PUBLIC TRANSIT IS FOR EVERYONE
Crowned Ms. Wheelchair Oregon 2022, Melinda’s platform is “Adapting America for All,” creating awareness for people who could benefit from a more accessible world. When taking the bus, it was important for Melinda to feel stable and secure when riding.
When Melinda and others request assistance for learning how to ride the bus, LTD offers several options.
For example, our expert travel trainers can provide riders with a bus training program, customized to meet individual needs. Throughout the training, we build life skills for riders to use the bus independently and safely. We can also provide a bus to practice boarding with a mobility device with friendly guidance.
Bus lowering & ramps
All LTD buses can be lowered to curbside height and come equipped with ramps. We also offer priority seating and mobility device securement for older riders and people with disabilities. Simply ask the operator if any assistance is needed.
Blindness without barriers
For riders with visual impairment, we offer route materials in braille, raised line maps of our stations and tactile pavers to mark transition points in the concrete. We also offer hailing kits to help riders signal our operators. Once on the bus, we make audio announcements of all major stops, and are happy to announce any other stops by request. We also have a quick tap-card payment system to make it easy for all LTD riders to pay their fare.
RideSource Paratransit
At LTD, we know that not every trip is best accommodated on a fixed route bus. That’s why we also offer our ADA paratransit service, RideSource , for anyone unable to access the bus due to a disability. RideSource vehicles can be scheduled to pick up people and take them directly to their destination. Be sure to check out LTD’s ADA Paratransit Rider’s Guide .
To learn more about or apply for ADA service, contact RideSource at 541-682-5566, toll free at 1-877-800-9899, or 7-1-1 (TTY) to request a transportation assessment. Rides can be scheduled Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm, and on Saturday and Sunday, 11am to 5pm. You can request a trip up to 5pm the day before your scheduled ride.
Training & assistance
When people request assistance for learning how to ride the bus, LTD offers several options. For example, our expert travel trainers can provide riders with a bus training program, customized to meet individual needs. Throughout the training, we build life skills for riders to use the bus independently and safely. We can also provide a bus to practice boarding with a mobility device at the rider’s own pace, and with friendly guidance. We maintain a staff of Transit Hosts at LTD’s Eugene Station to help riders transfer from one bus to another and to ensure they make their connections. Service animals are welcomed, and our voluntary Paw Print Pass now makes it even easier for passengers to board with their service animal.
Personal care attendants ride free
Our operators can help riders with many simple requests. Those needing additional assistance may require a personal care attendant. Riders may request an endorsement on their rider card from the LTD Customer Service Center, which allows an accompanying attendant to ride for free. Please contact us for more information.
Half-fare & Honored-rider program
Honored riders ages 65 and older ride free on LTD’s fixed route and EmX buses. Half fare discounts are offered for eligible riders with disabilities. Learn more about fare discounts and the application process by contacting the LTD Customer Service Center at the Eugene Station.
Reasonable Modification Policy
Reasonable Modification procedures ensure that persons with disabilities are provided equitable and effective opportunities and access to public transportation services. A reasonable modification is a change or exception to a policy, practice, or procedure that allows individuals with disabilities to have equitable access to programs, services and activities.
For more details, visit LTD’s Customer Service Center or call 541-687-5555, and press 2 (7-1-1 TTY for hearing assistance).
