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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPOL-042-24 Minibus Service COUNTY OF NEWELL - POLICY HANDBOOK POLICY NO: POL-042-24 TITLE: MINIBUS SERVICE ADOPTED: May 23, 2024 (C-184/24) SUPERCEDES NO: 2018-BUS-001 & 2012-BUS-002 PAGE NO: 1 of 4 POLICY PURPOSE: To establish levels of service for the County’s Minibus Service. _______ POLICY GUIDELINES: The County Minibus provides door-to-door service for residents who require transportation to attend appointments, shop for groceries and supplies or require transportation for other needs. The objective is to allow residents of the County or the urban communities within the County (excluding the City of Brooks) who have mobility challenges or transportation needs, to continue living in their residence rather than relocate to another urban center. The service can also be used to transport individuals that have a demonstrated need and reside within Brooks or the urban communities in the County, to the residence of family members who live in the County. MINIBUS SERVICE RULES AND REGULATIONS:  The service is available for all residents on an as requested basis however, if the bus is over booked, preference will be given to seniors and disabled.  All riders using the Minibus on a regular basis must submit a completed registration form accompanied by a one-time registration fee as set in the Schedule of Fees Bylaw. Registration is taken by the driver on first use.  Minibus service user fees will be charged in accordance with the Schedule of Fees Bylaw. The collection of fees and provision of rides are at the Driver’s discretion. If difficult situations arise that require guidance the Driver will review it with their direct supervisor and then if necessary, policy direction will be requested from Council.  All appointments must be booked for the morning to ensure that all riders are ready to leave town by departure time.  The bus will not run if the temperature is the same temperature that Grasslands Regional Schools applies to cancel their school bus operations.  Service cancellations are at the discretion of the Bus Driver who will take into consideration road report information available through the Brooks Radio stations, AMA road reports, or discussions with County Public Works staff.  Service may be cancelled if the bus is required for County business or when the bus requires maintenance or inspection.  It is not the Drivers responsibility to carry items for the riders. All riders should be able to carry the items purchased. Drivers will assist passengers if possible, however, they will not lift anything heavier than 20 lbs. POL-042-24 MINIBUS SERVICE Page 2 of 4  In certain weather situations, to avoid the possibility of getting stuck, the Driver may not enter into private driveways. Riders living in areas, where there is inadequate space to turn the bus around without getting stuck, may be required to arrange for pickup at another acceptable location where they would meet the bus at a predetermined time.  County residents driving into Brooks and parking at a designated location may arrange to use the Bus service within Brooks for shopping and appointments. HOURS OF OPERATION: Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The bus will depart from Brooks each day no later than 2:30 p.m. (early departure is possible if all riders are ready). The standard schedule for service is as shown below, however, changes may be implemented in response to circumstances that may arise.  Monday – Tilley  Tuesday – Scandia, Rainier, Cassils  Wednesday (alternating) – Gem/Duchess or Patricia/One Tree  Thursday – Rolling Hills  Friday – Bassano/Rosemary/Duchess BOOKING APPOINTMENTS:  To submit a pickup request, New or Call as Needed Riders should contact the Minibus Driver at 403-363-7890 the day before for pick up the following morning.  Riders that are transported on a pre-arranged regular schedule will be allowed 2 occasions where they fail to cancel in advance, and then they will revert to a Call as Needed Rider.  Failing to cancel a pickup request prior to arrival will result in the Rider having to pay the user fee.  Errands may be considered for those who are unable to ride the bus, depending on driver availability. Requests of this nature must be prearranged and the client will be charged a normal fare for the service. AIDES AND COMPANIONS:  Riders that are disabled and require the use of a wheelchair or a walker and the assistance of an able bodied Aide must be accompanied by that Aide at all times.  All Aides or assistants must be registered.  Aides of riders that are picked up at the same address and time will not be required to pay the user fee. When aides must be picked up or dropped off at a different address, then the aide is required to pay the rider fee.  Only one registered Aide, or family member, will be allowed to accompany and assist a rider on the bus at no charge. POL-042-24 MINIBUS SERVICE Page 3 of 4 REFUSAL TO PROVIDE SERVICE:  Service will be refused to any person who endangers the safety and comfort of other passengers.  Service will be suspended if a person becomes irregular in payment, until the account has been paid.  The service is provided on a “first come, first served” basis to all residents of the County, however, if the bus is full preference is given to seniors and the disabled. USER CONDUCT AND RESPONSIBILITY:  The bus will endeavor to be at a pick-up point within 5 minutes of the scheduled time however, traffic and road conditions may cause a delay. If the bus has not arrived at the scheduled time, Riders are requested to phone the driver at 403-363-7890 to double check their appointment or to be advised of a delay.  In order for the driver to keep the schedule, riders are required to be ready when the bus arrives. Wheelchair passengers should be in their wheelchair and ready to board when the bus arrives.  Riders shall wear seat belts at all times while riding the bus.  Riders must remain seated at all times when the bus is in motion.  No smoking within 15 feet of the bus.  Food or drink on the bus will be at the driver’s discretion.  Riders who repeatedly break the rules or engage in derogatory, demeaning or complaining conversation that creates an uncomfortable atmosphere or situation for other passengers or the driver, may be suspended from using the bus.  Drivers are not permitted to answer the phone while they are driving. Riders calling the bus phone are required to leave a message and the driver will return their call as soon as possible. EXTRA-CURRICULAR USE:  The Minibus may be used during normal operating hours, if time fits into driver schedule and use does not affect regular riders, to transport seniors or members of community organizations into the County of Newell for tours or other approved functions.  Unless fees have been waived at the time approval was granted for the use of the bus, riders that participate in these one-time occurrences will be charged the standard fee.  The bus may also be approved for use outside of regular service hours for community based organizations or functions where formal permission has been requested and approved for use of the bus to transport event participants. Examples include, Christmas light tours for seniors or tourism/economic development related initiatives. POL-042-24 MINIBUS SERVICE Page 4 of 4  All other trips are to be reviewed on an as requested basis. To be approved, requests for service should be able to demonstrate that a community benefit will be realized.  The Minibus will not be used for personal trips or private events. ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES: Director of Corporate Services  Review and approve (or deny) requests for extra-curricular and County business use of the Minibus.