Metro Bus Dial-a-Ride | Specialized Service | Eligibilty Return to Home Page
To be eligible for Specialized Service an individual must be unable to do any of the following:
- Board, ride, or disembark from a Fixed Route Metro Bus, or due to a combination of a disability and physical barrier (i.e. distance to bus stop, terrain, etc.) cannot access the Metro Bus Fixed Route system.
- An individual who has been certified by another transit provider
- Persons who use a personal oxygen supply or ventilator
Ineligible for Specialized Service
Persons requiring external life support equipment or persons requiring immediate/emergency medical transportation are not eligible for Specialized Service.
Application
An application must be completed by the individual applying for the service along with their primary physician, physical therapist, psychiatrist or other licensed medical professional.
Applications may be obtained through your physician or by contacting Metro Bus Administrative Office 320.251.1499, ext. 100. If you are unable to download a copy of the application clicking on the link below we can mail one to you.
Click here to download a copy of the Specialized Service program application.
Certification
Once an individual has been approved for service, they will receive a non-transferable identification card which includes their name, certification expiration date, hours and days of service, the telephone number to call for scheduling a ride and general information on how to schedule a ride. Along with their identification card, they will receive a letter explaining what type of service they have been approved for and a copy of the Specialized Service guide.
It is the responsibility of each certified individual to notify Metro Bus Dial-a-Ride of any disability status or address change. If an individual's use of a mobility aid changes such as switching from using a walker to a wheelchair, this should also be communicated to Metro Bus.
Individuals may be approved to use Specialized Service under one of the following certification categories:
- Annual - The scope of disability and need for Specialized Service exists year-round; no limitation as to Specialized Service use.
- Seasonal - The scope of disability (i.e. instability, heart/lung condition, etc.) is magnified during winter weather conditions such as icy/snowy sidewalks. Seasonal certifications are good from November 1st through March 31st. Seasonal certification dates may be extended by Metro Bus's Executive Director should weather conditions make it necessary.
- Temporary - The disability is for a limited, specific time period due to post-operative recovery, broken bones, etc.
- Non-Resident - An individual whose residence is outside Metro Bus's transit service area may apply and be certified to use Specialized Service for trips only within Metro Bus's transit service area.
- Visitor - An individual, who is visiting and residing with a resident of Metro Bus's transit service area and meets the program's eligibility criteria, may use Specialized Service. A visitor must prove their eligibility to use the service by presenting an identification card from the individual's local public transportation program, or proof of mobility impairments such as use of a wheelchair or other mobility aid. A visitor using the service longer than 21 calendar days within a 365-day period of time shall be required to complete the application process.
Recalls
The Eligibility Committee shall have authority to recall any Specialized Service passenger for review for whatever reason it deems necessary.
Reapplying For Service
If an applicant or recalled passenger is denied certification by the Board, the applicant may reapply if there are substantial new or different conditions which cause a significant change in physical or mental capabilities.
Last revised on October 17th 2007.