The Lift

 "The LIFT" is curb-to-curb transportation  anywhere within one mile of an Athens Transit fixed bus route"

Who is eligible for this service?

 "THE LIFT" is Athens Transit's Demand Response  tranportation for people with a mobility impairment  which prevents them from using bus service. Distance from  the nearest bus stop does not, by itself, make you eligible for  this service. Some examples of mobility impairments which may make you eligible are: 1. Confinement to a wheelchair 2. Use of walker,  crutches, or similar assistive devices 3. Inability to walk to the  nearest bus stop or to board the bus You may request an application by  calling 613-3435 or by coming the Athens Transit Office or print a  copy from this Website. Both Parts A & B of the  application must be submitted to ATS to determine your eligibility.

Scheduling Your  Trip

THE LIFT's service hours are:

                       6 am - 10:45 pm Monday thru Friday
                       7 am - 10:45 pm Saturday

No service will be provided on the following Holidays: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King's Birthday, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

You may reserve a space on THE LIFT by calling 613-3435 up to 14 days in advance. Reservations may be made between 8 am and 5 pm Monday thru Saturday. You must schedule all trips at least one day in advance and you must call before 5 pm. You may also request a trip after hours and on Sunday by using the recording device. Your trip will be confirmed on Sunday PM. When scheduling your trip, please have the following information ready:

• Name
• Origination Address
• Destination Address
• Time you are due at your destination
• Approximate time of your return  trip
• Type of assistive device, such as  wheelchair or cane, if any
• Number of guests or escorts to accompany you

 The scheduler will then give you an approximate time you will be picked up. The driver may arrive up to 15 minutes before or after this time.

 Times requested may not be available. The scheduler will try to accommodate your request at your requested time or within one hour before or after the
requested time.

Passenger  Policies

Passengers are responsible for being ready and at the front door of the residence/facility where they are  to be boarded at least 15 minutes before their scheduled time. If  they know they will be late, it is their responsibility to call before the van arrives.

Drivers are not allowed to go into residences or other facilities to look for passengers. To avoid delaying other passengers, drivers can only wait five minutes before  proceeding on their route.

When you board the vehicle, please present your fare to the driver. You will not be allowed to ride  without a cash fare when the van arrives, you will be charged for a  no show.

Next, fasten your seat belts. For your safety, drivers are not allowed to put the vehicle in motion until your seat belts are fastened.

Passengers will not consume any  beverages, use illegal drugs, smoke, eat, use obscene language or  behave in a violent or disruptive behavior, or play radios while on  board the van.

Passengers will only bring on the van a  number of packages/bags of groceries which can be carried on board  at one time. Drivers are not allowed to make several trips carrying packages or lifting heavy items which could cause back injury.

Guests and Escorts

If you require an escort, he or she may  ride with you for free. One guest may ride if space is available for $2.00 each way.

Changes and  Cancellations

Changes in pick-up times  and/or destinations must be made with the scheduler one hour prior to the time for your scheduled trip.

If you need to cancel your scheduled trip, be sure to  call 613-3435 at least one hour prior to your trip. Cancellations called in less than one hour of the scheduled  pickup time will result in a "late calls" within a one-month period, eligibility shall be suspended for one (1) week. Failure to notify us of your
cancellation will result in your being charged a "NO SHOW". After a "NO SHOW", you will be suspended from using the  service until you pay a $2.50 fare for the "NO SHOW" trip.

No Shows

Two (2) "no shows" within a six month  period will result in a passenger being suspended from the service for one (1) week. Three (3) "no shows" will result in a two (2) week suspension. Four (4)  "no shows" will result in a thirty day suspension. Five (5) "no  shows" within a six month period will result in a
passenger being suspended from the service for sixty (60) days.

The passenger will be notified by mail of  the first "no show" and also when service will be suspended. The  passsenger will also have an opportunity to be heard and offer  argument why they should not be suspended.

Subscription Service

 If you will be making the same trip three or  more times per week, please notify the scheduler so that subscription service can be arranged, if time slots are available. Subscription service allows you to schedule all of your trips with  one phone call. According to ADA, subscription service may not absorb more  than fifty percent of the number of trips available at a given time of day.

Fares

 The fare is $2.50 one-way for passengers. Required escorts may ride free. Guests must  pay $2.50 per trip. A 10-trip pass is available for $25.00 and  sold at 325 Pound Street.

                                     Athens Transit System
                                     325 Pound Street,  Athens, GA 30601
                                     706-613-3435 

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