Information, Reservations and Cancellations: (517) 394-CATA (2282)

Spec-Tran provides more than 1,000 rides each weekday. In order to provide efficient service, we need your cooperation:

• Please, be ready at least five minutes before your scheduled pick-up time.
• Please have the correct fare for each trip. Spec-Tran fares may be paid in cash, with a Spec-Tran punch pass or Spec-Tran tokens. Drivers are not allowed to make change. If paying with cash, the correct fare is required. There is not enough time for drivers to stop along the way to allow customers to get change.
• Please plan on riding with other people. Your ride time will be longer than if you were using a taxi.
• Please limit carry-on items to the size of four paper bags or eight plastic shopping bags.

Your ride will arrive between five minutes before the scheduled time and ten minutes after the scheduled time. For example, if you have a 10:00 ride time, the Spec-Tran vehicle will arrive between 9:55 and 10:10. If the vehicle arrives at 9:55, it will wait until your scheduled pick up time before it departs.

You may be asked to adjust your pick up time up to one hour earlier or later than your requested time. You will not be asked to depart early from work or medical appointments, but you could arrive at your destination earlier than planned.

Holidays.

CATA services, including Spec-Tran, do not operate on the following holidays: New Year's Day, Easter Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

The Spec-Tran reservation office will be open on these days.

Fare.

The Spec-Tran fare is $2.50 for each one-way ride. Fares are reviewed annually and are subject to increases.

Please pay the exact fare upon boarding the vehicle. You may use cash, Spec-Tran passes or blue Spec-Tran tokens. You may not use regular CATA tokens, write a check, pay later, or pre-pay for additional rides. Punch cards and tokens are available for purchase at CATA's office and at various locations throughout the community.

Destination Changes.

You may call Spec-Tran up to 30 minutes before your scheduled trip to ask for a destination change. The location must be a shorter distance and along the planned route of your original trip. You must make other plans for the rest of your trips. Drivers cannot deviate from their scheduled routes to accommodate unplanned trips due to same day changes.

Late Pick Up Time.

If your ride has not arrived and it is more than 10 minutes later than your scheduled pick up time, please call the Spec-Tran office.

Early Pick Ups.

Drivers may arrive prior to a customer’s scheduled pick up time, and it is appreciated when customers can depart early. However, customers are never required to leave before the scheduled pick up time.

Carrying Shopping Bags.

Spec-Tran customers may carry up to four paper or eight plastic shopping bags. Please be courteous to other customers and do not exceed this shopping bag limit.

Local Advisory Committee.

CATA is advised on issues importance to persons with disabilities by a Local Advisory Committee. Meetings are held bi-monthly and the public is welcome to attend. Call (517) 394-CATA (2282) for further information about the Local Advisory Committee.

Resolving a Spec-Tran Problem.

If you have concerns about the service you have received, please call a Customer Service Representative at (517) 394-CATA (2282) between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM on any day. Your satisfaction is important to us and your comments are welcomed.

Spec-Tran Customers Have A Right To:

• Rides that are on time.
• Drivers trained to meet passenger needs.
• Safe and properly maintained vehicles.
• Properly fastened seat belts and wheelchair tie-downs.
• Efficiently routed trips.
• Professional, courteous and respectful treatment.

Spec-Tran Customers Have A Responsibility To:

• Call in trip requests no later than the day before the ride is needed.
• Have times, addresses and other information ready at the time of your call.
• Cancel trips by calling (517) 394-CATA (2282) as early as possible.
• Be ready five minutes before your scheduled ride time at the agreed upon location.
• Have the correct fare.
• Wear seat belts and check wheelchair tie-downs.
• Do not eat, drink or smoke in vehicles.
• Keep mobility aids in clean and good condition.
• Groom guide dogs and keep guide dogs on the floor.
• Keep the sidewalks and steps at their residence clear of ice and snow.
• Provide a personal assistant if needed.
• Carry no more than four paper bags or eight plastic shopping bags.
• Return the courtesy and respect that you receive.

Spec-Tran No-Show Policy.

The Spec-Tran No-Show Policy complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The definition of a No-show is:

• Failure to show up by the scheduled pick up time, or
• Canceling a ride less than 90 minutes before the scheduled pick up time.

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, penalties for No-shows may be applied when a pattern of No-shows is established. A No-show pattern consists of three or more unexcused No-shows within a 30-day period. A fine based on the current cost of a Spec-Tran trip must be paid on the third unexcused No-show within 30 days. Continued no-shows within the 30-day period will also be fined, and rides may eventually be denied for continued No-shows.

Examples of How a No-Show Can Occur:

• The scheduled pick up time is 10:00 AM. The customer calls the Spec-Tran office at 8:45 AM to cancel, which is less than 90 minutes before the scheduled ride time. This would be counted as a No-show.
• The scheduled pick up time is 5:00 PM. The Spec-Tran vehicle arrives at 4:55 PM and waits until 5:00 PM. The customer does not show up. This would be a No-show.
• The scheduled pick up time is 11:30 AM. The vehicle arrives at 11:25 AM. The customer tells the driver to leave because the ride is not needed. This would be a No-show. Drivers will not accept a fare for a ride that is not taken.

No-shows that are beyond the passenger's control may be excused by the Paratransit Manager and will not be included in the 30-day period.

Two examples of possible excused No-shows:

• A business meeting that is arranged less than 90 minutes before the scheduled pick up time.
• A medical appointment that runs later than the passenger's scheduled pick up time.

The Paratransit Manager may request appropriate proof from the customer before a No-show is excused. Passengers will be kept informed of their No-show status and of the established appeal process.

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