Riding ADA/Paratransit

The cost for a trip is $3.00 each way in Florence County. All other counties are Fare Free! Trips involving in Florence County with multiple stops will incur an additional charge. Trips can be paid for on the bus with exact change or prepaid fare card. Please note that you will need to have exact fare ready for each ride; for the safety of PDRTA drivers, PDRTA cannot make change for cash payments on the vehicle. If you want to avoid handling cash, you can purchase a fare card ahead of your trip.

Pickup & Drop Off

You may expect to be picked up within a 30-minute "window" of your scheduled pickup time. You should be ready to board the vehicle at the beginning of your "Pickup Window," which is 15 minutes before and 15 minutes after your pickup time.
A paratransit vehicle arriving any time within the pickup window will wait up to five (5) minutes for the passenger. It is important to remember that buses arriving within 15 minutes before or 15 minutes after the scheduled pickup time are considered on time and within the time window. Should a vehicle arrive early (before the 30 minute pickup window), you are not required to board until 15 minutes before the scheduled time (at the beginning of the pickup window).
You will not be considered a "no-show" if you refuse a ride that arrives later than the 30-minute window.

Boarding with a Mobility Device

All vehicles are equipped with passenger lifts or ramps that meet ADA specifications. If you need the lift or ramp to board a vehicle, please let the driver know and they will assist you; all drivers are trained to operate accessibility equipment.

Individuals using wheelchairs shall be transported by PDRTA vehicles as long as:

●  The wheelchair or mobility device fits within the dimensions of the lift or ramp. ● The wheelchair and occupant combined weight does not exceed the lift and ramp weight capacities specified by the manufacturer.

Mobility devices that exceed these standards may not be transported.
If needed, you may also board the vehicle while standing on the lift.
For your safety, please make sure your wheelchair or other mobility device is maintained in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications.

Transporting Packages

Because the vehicle will be shared, riders should limit their parcels to one armload or the equivalent of two grocery bags. Packages must be transported on your lap or under the seat. Drivers must adhere to a schedule and can not assist with packages. For the safety of all riders, you may not transport car batteries, explosives, acids, flammable liquids, or other hazardous materials.

Transporting Life-Support Equipment

You may bring a respirator, portable oxygen, and/or other life-support equipment as long as it does not violate laws or rules related to transportation of hazardous materials and will fit in the paratransit vehicle.

Transporting Children

ADA-eligible children must pay the applicable fare for their age and as defined by county. Children traveling as companions must pay the applicable fare for their age and as defined by county. ADA-certified children ages thirteen and over may travel without an accompanying adult only if it can be demonstrated they would be able, if not prevented by their disability, to use public transportation independently. Children ages four and under or children under 40 pounds must be secured in a child safety seat provided by an accompanying adult. Passengers must provide the child safety seat.

Transporting Animals

You may travel with a service animal such as a guide dog, signal dog, or other animal individually trained to perform tasks for an individual with a disability. No special pass, certification, harness, or enclosure is required to bring a service animal onboard. You should tell the dispatcher when you reserve your trip that you will be traveling with a service animal.
Pets and other non-service animals may be transported in an enclosed animal carrier. The animal carrier must not exceed 19”x13”x9” in size, have ventilation on 2 or more sides, and be leak- and escape-proof. Animals must be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down in their carrier.

Out-of-Area Visitor Riding Privileges

PDRTA can provide 21 days of service, in a 365-day window, for ADA-certified persons with disabilities who are visiting from outside the Florence, SC area. Call (843) 665-2227 option 2 for further information.