www.prairiehillstransit.org
Passenger Information Handbook Policies, Guidelines
and Helpful Information
Table of Contents
INTENT OF PASSENGER HANDBOOK Page 4
IN-TOWN SERVICE HOURS Page 5
DISPATCH/SCHEDULING HOURS Page 6
Dispatch/Scheduling/Telephone numbers for your community
SCHEDULING RIDES Page 7
Request service
Book-A-Ride system
Service and schedule to Rapid City
REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY-TO-CITY SERVICE Page 7
HOLIDAY SERVICE Page 8
RECURRENTLY SCHEDULED RIDES Page 9
CANCELLING RIDES Page 9
SCHEDULING PICKUP AND RETURN TRIPS Page 9
CURB-TO-CURB SERVICE Page 10
SPEARFISH TROLLEY SERVICE Page 11
NO-SHOW POLICY Page 11
LATE CANCELLATION POLICY Page 12
FARES Page 13
Cash Fares
Tickets
REFUSING SERVICE Page 14
APPEAL PROCESS Page 14
SEAT BELT POLICY Page 15
Child passenger restraint system
MOBILITY DEVICE SECUREMENT Page 15
ESCORTS/GUESTS Page 15
WEATHER Page 15
Discontinuing service due to weather conditions Page 16
Winter riding tips
Severe weather passenger guide
Proper and adequate clothing
SERVICE FOR MOBILITY DEVICE USERS Page 17
Mobility device securement
Assisting passengers in mobility device
SERVICES NOT OFFERED Page 17
INDIVIDUALS WITH SERVICE ANIMALS Page 18
RETURNED CHECK CHARGES AND POLICIES Page 18
Nonpayment of billed charges
HELPFUL SUGGESTIONS WHEN RIDING THE BUS Page 18
CONTACT INFORMATION Page 19
E-mail addresses
ADA GUIDELINE IINFORMATION Page 20
INTENT OF PASSENGER HANDBOOK
West River Transit Authority, d/b/a Prairie Hills Transit, a nonprofit corporation, is pleased to serve the residents of Butte, Custer, Fall River, Lawrence, and Meade counties along with limited service in Pennington County with public transit service. You can be of any age to use our service. This service has a set of policies that its passengers must follow.
Thank you for being a part of the Prairie Hills Transit’s community of riders. We hope your trips with us are a pleasurable experience.
This booklet, also available on our web site at www.prairiehillstransit.org, provides policies pertaining to passenger responsibilities for using our service.
It is for the benefit of all passengers and the long-term survival of the transit system itself that policies regarding passenger responsibilities are followed. The policies in this booklet are simple to follow, and also critical to the efficiency and effectiveness of our system. Passengers who are “no shows” or do not comply with the late cancellation policy are, in effect, causing higher fares and a less efficient system for the other passengers riding Prairie Hills Transit. Prairie Hills Transit makes every effort to recover the additional costs caused by non-complying passengers.
All passenger policies will be enforced in a consistent fair manner. If you feel you have been dealt with unfairly, an appeals process and telephone comment number is also included in this booklet.
Our professional bus operators hold a Commercial Operators License (CDL) and our buses are inspected annually by officers from the South Dakota Highway Patrol.
The goal of Prairie Hills Transit is to satisfy the transportation needs of residents of all ages by providing safe and affordable public transit services. In accomplishing this, Prairie Hills Transit will honor the following values:
Professionalism – Honesty – Integrity – Respect – Dignity
** No one shall be denied a ride based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, political affiliation, or belief in any other consideration prohibited by law. Any person who believes that he or she has been discriminated against in the transit system should contact the Prairie Hills Transit Executive Director between the hours of 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. at 605-642-6668, or by mail at:
Prairie Hills Transit, 2015 Tumble Weed Trail, Spearfish, SD 57783.
IN-TOWN SERVICE HOURS AS OF OCTOBER 1, 2010
All requests for rides should be made within the time schedule for your community.
Belle Fourche
Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Custer
Monday through Friday 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Deadwood and Lead
Seven days a week 6:15 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Service is in and between Deadwood and Lead.
Edgemont
Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Hot Springs
Monday through Friday 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Spearfish
Monday through Friday 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Sunday 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Sturgis
Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Whitewood
Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Must call one business day in advance to make arrangements.
Routine service will not be provided on the following holidays:
- New Year’s Day
- Memorial Day
- July 4th
- Labor Day
- Thanksgiving
- Christmas Day
Service may be available for dialysis in all communities. Service may be available for employment trips in Deadwood/Lead. Contact dispatch for verification of availability of service on holidays.
Dispatch/Scheduling telephone numbers for your community are:
· Butte County residents: 642-6668 (or toll-free 877-673-3687)
· Custer County residents: toll-free 877-673-3687
· Fall River County residents: toll-free 877-673-3687
· Lawrence County residents: 642-6668
· Meade County residents: 347-0086, or 642-6668
~ After-hours voice mail for all communities is 605-642-6668. (Weekend messages will be retrieved on Monday morning.) ~
Dispatch/Scheduling hours
To schedule a ride you may use our online booking or call the dispatch telephone number for your area. To be assured of transit availability, please schedule your ride 24 hours in advance. Early scheduling helps us accommodate your needs. The dispatch/scheduling office is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. – closed weekends and holidays.
Messages are taken at 642-6668 for all calls made when dispatch/scheduling is not available. This is not a toll-free number in some communities.
SCHEDULING RIDES
Request Service:
Rides are to be scheduled in advance, the prior business day by 3:00 P.M. Rides scheduled in advance will take precedence over same-day requests if space on the bus is an issue.
Requests for rides on the same day or for demand-response rides may not always be available due to advanced rides taking precedence. Or you may have to adjust your pick-up times. Same-day service requests may result in higher fares. Requests for the same-day service after 3 p.m. are only accepted at the discretion of the dispatcher after considering all availability factors.
Rides that occur on a regular basis may be arranged with dispatch to be recurrent, requiring only one call with the comfort of knowing your bus ride will be scheduled in the future without having to arrange it daily. This is especially convenient in regards to regularly scheduled school transportation, employment, childcare, physical therapy, dialysis or church activity. Each community has consistently scheduled group shopping trips to various locations throughout the community. Coordination for shopping trips with the seniors’ shopping schedule is appreciated and to everyone’s economic advantage. Please call dispatch to find out your community’s shopping schedule, ask for a brochure for your community, or visit the schedule section on the PHT website.
Request-A-Ride scheduling is available on our web site, www.prairiehillstransit.org, for your convenience. The above policies apply to that scheduling procedure. You will be sent a confirmation e-mail on your ride arrangements. If you need help in how to use this convenient service, please call.
All appointments must be scheduled to fit in the service hours for your community, and if a ride home is needed, it must start no later than 30 minutes before the ending service hour for your community. If your appointment will run later than 30 minutes before closing, you need to contact dispatch to possibly adjust the schedule to accommodate a late pickup or to notify them that you will make other arrangements for a ride. You may be charged an additional fare for out-of-service-hours transportation.
Service and schedule to Rapid City from your community
Rapid City trips are usually an all-day trip, with departure and return times depending on appointments. Riders should be able to operate independently or have an attendant. Please notify dispatch/scheduling if you use a mobility device and will need a lift-equipped vehicle.
· All reservations are needed by 2:00 p.m. the previous business day.
· Appointments must be between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
· Go to shop, visit or have lunch with family and friends, or enjoy the scenery.
Contact dispatch for information on the weekday fixed-route Interstate-90 commuter schedule.
* IMPORTANT *
Medical appointment time must be between 10am - 2pm. Call at least one business day in advance to schedule a ride.
Northern Hills Schedule:
Medical Trips to Rapid City from any Northern Hills City Mon / Wed / Friday
Deadwood/Lead/Central City to Spearfish Thursday
Whitewood to any Northern Hills city (except Rapid City) Thursday
Newell/Vale/Nisland to any Northern Hills City Tues./Thurs.
Southern Hills Schedule:
Edgemont / Hot Springs to Rapid City 1st & 3rd Friday
Edgemont to Hot Springs 1st & 3rd Tuesday
Custer to Rapid City 1st & 3rd Thursday
No community-to-community service will be provided on the following holidays:
New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day
Contact dispatch/scheduling for the availability of community-to-community transportation for dialysis appointments.
Regularly scheduled rides:
For your convenience, riders who require regular transportation service (work, therapy, school, etc.) may schedule with a recurring reservation. Contact dispatch with your schedule for up-to-a-year-in-advance reservations. Please notify dispatch no later than one hour in advance if you will not need your pick-up or you will be charged for “no show” and possible late cancellation fees as per the policies on pages 11 and 12.
Canceling rides:
To cancel a ride, passengers must call the Prairie Hills Transit office at least one hour before scheduled pick-up time. If you do not call one hour in advance, you will be charged half fare as explained in the Late Cancellation policy. If you need to cancel a ride after the dispatch office has closed, you may call after hours (605-642-6668) and leave a message. After-hours messages are checked at 7 a.m. Monday through Friday. Leave a message clearly stating rider name, scheduled pick-up date and time, your contact phone number and your desire to cancel the ride. For rescheduling a ride, please contact dispatch during business hours for availability of service. See Page 9.
Scheduling pick-up and return trips:
· Prairie Hills Transit makes every effort to arrive as close to the scheduled pick-up time as possible. Due to the nature of the service, arrival times will vary (for things such as weather delays, road conditions, traffic congestion, etc.). A 20-minute window has been established to everyone’s benefit. Please keep this 20-minute window in mind when scheduling your pickup time for time-sensitive appointments. Please notify dispatch of your personal needs for the amount of time you need to safely enter or exit the bus, and if you will need the lift equipment, as this time will be factored into the pickup schedule.
· All passengers should anticipate an early arrival of up to 10 minutes, or the possibility of 10 minutes after the scheduled pick-up time.
Example: If you schedule a 9:30 a.m. pick-up, the bus may arrive as early as 9:20 a.m. so you should be prepared to leave by then. Or the bus may be delayed, so be prepared to wait until 9:40 a.m. for the bus arrival. All bus operators will wait three (3) minutes past arrival before leaving without the passenger.
If you have an unexpected delay, please call dispatch as soon as possible to make arrangements to adjust your pick-up time subject to availability.
· When the appointment is completed, notify the Prairie Hills Transit office that you are available for early return. Every effort will be made to pick up the passenger as soon as possible, but if the demand for service does not allow, passengers will be picked up as soon as feasible. If you are not picked up within 10 minutes of the time given for your pick-up, please do not hesitate to contact dispatch for updated information.
· Please follow the above policies to assure all Prairie Hills Transit’s clients reach their destinations in the timeliest manner.
CURB-TO-CURB SERVICE
Prairie Hills Transit provides curb-to-curb service. Curb-to-curb means we will pick you up at the curb of the location of your choice and you arrive at the curb of the destination of your choice. (In rare cases, some locations may not be accessible to PHT vehicles.)
The following policies explain the meaning and intent of curb-to-curb service.
Private Homes:
· Prairie Hills Transit bus operators will not enter private homes for any reason.
· Bus operators may assist passengers only from the curb to the vehicle or lift, and from the vehicle or lift to the curb at drop-off.
Business/Medical Facilities/Public Buildings:
· Prairie Hills Transit bus operators may assist passengers into and from the inside door. Due to extreme temperatures in entryways, bus operators may assist passengers through the second door when necessary. Bus operators will not assist passengers past this point.
· When picking up passengers from a business/medical facility, bus operators may go through the first door. Bus operators will not go past this point.
· It is the responsibility of the rider’s personal care attendant/provider to ensure that passengers are waiting inside the door for their ride.
· Bus operators will not enter nursing homes, medical facilities, shopping centers or businesses in an attempt to find passengers. Passengers must be waiting at the designated pick-up point prior to their pick-up time or the no-show policy will apply.
· With School and Junior Transportation, bus operators may not leave the bus unattended to look for your child.
SPEARFISH TROLLEY SERVICE
At this time the trolley is not operating with designated days/times/stops. If fixed routes are in place, the same policies apply for trolley rides as for buses.
NO SHOW POLICY
Any passenger who is not at their designated pick-up point within three (3) minutes after their appointed scheduled ride time will be considered a “no show” and the bus operator will continue with the daily schedule after verifying whether you contacted dispatch. Drivers will not return at a later time unless the passenger contacts dispatch for the next available pick-up time. Prairie Hills Transit may not be able to accommodate all return requests as the service schedule cannot always be adjusted. If you anticipate not needing or being late for your scheduled pick-up, please call our office to prevent paying a no-show fare and to be assured the best possible alternate pick-up schedule. An after-hours answering service is available.
No show penalties:
· First offense –
Passengers will be notified by mail that they were a no-show and will be billed for the fare. Restitution will be required before being allowed to ride again. * No notification will be sent after the first offense. *
· Second offense –
Passenger will be expected to pay the no-show fare and the current ride fare in order to schedule a ride again. Riding privileges will be suspended until restitution is made.
· Third offense –
Restitution for no-show ride is expected, and riding privileges will be suspended for seven (7) business days.
· Fourth offense –
Restitution for no-show ride with suspension of riding privileges for fourteen (14) business days.
· Fifth offense –
Restitution for no-show ride; suspension of riding privileges for six (6) months, or rider must prepay fares with a wheel ticket held by Prairie Hills Transit which will be charged for any trips, late cancellations (less than 1 hour before pick-up) and no-shows.
Offenses are cleared after 30 days from the last offense if there are no additional offenses. Rider will then be restored to full riding privileges.
LATE CANCELLATION POLICY
If a ride is not cancelled a minimum of one hour before the scheduled pick-up time, a late cancellation penalty will be enforced. Rides you will not need should be cancelled as soon as possible for best use of Prairie Hills Transit vehicles and for the consideration of other passengers whose ride would be shorter of the bus did not stop for a rider who does not intend to ride.
Late Cancellation Penalties – rides cancelled within one hour of pick-up time
· First offense –
Passengers will be notified by mail that they were a late cancellation and will be billed for ½ the fare. Restitution will be required before being allowed to ride again.
· Second offense – * No notification will be sent after the first offense. *
Passenger must pay ½ the late fare and the current ride fare in order to schedule a ride again. Riding privileges will be suspended until restitution is made.
· Third offense –
Restitution for the late cancellation, and riding privileges will be suspended for seven (7) business days.
· Fourth offense –
Restitution for the late-cancellation with suspension of riding privileges for fourteen (14) business days.
· Fifth offense –
Restitution for the late-cancellation; suspension of riding privileges for six (6) months, or rider must prepay fares with a wheel ticket held by Prairie Hills Transit which will be charged for any trips, late cancellations (less than 1 hour before pick-up) and no-shows.
Offenses are cleared after 30 days from the last offense if there are no additional offenses. Rider will then be restored to full riding privileges.
FARES
All passengers are required to pay one fare for each one-way ride. Fares may be paid with a ticket or cash. Passengers 60 and over, living independently in their own home, may ride for a donation of any amount, but a donation is expected. Suggested donation for in-town rides is $1.50 each way. All passengers living in an assisted-living facility or nursing home are required to pay a fare according to a pre-arranged contract with the facility or the fare schedule for their facility. If a passenger under 60 years of age does not have a ticket or cash fare, service will not be provided unless other arrangements have been made through the PHT administrative office. If an individual over the age of 60 is unable to afford transportation service, arrangements can be made at the Prairie Hills Transit office or by calling 642-65668.
Standard Public Fare is as follows, but please review your community’s fare schedule as outlined in your city’s brochure or listed on the web site:
· In-town one-way ride $1.50 (exact amount needed for driver)
· Each additional stop $1.00
(Example: Picked up at home and dropped off at beauty shop ($1.50); picked up at beauty shop and dropped off at store ($1.00); picked up at store and taken home ($1.50). Total cost: $4.)
· Same-day rides are 1½ times the regular fare and seniors are required to pay the public fare unless the administrative office chooses to waive the additional fare.
· Interstate 90 fixed route See website or call 642-6668 for / details/costs
Community-to-community service hours and costs
Vary by town. Call for information, 642-6668 or go to www.prairiehillstransit.org.
Cash Fares:
Payment is required at time of service unless previous arrangements have been made with the administrative office. If paying cash, correct change is required. Bus operators are not authorized to give refunds nor are they able to make change.
Tickets:
Bus transit tickets may be purchased at the Spearfish Regional Administrative office (436 E. Colorado Blvd., Spearfish, SD 57783) by calling (642-6668) or stopping in during business hours (8 a.m.-5 p.m.); or online (www.prairiehillstransit.org). Please refer to the rate section of the web page or call for current pricing. Discounts are available for purchasing ride tickets in bundles of 10 (referred to as a wheel ticket) – with one free ride for every 10 purchased. Wheel tickets can also be purchased from the bus operator; exact amount required. Rider must have ticket upon entering the bus, or they will be required to pay the current fare.
In some situations, a wheel ticket can be kept in the Prairie Hills Transit office for you or your child, and usage will be tracked by Prairie Hills Transit. For more information about student transportation and activities fares – including wheel tickets and semester or annual passes – see the information on the website (www.prairiehillstransit.org) or call the office at 642-6668.
REFUSING SERVICE
Prairie Hills Transit reserves the right to refuse service to any passenger who is:
· Intoxicated (alcohol or drugs)
· Disruptive
· Belligerent/rude
· Poses a safety or health threat to themselves or others
· Unreasonable personal hygiene
· Rider is not wearing a shirt or footwear
· Carrying a weapon
Behavior policy
1st offense: A warning letter will be sent.
2nd offense: A second letter will be sent; riding privileges will be lost for 1 week.
3rd offense: A third and final letter will be sent; riding privileges discontinued indefinitely.
APPEALS PROCESS
If a passenger is in disagreement with any penalty resulting from the enforcement of the policies, a written request for appeal must be submitted to:
Prairie Hills Transit, 436 E. Colorado Blvd., Spearfish, SD 57783
The written request for appeal must be presented by the rider or an authorized representative within 15 days of the time in which written notice of service termination was sent to them by certified mail.
The written request for appeal will be reviewed by a 5-member appeal board appointed by the Prairie Hills Transit Governing Board. This will include two Prairie Hills Transit board members, a community law enforcement representative, a community legal representative and the Prairie Hills Transit Operations Coordinator. Both the PHT Director and the Human Resource Director will be present if a hearing is deemed appropriate.
If you prefer a hearing, please indicate this in your written request for appeal. Also indicate if special accommodations or requirements are needed. In any case where PHT transportation services have been terminated, both the riders and State agencies providing funding will receive written notification.
Prairie Hills Transit may, at its discretion, provide service during the appeal process with regard to the reason for service termination. Each case will be considered individually.
SEAT BELT POLICY
All passengers of Prairie Hills Transit are required to wear a seat belt when seat belts are available in the vehicle. Passengers who refuse to wear a seat belt will be denied service.
CHILD PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM
Prairie Hills Transit recommends any adult traveling with a child under five years of age or under 40 pounds weight use a child passenger restraint system. Prairie Hills Transit does not supply any child seats, but all vehicles with the exception of the trolley are seat-belt-equipped. The bus operator is not able to assist with the securements of the child seat as they are not trained to install all the different types of manufactured seats.
MOBILITY DEVICE SECUREMENT
All persons using mobility devices (wheelchairs or electric scooters), are required to have their device secured while aboard a transit vehicle. The operator may decline service to a rider who refuses to allow his or her device to be properly secured. This is Prairie Hills Transit policy, in conjunction with the requirement that ALL passengers must wear seat belts (when seat belts are available) or a securement device.
ESCORTS/GUESTS
Personal care attendants/escorts are persons who are directly involved in the mobility assistance of their attendee and will be allowed to ride free of charge but are required to follow all other policies. Any other person riding with a passenger will be considered a guest and will be required to pay full fare.
WEATHER
Weather-related access to private homes
Passengers are responsible for snow removal to make their homes accessible to the Prairie Hills Transit bus operators. Bus operators may not assist passengers through snow or across ice.
If a passenger schedules service knowing there is no cleared access or safe loading area where the rider can be picked up safely, the trip will be considered a no-show and the no-show policy will apply.
Discontinuing service due to weather conditions
Prairie Hills Transit bus operators will make every effort to provide service whenever scheduled. In the event extreme weather conditions exist which make travel unsafe, Prairie Hills Transit reserves the right to discontinue services until conditions are favorable. We do not consider routine medical appointments or hair appointments a necessary ride in the event of bad weather. If service is temporarily discontinued, all rides, regardless of trip purpose, will be canceled.
Weather cancellations will be announced on the local radio stations and television station websites as well as our own website.
Winter riding tips:
· Be aware of weather conditions which may affect Prairie Hills Transit service.
· If streets are icy, allow additional travel time.
· Avoid delays by being on time and having correct fare ready.
· Clean footwear of snow and slush before boarding so it does not gather on the steps and floor of bus, causing danger to others.
· Wait until the bus comes to a complete stop before boarding.
· Wait until the bus comes to a complete stop before unbuckling your seat belt and leaving your seat.
· Be prepared for sudden stops while riding the bus. The bus may have to make a sudden stop to avoid an accident, person, road debris, etc.
· At all times use the hand rail(s) boarding and disembarking, watch your step, wear your seat belt if available and wear appropriate winter clothing.
Severe weather passenger guide
Severe snow and rain storms can affect Prairie Hills Transit bus service. The following service reductions may occur at any time hazardous road conditions exist:
· Time intervals between buses will increase.
· Some routes may be shortened or canceled.
· Bus service on less-traveled streets – especially those not plowed or sanded – may be canceled.
· Absolutely NO alley travel allowed for the bus.
· In case of severe weather, all passengers will be taken home immediately.
Proper and adequate clothing
Passengers and/or care providers are responsible for ensuring that passengers are properly dressed for their ride. This includes proper coats, hats, gloves and or footwear. Bus operators cannot assist passengers with their clothing.
Passengers who are not adequately dressed for the weather conditions will be refused service. Service will be refused to anyone who is not wearing a shirt and/or footwear.
SERVICE FOR MOBILITY DEVICE USERS
In transporting mobility device users, Prairie Hills Transit follows the ADA Accessibility Guidelines for Transportation Vehicles, the minimum requirements to meet ADA regulations. (See pg. 20 for reference.) Special accommodations to those using mobility devices exceeding the definition of common wheelchair and mobility aids under ADA regulations may only be approved by the Operations Coordinator and the Executive Director. Inquiries about special accommodations must be made at least 24 hours in advance for service consideration. Service will be curb-to-curb to and from the vehicle.
MOBILITY DEVICE SECUREMENT
The bus operator will require all riders to have their mobility devices secured by the operator while aboard a transit vehicle. Service will be declined if a rider refuses to allow his or her device to be properly secured by the operator. This is Prairie Hills Transit policy, in conjunction with the requirement that ALL passengers must wear seat belts (when seat belts are available) or a securement device.
Assisting passengers in mobility device up/down steps
Prairie Hills Transit vehicles are equipped with mobility device lifts for the mobility challenged person. If the rider is unable to complete travel by him/herself an attendant/escort will be required to assist the rider. The attendant/escort fare will be waived.
· If unable to board a bus because of steps, passenger may use mobility device lift to board bus only if the lift is equipped with handrails.
Prairie Hills Transit bus operators are not allowed to assist passengers in mobility devices up or down any steps or ramps. If such a condition exists, passengers are responsible for arranging assistance from someone other than the Prairie Hills Transit bus operator.
SERVICES NOT OFFERED BY PRAIRIE HILLS TRANSIT OR OPERATORS
Operators are not allowed to enter private residences for any reason.
Operators are not allowed to transport packages or papers for an individual into any homes or business places or run personal errands.
Operators do not carry cash for making change.
Operators cannot accompany passengers during their medical appointments.
Operators cannot schedule future rides but may notify dispatch of a return trip request.
INDIVIDUALS WITH SERVICE ANIMALS
Pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), service animals shall be permitted to accompany individuals with disabilities in vehicles and facilities. “Service Animal” means any guide dog, signal dog (or any other animal including cat, bird or monkey) that is trained to work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability including, but not limited to, guiding individuals with impaired vision, alerting individuals with impaired hearing to intruders or sounds, providing minimal protection or rescue work, pulling a mobility device, or fetching dropped items.
The rider may be refused transportation if the animal with the individual is not under control of the handler or if it is being disruptive or threatening to the safety of others. It is the handler’s responsibility to control the animal, not the bus operators.
RETURNED CHECK CHARGES AND POLICIES
All insufficient-funds checks will be charged a $20 service fee. Service will be suspended until the insufficient fund and service fee are paid to Prairie Hills Transit. All “closed account” and insufficient-fund checks not paid within two weeks will be sent to the County’s States Attorney for collection or prosecution.
NONPAYMENT OF CHARGES
Transportation costs can be billed to you if authorized by the Administrative Office. All payments are due 5 days after receipt of the billing. If invoice becomes 30 days late, the legally allowed finance charge will be added along with a late fee of $5 per month.
HELPFUL SUGGESTIONS WHEN RIDING THE BUS
· Consider carrying an insulated grocery bag to place your frozen and refrigerated items into for returning from the grocery store. The bus may not be able to return for you as soon as you are done shopping.
· Check the area around you for personal items before exiting the bus.
· If you think you have left something on the bus, all lost-and-found items are taken to the home bus facility where your bus is housed. Please contact dispatch for directions as to how to retrieve your item.
· Carry the correct change for the fare box. (Drivers do not carry change.)
· If unable to carry your own personal items or packages, arrange for someone to meet you at your destination to help with your packages.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Scheduling, Dispatch and Information 605-642-6668
Executive Director 605-642-6613
Administrative offices 605-642-6668
TELEPHONE NUMBERS FOR YOUR COMMUNITY
Butte County residents: 877-673-3687 (toll-free) or 605-642-6668
Custer County residents: 877-673-3687 (toll-free)
Fall River County residents: 877-673-3687 (toll-free)
Lawrence County residents: 605-642-6668
Meade County residents: 605-347-0086
After hours messages: 605-642-6668 all communities*
(Messages after 5:30 p.m. Friday will be received Monday morning.)
* Not toll-free in some communities
E-MAIL ADDRESSES:
Dispatch/scheduling dispatch@prairiehillstransit.com
Executive Director Barb Cline bkcline@prairiehillstranti.com
Human Resources Director pyoung@prairiehillstransit.com
Administrative Assistant sueames@prairiehillstransit.com
Operations Coordinator mikek@prairiehillstransit.com
Dispatch supervisor ljohnson@prairiehillstransit.com
Media Coordinator Katie@prairiehillstransit.com
The following paragraphs are taken from the ADA Accessibility Guidelines for Transportation Vehicles and are the minimum requirements to meet ADA regulations.
§1192.23 Mobility aid accessibility.
(a) General. All vehicles covered by this subpart shall provide a level-change mechanism or boarding device (e.g., lift or ramp) complying with paragraph (b) or (c); of this section and sufficient clearances to permit a wheelchair or other mobility aid user to reach a securement location. At least two securement locations and devices, complying with paragraph (d) of this section, shall be provided on vehicles in excess of 22 feet in length; at least one securement location and device, complying with paragraph (d) of this section, shall be provided on vehicles 22 feet in length or less.
(b) Vehicle lift. - (1) Design load. The design load of the lift shall be at least 600 pounds. Working parts, such as cables, pulleys, and shafts, which can be expected to wear, and upon which the lift depends for support of the load, shall have a safety factor of at least six, based on the ultimate strength of the material. Nonworking parts, such as platform, frame, and attachment hardware which would not be expected to wear, shall have a safety factor of at least three, based on the ultimate strength of the material.
(c) Vehicle ramp. - (1) Design load. Ramps 30 inches or longer shall support a load of 600 pounds, placed at the centroid of the ramp distributed over an area of 26 inches by 26 inches, with a safety factor of at least 3 based on the ultimate strength of the material.
Information current as of Nov. 18, 2010
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