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Citizens’s Accessible Transit Service (CATS) is a complementary
paratransit service for persons with disabilities. CATS’ services are
available in areas of Horry County where The Coast RTA fixed route transit services
operate. Service is offered to qualified riders during fixed route
operating hours.
CATS is a curb-to-curb
advanced reservation, shared ride, transportation service. It is openly
available to anyone pre-qualified on the basis of having a physical or
mental disability. There are no restrictions on the purpose or frequency
of reservations, although service is provided on a time and space
available basis.
In general, CATS serves the Horry and
Georgetown Counties. This service operates within a 3/4 mile radius of the
current fixed routes by road distance.
FARES
CATS riders and companions will pay double the
fixed route fare and no more than $3 per person for service. Approved and
registered attendants are not charged to accompany rider. Companions are
allowed on a space available basis.
ELIGIBILITY AND CERTIFICATION
All paratransit patrons must meet the criteria of having some type of
physical or mental disability, and must be unable to independently and
safely use the The Coast RTA fixed route system. Explanations of disabilities will
be required, and a completed application for certification by the user and
a professionally trained individual in the field of the disability. CATS
may reserve the right to verify any applicants status with a physician,
psychiatrist, nurse, etc. Any person who is currently ADA certified or
qualified for the CATS program will be permitted to ride The Coast RTA’ s fixed
route bus at no cost.
MAKING TRIP RESERVATIONS
Reservations are taken daily. One day’s notice for service is required.
Pick up times may be negotiated with riders to make scheduling more
efficient. The Coast RTA may change the requested departure time up to one (1) hour
. Any change beyond one (1) hour must be agreeable to the rider. CATS may,
at the discretion of the Paratransit Coordinator, honor a late trip
request if it coincides with the previously established schedule. However,
there is no obligation to do so. CATS can not schedule a late trip that
will change the pick up times of an existing schedule.
To schedule a ride, call The Coast RTA’s Paratransit Department at (843) 488-0865. Please have the
following information ready:
Name, address, telephone number, pick up
location and address, drop off location and address, the desired time of
arrival at your destination, the desired time for the return pick up , and
whether or not you will be using a mobility aid.
PICKUPS AND DRIVER ASSISTANCE
CURB-TO-CURB transportation means CATS service will provide transportation
from the curb in front of the trip origin to the curb in front of the trip
destination. Drivers will assist the rider with boarding and alighting
from the vehicle. The driver may not enter the homes or escort a rider up
or down stairs. The driver will secure wheelchairs and assist with
seatbelts. Passengers requiring further assistance should arrange for an
attendant to travel with them. Drivers will consider personal care
attendants, not registered with CATS, as companion riders. Companion
riders are charged the regular CATS fare for each trip. A CATS vehicle
scheduled to arrive at your pickup time may arrive up to 15 minutes later
because of traffic, bad weather, or other unforeseen circumstances. The
driver shall wait five (5) minutes for a passenger to board /deboard the
vehicle. Riders should always wait where they can by seen by a CATS
driver.
CANCELLATIONS AND NO SHOWS
Occasionally, you may need to cancel a ride. Please be considerate of
others and make your cancellation as soon as possible. All cancellation
should be directed to (843) 488-0865. Riders should attempt to call at
least one hour prior to pick up time. The Coast RTA reserves the right to suspend
or deny service to anyone who has excessive cancellations or no shows. |
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