May I use the regular bus and handyDART for different trips?
We encourage you to use the transit service that best meets your travel needs. Sometimes you may be able to use the regular bus for a trip, while on other days you may need the extra assistance of handyDART or a taxi.

If you are not familiar with using the bus we can help you. Our free training program makes using the bus easy - call 384-7723 for more information.

Will my wheelchair or scooter fit on the bus?
handyDART buses have a rear-lift that can accommodate most wheelchairs or scooters. Your mobility aid must meet specific size, weight and safety guidelines. See Scooter Guide for more information.

What assistance will the driver provide?
Your handyDART the driver will:

• Assist you to and from accessible building entrance doors
• Assist you on and off the vehicle by the stairs or on the lift if you use a wheelchair or scooter. On some vehicle types customers using a walker with a seat can also use the lift.
• Secure your wheelchair or scooter or a CSA-approved child car seat in the vehicle
• Assist you with your seatbelt

The driver cannot:

• Search a building or other areas for you
• Manoeuvre wheelchairs on stairs or unsafe ramps
• Carry parcels for you

What are my responsibilities as a customer?
You are expected to:

• Ask for the assistance you require from the driver e.g., to take your arm or push your wheelchair
• Be at the pick-up location on time
• Carry your own parcels - a maximum of two parcels carried on your lap
• Cancel trips as far in advance as possible.

Customers who consistently exhibit unacceptable behaviour will be asked to travel with an attendant, or may be suspended from service.

May I bring an Attendant?
If you require more assistance than the driver provides, or if you require assistance at your destination, you may have an attendant travel with you. They are responsible for your care and assistance during the trip. Under no circumstances can your attendant be a registered handyDART client. You pay your fare and your attendant travels free.

May I travel with a companion(s)?
You may travel with family members and friends on the handyDART, space permitting. All companions pay full fare. You must let the dispatcher know that you are travelling with a companion(s) when you book your trip.

May I bring a pet on board?
Due to the small size of the vehicles, and the sensitivity of many of our customers, pets are not permitted. All certified service animals are welcome on board.

Do I have to use a seat belt on the bus?
All passengers are required to use seat or shoulder belts on the vehicles, unless they have proof of exemption from their doctor. A letter requesting an exemption for a maximum of six months must be on file at the handyDART office. Your doctor may request extensions.

How are an Attendant and a Companion different?
An attendant is a person who travels with you and who is responsible for your care and assistance during the entire trip. Customers requiring an attendant must notify handyDART at the time the trip reservation is made. Attendants are not required to pay a fare. An attendant cannot be a registered handyDART customer.

A companion is a person who travels with you as a friend and is not required for your assistance. A companion is required to pay a fare.

Can I bring parcels and bags on handyDART?
You may bring two parcels with you but these must be held on your lap. If you are going to the airport or ferry you can bring luggage. Just tell the customer service agent when you book the trip so space will be made available.

Can I book trips for a group of customers?
Group trips can be arranged and provided for handyDART customers, their attendants and companions. To arrange for a group trip contact 727-7811 and press 0 to speak to a customer service agent. Trips can be provided if space is available.

Can children take handyDART?
handyDART does not provide transportation for children with disabilities to programs where other government-funded transportation is available. All trips originating or terminating at a public school are the responsibility of the school district. Ambulatory children under the age of 12 may only make permanent bookings to medical or educational destinations. They cannot book occasional one-time trips.

How do I make a commendation or complain about handyDART service?
We appreciate your feedback on our service. The staff appreciates commendations as they want to provide outstanding customer service. We also need to be advised on any problems you have with our service. This is one of the ways we can improve service to our customers. For complaints or commendations, contact the Manager at 479-5652.