGERS
Paratransit service is provided to students, faculty, and staff who are Registered and Certified with DSS/UHC and DOTS Shuttle-UM.  Personal Care Attendants (PCAs) and/or service animals are allowed to accompany a passenger.  PCA’s are not allowed to use the service themselves.  Visitors to the University who require paratransit service will be given a maximum three (3) days of service.  Beyond three days, proper registration, and certification will be required.

PASSENGER TIMELINESS
Paratransit passengers are encouraged to be at their pick-up locations as early as possible.  The paratransit van may be at the pick-up location up to five (5) minutes early and, time permitting, will wait up to five (5) minutes for a passenger.   If a passenger is over five (5) minutes late to a scheduled pick-up, a “no show” will be documented and any remaining rides for the day will be cancelled.  In addition, the passenger must call DOTS Shuttle-UM Dispatch to reinstate all ride(s) for the rest of the day, and will only be rescheduled if ride times are still available.

WHILE INSIDE THE VEHICLE
Each Paratransit vehicle is equipped with a wheelchair lift and securements which must be worn at all times unless a passenger requests not to be secured.  Seatbelts are also available, and are produced upon request.

VIOLATIONS OF THE PARATRANSIT POLICY
If a passenger “no shows” any ride, his/her remaining ride(s) will be cancelled for the rest of the day.  If a passenger accumulates two “no-shows”, he/she will be contacted through email and letter.  On the third “no show”, the passenger will be fined $20.00.  Additionally, the passenger will be fined $20.00 for every “no show” incurred thereafter.  After two (2) weeks of consecutive “no shows” DOTS will assume that the passenger no longer requires paratransit service and will cancel his/her schedule.  If a passenger is consistently late to his/her pickups, he/she will be contacted to discuss and update the existing schedule.  In the event that a paratransit passenger believes that he/she has received substandard service from a DOTS staff member, the passenger may contact the Public Relations Manager by calling 301-314-2019.

DOTS operates on a three (3) strike policy: The DOTS staff member involved will document the first two incidents of passenger misconduct and a warning letter will be sent to the passenger.  In the event of a third instance of passenger misconduct, the passenger will receive a suspension of service letter which will be in place until the issues are resolved.  All violations of the paratransit policies will be reviewed individually.

Paratransit Scheduling Application