Getting from point A to point B is something many of us take for granted, but it is not an amenity that is available for everyone. Many individuals with disabilities are unable to drive, leaving them to rely on loved ones or public systems for transportation. Unfortunately, this can cause challenges to one’s daily life. Let us share with you the transportation challenges we are currently facing and how Dial-A-Ride’s services can be your solution.
Why Traditional Transportation Fails Many People with Disabilities
Even though the Federal Transit Administration’s All Stations Accessibility Program makes competitive funding available to repair, improve, modify, retrofit, or relocate infrastructure of transportation stations or facilities to be accessible to people with disabilities, there is still a long way to go. Many transit stations across the U.S. still remain partially or fully inaccessible.
These are extensive barriers to traditional public transportation. For example, it does little good to have an accessible bus if the bus stop itself does not have appropriate curbs for it to be put to use. Some of the most common issues seen are:
- Inconsistent ADA compliance
- Limited routes (especially in rural or suburban areas)
- Long wait times for accessible buses
- Requirement of certain mobility that may not be apparent
- Unsafe “accessible stop” locations
- Lack of ADA signage or notification updates
The Everyday Impact of Limited Transportation
Imagine waiting 3 hours for a ride that may never come, or having to say no to an invitation just because you can’t get there. This is an everyday occurrence when using public transportation with disabilities.
What many people don’t realize is the impact that this can have on one’s life. It is not just a hassle, but limited transportation access can result in missing doctor’s appointments, job opportunities, and social events. Assume how it would feel to get a job, but have to turn it down because the bus stop isn’t accessible.
This lack of transportation can have an additional emotional toll. Feelings of isolation or being “stuck” can be frustrating and disheartening. Furthermore, this loss of independence places a greater burden on family members, loved ones, and informal caregivers.
A Solution in Our Backyard: Dial-A-Ride
Fortunately, at Columbia Ability Alliance, we have a local resource that our community members can take advantage of for a reasonable price.
Dial-A-Ride (DAR) is a door-to-door transportation service available within Ben Franklin Transit’s Public Transit Benefit Area (PTBA). This program is designed to serve riders unable to use the regular bus service due to a disability. Here is how it works:
To Be Eligible
To be eligible, you must first complete the Eligibility Application. You can receive an application by pickup at the Three Rivers Transit Center, by calling in a request, or by downloading an English or Spanish (Espanol) version online. After filling out the application, you mail it in and then wait for approval. We encourage you to read Dial-A-Ride’s policies before submitting your application.
Hours of Operation
Dial-A-Ride hours of operation as of September 2025 are:
- Monday – Friday: 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.
- Saturday: 7 a.m. – 10 p.m.
- Sunday: 8 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
It is important to note that Dial-A-Ride does not operate and all offices are closed on major holidays. See their website for the full list.
Fare Pricing
Dial-A-Ride does everything in its power to provide affordable pricing to its customers. To do this, they offer two different pricing structures and monthly passes.
The service is $1.50 each way for eligible riders who live within a ¾ mile of a regular bus route.
If an eligible rider lives or travels to an area more than ¾ mile from a regular bus route, they live or are traveling to a ‘premium’ area. The premium fare is $3 each way.
If you or your loved one plans to use this service frequently, they offer money-saving monthly passes for $25 ($50 for the premium area), and 10-ride ticket strips are available for $12 each.
How to Book Your Ride
To book your Dial-A-Ride is easy. After you have successfully completed your application and received approval, you can reserve your ride online or over the phone. Please note that ride requests are monitored and approved during business hours. If you schedule a ride outside of business hours, it will be reviewed the next business day.
Contact Columbia Ability Alliance for Assistance
If you are a member of our Columbia Ability Appliance community or would like to be, and you need Dial-A-Ride, we are here to help. Feel free to contact us for assistance with learning about and submitting your application.
