Arrival and Departure Times

Passengers must be ready 15 minutes prior to the scheduled pickup time and 15 minutes after the scheduled pickup time. If a Dare County Transportation System vehicle arrives within this window of time, it is considered to be on time.

Passengers should wait at a main entrance or curbside and board the van upon its arrival. Return trips will be provided from the location to which the passenger was taken unless other arrangements have been made in advance.

Wait Time

Drivers may wait for a passenger up to 5 minutes after the scheduled pickup time. If a passenger will not be ready at the scheduled pickup time, the passenger should call the dispatch office at 252.475.5640 as soon as possible. Every effort will be made to reschedule the trip.

Cancellations

If a passenger cannot take a scheduled trip, the passenger must call 24 hours prior to their appointment time to cancel their trip. Passengers are encouraged to cancel their reservation as soon as they know a trip will not be taken. If a passenger elects not to take a trip or fails to cancel the trip less than 24 hours before the appointment time, a $10 no-show trip is recorded. Excessive no-show trips may result in suspension of services.

The Dare County Transportation Office is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please note that voicemails and messages are not checked outside of these business hours.

Transportation of Children and Youth

A parent/guardian must accompany a child under the age of 16. Parents must provide proper child restraint devices for their children under the age of 8 and/or under 80 pounds in order to conform with G.S. 20-137.1 (NC Child Passenger Safety Law). The Dare County Transportation System does not provide child restraint devices, and children who do not have the proper restraint device will be denied transportation services.

Escorts, Personal Care Attendants and Service Animals

Passengers who require assistance before boarding, while on the van or after disembarking at their destination may be required to travel with a personal care attendant (PCA). If an escort or personal care attendant will be traveling with a passenger, please notify the office at the time a reservation is made. Passengers may travel with service animals. Your PCA may accompany you on any ADA trip free of charge. When applying for ADA eligibility, please indicate that you will have a PCA. The passenger and the PCA must have the same origin and destination location.

• Reasonable Modification Request Form (ADA)

Other Passenger Responsibilities

Dare County Transportation System drivers and passengers must wear seatbelts. Smoking is not allowed on vehicles, and no firearms or weapons are permitted. Eating or drinking non-alcoholic beverages is allowed for ADA medical reasons only. A passenger who uses a wheelchair or motorized scooter must have adequate sidewalks and ramps at their home. Service may be suspended or terminated if a passenger compromises the safety of other passengers or the driver.

Inclement Weather Policy

The Dare County Transportation System will make every effort to ensure that service can be provided as requested. However the safety of passengers and drivers cannot be compromised. In the event of severe weather conditions, the Dare County Transportation System may deem it necessary to temporarily cease operation of the system and will notify scheduled passengers as quickly as possible.

Safety

For your safety and the safety of others, seatbelts must be worn at all times. If you need assistance, please ask your driver. If you use a wheelchair or other mobility device, your driver will secure the device using a four-point system, and you must use a lap and shoulder belt in addition to any belts you may have on your mobility device. In the event of an emergency, please follow the directions of your driver.

Shopping Bags

Please limit the number of shopping bags/carry-ons to no more than three. Drivers are not permitted to carry your bags.

Holidays

Transportation is not provided on weekends or the following holidays observed by Dare County:

• New Year’s Day
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day
• Good Friday
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Veterans Day
• Thanksgiving (2 days)
• Christmas (3 days)