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The ValleyMAX Transit System offers three types of accessible
transit service: Fixed-route service, handyDART service and
the Taxi Saver Program. Click
here to view a PDF of the Transit Options brochure,
which describes each service in detail.
Conventional Transit
On the Fixed-route Transit System a fleet of
low-floor buses provide wheelchair and scooter accessible
service on transit routes throughout the region. Low-floor buses
are equipped with a ramp, have no entry steps and have a kneeling
feature that lowers the entry level for passengers who have
difficulty climbing stairs.
handyDART
handyDART is a transportation service
for persons who have a disability that is sufficiently severe
that the person is unable to use conventional transit service
without assistance. handyDART service is provided to and from
accessible building entrances. You must be registered with the
handyDART office before you can use the service.
For those times when the handyDART system is unavailable, the
Taxi Saver Program provides registered
handyDART passengers with subsidized taxi service, giving them
the flexibility to coordinate their own trips.
Community Bus
Select trips on ValleyMAX are operated by smaller community
buses. These buses are identical to those used for handyDART
service. Offering a blend of services, the community buses operate
on routes and schedules, but have the ability to deviate up
to 500 metres off route to provide door-to-door service for
registered handyDART clients. The smaller buses also enable
the system to provide evening drop off service for UFV
students.
A selection of night service is operated by Community Buses,
mainly within Abbotsford. The #39 Shopper Shuttle also makes
use of Community Buses.
Taxi Supplement Program
The Taxi Supplement Program enables the handyDART operator
to book trips in taxis when the regular vehicle(s) is unavailable,
either because of capacity issues or because the trip cannot
be accommodated in a timely manner. In essence, the handyDART
operator becomes one large regular client to the taxi company,
while in turn the vehicles of the taxi company act like extra
vehicles to the handyDART operator.
For instance, if a passenger requests a trip when the handyDART
vehicle is unavailable, Taxi Supplement enables the handyDART
dispatcher to relay the passenger's name, pickup and drop off
details to a participating taxi company. The taxi company then
slots that passenger into their bookings for the day and picks
up and drops off the passenger at the assigned locations and
times. There may be restrictions on the use of this service
including requirements for ride sharing and budget limitations.
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