Votran Gold offers paratransit door-to-door service

March 1, 2016

Riding a bus may be challenging for people with mobility impairments. That’s why Votran’s bus operators and customer service employees go out of their way to make their riding experiences successful.

Through Votran Gold, Votran provides paratransit door-to-door service to persons who, because of physical or mental disability or age, are unable to transport themselves and cannot use fixed-route bus service. Specially equipped paratransit buses have wheelchair lifts and lowered steps for easy boarding.

Riders that require personal assistance while on-board the bus or beyond the door at their pick up or drop off location may require a personal care attendant (PCA).

Here are five things personal care attendants should know:

1. Documentation is required. Votran Gold applicants must include a statement from a physician or other qualified professional attesting to the rider’s functional limitations. If it is not evident that the fare-paying rider needs an escort, medical documentation stating the reason a PCA is needed will be required.
2. PCAs and riders must make reservations at least one day before their trip. PCAs and riders must be picked up and dropped off at the same location.
3. PCAs ride free. Votran provides free ridership to PCAs providing necessary assistance to eligible fare-paying riders on any Votran bus service. One PCA may ride free per rider requiring special assistance.
4. Bring the $3 fare in exact change or purchase Gold tokens in advance. Because bus operators cannot provide change, they require exact fare amounts. Tokens can be purchased in advance at Votran.org and in Votran administrative offices.
5. All Votran buses are mobility friendly. All fixed-route buses are wheelchair accessible with lifts and ramps to make boarding easier for riders and their PCAs. PCAs must pay a fare to board fixed-route buses. Fixed-route service does not require reservations and offers lower fares than Votran Gold service.

Give Votran a try

Votran, a service of Volusia County Government, provides public transit services in Volusia County.

Riding a bus may be challenging for people with mobility impairments. That’s why Votran’s bus operators and customer service employees go out of their way to make their riding experiences successful.

To plan a trip, use the interactive trip planner on Votran.org or email questions to VotranCustomerService@volusia.org.

Riders also may call Customer Service at:

Daytona Beach: 386-761-7700
Southeast Volusia: 386-424-6800
West Volusia: 386-943-7033

The Votran Customer Service Center is open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Travel training is available upon request.