Orange County
Transportation
10928 FM 1442
Orange, Texas 77630
Phone Number: (409) 745-9511
Office Hours: Monday - Friday 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Director: Paula Anders Assistant: Donna Minter
ORANGE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION POLICY
Welcome to Orange County Transportation Program. We are happy to serve you.
Table of Contents:
Basic Considerations
Non-Discrimination
Eligibility
General Procedures
Purpose of Trip (S)
Handicaps
Rules to Follow
Things to Remember
Companions are Required When
Rides Can Be Refused When
Recognizing that the need for transportation exceeds the present capability of Orange County Transportation to meet all requests, the policy of Orange County Transportation shall be to follow such guidelines as will make the transportation resources available to the greatest number of persons.
Orange County Transportation drivers and dispatchers are expected to treat passengers with dignity and courtesy, and passengers are expected to treat drivers and dispatchers in the same way.
No person shall, on the grounds of race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, or handicap be excluded from participation in, or denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under the Orange County Transportation program.
All Orange County residents are eligible for Orange County Transportation services.
Regular Business Hours: 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Passengers are required to telephone Orange County Transportation 24 hours in advance to reserve a ride. If a return ride is needed, it should be scheduled with the dispatcher at the same time. To schedule a ride, call from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Passengers are expected to be ready and waiting at the prearranged location, at the agreed upon time. If passengers find they will be unable to meet the Orange County Transportation driver at the location or time scheduled, they are expected to telephone Orange County Transportation of this change as soon as possible.
In the event that Orange County Transportation will not be able to pick a passenger at the agreed upon time, Orange County Transportation will make every effort to alert the passenger of the change (Subject to riders informing & maintaining current phone number at Orange County Transportation). Failure to inform Orange County Transportation of trip cancellation may result in a charge for the trip or a temporary loss of transportation privileges.
If the driver waits three (3) minutes and the passenger does not appear, the trip will be considered a "no-show". The following policies have been established regarding late cancellations and no-shows:
Passengers pay no-show fare and/or
First late cancellation/no-show: Orange County Transportation employee will inform the passenger by telephone or letter of the cancellation/no shows policy
Second late cancellation/no-show: Orange County Transportation employee will inform the passenger by telephone and letter of the cancellation/no shows policy
Third late cancellation/no-show: Orange County Transportation employee will issue a letter referencing third late cancellation/no-show and inform the passenger of suspension of service rights pending re-applying for service. Service will resume thirty (30) days from the date of re-application if re-application is approved.
ORANGE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION IS NOT AN EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN SERVICE. Orange County Transportation will transport passengers to the doctor for medical care, check-ups and therapy as scheduled.
To ensure that Orange County Transportation drivers will be prepared to meet the needs of the passengers, the passenger should indicate to the dispatcher any conditions of which the driver may need to be aware, such as the use of a wheelchair, deafness, blindness, etc. Also, indicate what type of wheelchair is involved (i.e.oversized, electric, etc.) and if there is a ramp that can be utilized. Passengers should also tell the dispatcher and the driver if they need special assistance boarding and exiting vehicle, or in reaching the door of their destination.
To ensure that seating is available for an escort, the dispatcher should be informed that an escort would be accompanying the passenger. Medicaid escorts must have prior approval from the Texas Department of Health (Title XIX). All fares and charges apply to escorts.
All reservations must be made 24 hours in advance.
Transportation service is curb to curb. If you need assistance, please arrange for someone to ride with you.
All stops would be scheduled with our dispatcher-please do not ask your driver to make unscheduled stops or appointments because this affects other riders.
We will wait three (3) minutes for you come to the door, if you are not ready, the trip will be considered a "no-show".
No eating, drinking, or smoking while riding.
Rides must be cancelled 24 hours in advance. If a rider cancels late or fails to cancel three (3) times per month, service could be suspended or terminated.
Riders who desire to schedule rides for 3:00 p.m. or later will be subject to the discretion of the dispatcher and other transportation may need to be arranged for return trips home.
No tips or gifts are to be given to the drivers.
Wheelchair passengers must be secured in their chairs and have their chairs secured by Orange County Transportation drivers. (If possible, wheelchair riders should provide seat belts for their own wheelchairs).
Orange County Transportation drivers do not carry change, so please bring the exact fare amount for your trip.
Our drivers are on a close schedule; therefore they cannot escort riders into the vehicle, doctors offices or grocery stores. A companion must ride if riders need assistance. (Special provisions can be made, however you must call the office).
Please notify dispatcher when scheduling rides where children under two (2) years of age will be traveling so special provisions can be made to fasten children during transit.
Drivers are not delivery persons and should not be asked to carry groceries or other items. If a rider needs help with these items, then a companion should ride to help the rider. (Special provisions can be made, however you must call the office).
Grocery bags should be loaded within five (5) minutes and limited to one (1) grocery basket.
Rider needs help in entering the vehicle and entering doctor's offices.
Rider is blind.
Rider is frail.
Rider needs help with groceries.
Wheelchair and/or rider cannot be securely fastened.
Rider is abusive.
Situation is an emergency that requires additional assistance.
Wheelchair ramp or step at the rider's residence is unsafe.
