Accessible Transit

Specialized Service is for City of Cornwall residents whose disability prevents them from using the regular bus. We assess eligibility individually. It is not based on age, income or general convenience. Every three years, we review your eligibility. If you’re a visitor to Cornwall, you may apply for temporary access. This service is not for:

• People who find the regular bus inconvenient

• Subsidized taxi or emergency medical transport

There are three categories of eligibility:

• Unconditional: Your disability permanently prevents using the regular bus

• Temporary: You have a short-term disability (e.g. post-surgery recovery)

• Seasonal: Winter conditions prevent you from consistently using the regular bus

You can appeal a decision about your eligibility. To start an appeal, please download and complete a Specialized Service Eligibility Appeals Form.

We will decide on your appeal within 30 calendar days of receiving your complete application. If we do not make a final decision within 30 days, you will receive temporary eligibility until the decision is made.

Drivers will assist you between the accessible exterior door of your location and the bus.

Your responsibilities:

• Ramps and steps: If your entrance has more than one step, you must provide a safe, cleared ramp. The driver cannot navigate more than one step with your mobility device.

• Path safety: You must keep the path from your door to the pickup point clear of snow, ice, and obstacles year-round. The path must be accessible, without steep slopes or narrow passages.

• Equipment condition: Your mobility device (e.g. wheelchair, scooter) must be in safe working order (tires inflated, brakes functional). Drivers will not provide service if your device is unsafe.

Location requirements:

• Major destinations (like activity centres) must keep their paths and bus stops accessible and clear

• If a location is not accessible, service may be suspended until it is improved

Bus and mobility aid specifications:

• Our buses are equipped with hydraulic lifts/ramps

• Maximum mobility aid size: 76 cm by 127 cm (30 by 50 inches)

• Maximum combined weight for both passenger and mobility aid: 363 kg (800 lbs)

To make this service available to everyone, please cancel trips you do not need.

How to cancel:

• Phone bookings: Call the Cornwall Transit office at least 2 hours before your trip

• App bookings: Cancel in the Cornwall Transit Booking app at least 2 hours before pickup

Fees:

• Late cancellation: You must pay one regular fare if you cancel with less than 2 hours' notice (except for weather-related cancellations).

• Monthly limit: You may cancel up to 3 trips per month at no charge. Each additional cancellation in that month incurs a one-fare fee.

• No-show: If you are not ready within 3 minutes of your scheduled pickup, you will be charged a one-fare no-show fee.

• Repeated no-shows: You will receive a letter if you have 5 or more no-shows.

You may cancel due to bad weather with at least 30 minutes' notice on the morning of your trip.

Please note that you must pay any owed fees before you can book another trip.

Companions: One companion may travel with you if space is available and it does not prevent another person with a disability from using the service.

Children: You may travel with your dependent children. Please note that our buses do not have child car seats or restraint systems.

In an emergency or on compassionate grounds, you may be able to get a temporary ride sooner than the standard 14-day process. This applies only if you have no other accessible transport option.