Learn about DART

Eligibility (Back to Top)
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) makes it possible for people with disabilities to have better access to the community. PSTA's "functional" demand response transportation certification process will encourage people to use regular PSTA fixed route service whenever possible. In this way, PSTA is ensuring that demand response transportation will only be used by those who truly need the service. A "functional" certification process determines if a person has the ability to use the regular bus. It does not make decisions based on the type of disability you have or a specific diagnosis by a physician. Rather, it determines if you are able to do such things as travel to a bus stop, board a bus, and navigate the fixed route system. In-person assessments are also utilized on an as-needed basis to facilitate determining eligibility. Eligibility for DART service is based on how a person's disability under ADA affects daily life activities which would prevent the use of accessible fixed-route service.

There are two categories under which a person can be eligible for demand response transportation:

A client can also be given "conditional" eligibility for demand response transportation if they are able to use the regular bus under certain conditions, but not others. In this situation, eligibility for demand response transportation will be determined according to a particular set of circumstances or conditions, which pertain to a person's disability.

If you have a permanent or temporary disability and are unable to independently use the regular, wheelchair accessible PSTA buses, call PSTA at (727) 540-1800 for an application form. These forms are also available at the PSTA facility located at 3201 Scherer Drive, St. Petersburg, 33716 .

Where can I go? (Back to Top)
Demand response services are provided wherever regular PSTA bus service is available. Areas not included: Belleair Beach, Belleair Shores, Kenneth City, Mullet Key, Weedon Island and any area outside a three-quarter mile dimension of regular bus routes. Service area is subject to change. Service is not available outside Pinellas County. Demand response transportation services is available during the same days and hours as the regular bus service for any given trip request. Where architectural barriers such as lack of curb cuts or sidewalk are the only impediment to using accessible buses, an individual may be transported to a bus transfer point where an accessible bus can be boarded. Upon certification, you will be notified of the conditions of your eligibility. Bus schedules will be provided indicating the days and hours you can travel on PSTA's demand response transportation.

How much does it cost? (Back to Top)
The fare for demand response transportation is $3.50 per one way trip. Clients in the East Lake Shuttle area will be charged an additional $1.75 per one way trip. Clients who reside more than 3/4 of a mile outside of our service area or are riding outside of our normal service hours will be charged an additional fee. Contact your provider to determine what the additional cost is. No discounts are offered. Correct fare is necessary when boarding the vehicle. Convenient frequent-rider tickets are also available, but may need to be supplemented when a higher fare is necessary for a particular trip. (Note: Checks and credit cards are not accepted unless you are purchasing a multi-ride ticket either Online or through our Tickets by Mail Program.) To purchase Online, please click here. To purchase through our Tickets by Mail Program,
click here.

How do I make a reservation? (Back to Top)

You may call up to one (1) month before your scheduled trip to make a reservation, but no later than 5:00 p.m. the day before your trip. Telephone operators are available to take reservations between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on weekends and holidays. In order to accommodate as many clients as possible, pick-up times will be negotiated up to one hour before or after the pick-up time requested by the client. Cancellations must be made at least two hours prior to a scheduled pick-up time, or the trip will be deemed a "no show." Drivers are not permitted to wait more than five minutes after a scheduled pick up time. If a passenger is not at the door, ready to board a vehicle within five minutes of the scheduled pick-up time, the trip will be deemed a "no show." Clients will be billed for each no-show trip, and service may be discontinued if a client establishes a pattern of regular and repeated no-shows. These regulations are in place to help PSTA serve its clients.

What about clients with special needs? (Back to Top)
Accessible vehicles are available for non-ambulatory clients who utilize wheelchairs. However, wheelchair lifts on PSTA demand response vehicles cannot accommodate wheelchair devices which exceed 30 inches in width, 48 inches in length (measured 2 inches above the ground), or 600 pounds in weight when occupied. In addition, PSTA requires that all wheelchairs be secured by the securement system of the vehicle during transport. Driver assistance is provided when boarding and leaving the vehicle, and to/from building entrances when necessary. In addition, the Information and Reservation lines are Voice/TTY accessible.
Please note: emergency transportation service is not provided and demand response transportation drivers are not trained in emergency medical techniques.

Demand response transportation drivers will not: (Back to Top

Enter a person's home, even to assist with a wheelchair.
Administer or assist in administering medication, or provide medical treatment.
Lift or carry any client at any time.
Lift or carry packages, parcels, or groceries at any time.
Clients who cannot travel independently or need special assistance should travel with a
Personal Care - - - Attendant (PCA). Clients with small children must provide their own child safety seats.

What if I travel on a regular basis to the same destination? (Back to Top)
Subscriptions can be made for certain trips and will permit you to travel without having to make a reservation each time you ride.

What is permitted on board the vehicle? (Back to Top)

No smoking, eating, or drinking is permitted in the paratransit vehicle.
Riders may bring one (1) portable oxygen tank.
Tipping the driver is not permitted.
Disruptive on-board behavior may result in the termination of riding privileges, or the requirement that the passenger travel with an attendant.
Guide dogs and service animals are welcome.

What can I do if I am not eligible to ride PSTA's Demand Response Transportation according to the ADA regulations? (Back to Top)
If you do not qualify for PSTA's demand response transportation services, a letter will be mailed explaining the reason and advising you of procedures to follow if you wish to appeal. If your condition changes in the future, you may reapply for PSTA demand response transportation services.

The Pinellas County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) provides similar transportation services under the Medicaid and Transportation Disadvantaged (TD) program. Call them directly at (727) 545-2100 to learn more.








		February 2010 DART Appellate Review Board Minutes Click here
	The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) provides demand response transportation services for people who, because of their disability, are unable to independently use the regular, accessible PSTA buses. Demand response service is a form of public transportation. Passengers will be required to share a ride whenever possible, as is done on the regular bus system. PSTA is not required to ensure that a passenger rides alone on a vehicle. Please click on the links below to learn more:

	Click here to view our How to Ride Presentation for Disabled Citizens. Microsoft Power Point or their free viewer is required (available here).

	Click here for DART Choice Reference Guide

	Eligibility Where can I go? How much does it cost? How do I make a reservation? What about passengers with special needs? Demand response transportation drivers will not: What if I travel on a regular basis to the same destination? What is permitted on board the vehicle? What can I do if I am not eligible to ride PSTA's Demand Response Transportation according to the ADA regulations?

Eligibility (Back to Top) The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) makes it possible for people with disabilities to have better access to the community. PSTA's "functional" demand response transportation certification process will encourage people to use regular PSTA fixed route service whenever possible. In this way, PSTA is ensuring that demand response transportation will only be used by those who truly need the service. A "functional" certification process determines if a person has the ability to use the regular bus. It does not make decisions based on the type of disability you have or a specific diagnosis by a physician. Rather, it determines if you are able to do such things as travel to a bus stop, board a bus, and navigate the fixed route system. In-person assessments are also utilized on an as-needed basis to facilitate determining eligibility. Eligibility for DART service is based on how a person's disability under ADA affects daily life activities which would prevent the use of accessible fixed-route service. There are two categories under which a person can be eligible for demand response transportation: Category 1 Eligibility includes those persons who, because of their disability, cannot independently use a regular, accessible bus. Category 2 Eligibility pertains to situations in which a person cannot travel independently to or from a bus stop. A client can also be given "conditional" eligibility for demand response transportation if they are able to use the regular bus under certain conditions, but not others. In this situation, eligibility for demand response transportation will be determined according to a particular set of circumstances or conditions, which pertain to a person's disability. If you have a permanent or temporary disability and are unable to independently use the regular, wheelchair accessible PSTA buses, call PSTA at (727) 540-1800 for an application form. These forms are also available at the PSTA facility located at 3201 Scherer Drive, St. Petersburg, 33716 . Where can I go? (Back to Top) Demand response services are provided wherever regular PSTA bus service is available. Areas not included: Belleair Beach, Belleair Shores, Kenneth City, Mullet Key, Weedon Island and any area outside a three-quarter mile dimension of regular bus routes. Service area is subject to change. Service is not available outside Pinellas County. Demand response transportation services is available during the same days and hours as the regular bus service for any given trip request. Where architectural barriers such as lack of curb cuts or sidewalk are the only impediment to using accessible buses, an individual may be transported to a bus transfer point where an accessible bus can be boarded. Upon certification, you will be notified of the conditions of your eligibility. Bus schedules will be provided indicating the days and hours you can travel on PSTA's demand response transportation. How much does it cost? (Back to Top) The fare for demand response transportation is $3.50 per one way trip. Clients in the East Lake Shuttle area will be charged an additional $1.75 per one way trip. Clients who reside more than 3/4 of a mile outside of our service area or are riding outside of our normal service hours will be charged an additional fee. Contact your provider to determine what the additional cost is. No discounts are offered. Correct fare is necessary when boarding the vehicle. Convenient frequent-rider tickets are also available, but may need to be supplemented when a higher fare is necessary for a particular trip. (Note: Checks and credit cards are not accepted unless you are purchasing a multi-ride ticket either Online or through our Tickets by Mail Program.) To purchase Online, please click here. To purchase through our Tickets by Mail Program, click here. How do I make a reservation? (Back to Top) You may select the appropriate provider from among these authorized providers, and may call them directly to make a reservation. Sedan Service United Taxi (727) 535-5555 Yellow Cab (727) 471-3278 Wheelchair Service Care Ride (727) 536-7433 Wheelchair Transport (727) 581-0000 Or you can call PSTA and be routed to a provider. Sedan Trip Reservations/Cancellation (727) 540-1897 Wheelchair Trip Reservations/Cancellation (727) 540-1960 PSTA welcomes any feedback about the program and the service you experience. If you have questions or concerns please call (727) 540-1900. You may call up to one (1) month before your scheduled trip to make a reservation, but no later than 5:00 p.m. the day before your trip. Telephone operators are available to take reservations between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on weekends and holidays. In order to accommodate as many clients as possible, pick-up times will be negotiated up to one hour before or after the pick-up time requested by the client. Cancellations must be made at least two hours prior to a scheduled pick-up time, or the trip will be deemed a "no show." Drivers are not permitted to wait more than five minutes after a scheduled pick up time. If a passenger is not at the door, ready to board a vehicle within five minutes of the scheduled pick-up time, the trip will be deemed a "no show." Clients will be billed for each no-show trip, and service may be discontinued if a client establishes a pattern of regular and repeated no-shows. These regulations are in place to help PSTA serve its clients. What about clients with special needs? (Back to Top) Accessible vehicles are available for non-ambulatory clients who utilize wheelchairs. However, wheelchair lifts on PSTA demand response vehicles cannot accommodate wheelchair devices which exceed 30 inches in width, 48 inches in length (measured 2 inches above the ground), or 600 pounds in weight when occupied. In addition, PSTA requires that all wheelchairs be secured by the securement system of the vehicle during transport. Driver assistance is provided when boarding and leaving the vehicle, and to/from building entrances when necessary. In addition, the Information and Reservation lines are Voice/TTY accessible. Please note: emergency transportation service is not provided and demand response transportation drivers are not trained in emergency medical techniques. Demand response transportation drivers will not: (Back to Top Enter a person's home, even to assist with a wheelchair. Administer or assist in administering medication, or provide medical treatment. Lift or carry any client at any time. Lift or carry packages, parcels, or groceries at any time. Clients who cannot travel independently or need special assistance should travel with a Personal Care - - - Attendant (PCA). Clients with small children must provide their own child safety seats. What if I travel on a regular basis to the same destination? (Back to Top) Subscriptions can be made for certain trips and will permit you to travel without having to make a reservation each time you ride. What is permitted on board the vehicle? (Back to Top) No smoking, eating, or drinking is permitted in the paratransit vehicle. Riders may bring one (1) portable oxygen tank. Tipping the driver is not permitted. Disruptive on-board behavior may result in the termination of riding privileges, or the requirement that the passenger travel with an attendant. Guide dogs and service animals are welcome. What can I do if I am not eligible to ride PSTA's Demand Response Transportation according to the ADA regulations? (Back to Top) If you do not qualify for PSTA's demand response transportation services, a letter will be mailed explaining the reason and advising you of procedures to follow if you wish to appeal. If your condition changes in the future, you may reapply for PSTA demand response transportation services. The Pinellas County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) provides similar transportation services under the Medicaid and Transportation Disadvantaged (TD) program. Call them directly at (727) 545-2100 to learn more.