WELCOME
TO
HOCKANUM VALLEY COMMUNITY COUNCIL
DIAL-A-RIDE PROGRAM!
FOR REGISTRATION, RESERVATIONS,
CANCELLATIONS AND DELAYS:
(860) 870-7940
New riders can register between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM any weekday by calling 870-7940 and answering a few questions about yourself.
Vernon, Ellington and Tolland residents who are at least 60 years of age or disabled adults(21) under 60 are qualified for the dial-a-ride service. The transportation is provided between 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM Monday through Friday excluding holidays. The dial-a-ride travels to all locations in Vernon, Ellington and Tolland for any purpose including medical appointments, shopping, social and recreational. Whenever possible grocery and other shopping trips are provided on a group basis.
To make a reservation call 870-7940 between 8:30 AM - 2:00 PM. Reservations for medical appointments are taken up to 28 days in advance. All other reservations are taken up to 14 days in advance. You will need to reserve your ride both to the appointment and from the appointment. In order to provide a return ride you will need to estimate the duration of your stay at your appointment. If you are ready to return early let us know and we will try to return you early. If you are not going to be ready on time please try to call in advance of your pick up time so that the driver won't have to come back twice. Then when you are ready call us and we will reschedule your return. You will never be left stranded, but a wait may be necessary.
We request that you be ready 15 minutes before your scheduled pick up time. This allows for more flexibility in scheduling so that more people can ride the bus. If possible, please wait where you can see the vehicle arrive. The drivers are instructed to wait only 5 minutes at each pick up point. Please be prompt.
Remember that you are not alone while you are riding the dial-a-ride system. The driver may make short diversions to pick-up other riders who are also going to a destination in same general area as you are. Please be patient, we are trying to accommodate as many riders as we can. If you have an appointment the driver is aware of it and will treat it as a priority.
When you call 870-7940 you will be speaking with someone from the reservation staff at Hockanum Valley Community Council. The reservationists use a computer system to schedule rides. Once you have registered, your information is available instantly so the reservation staff will know your address and whether you need any special assistance in order to ride.
If you need to cancel a ride, please try to do so as far ahead as possible. If you cancel at the last minute, it may mean that someone else was refused a ride that could have been provided. Please call 870-7940 to cancel your ride. Cancellations can be made 24 hours a day by calling 870-7940 and leaving a message on the answering machine.
If space is available you will be offered a ride for the same day. Please note that flexibility on timing may be needed, but every attempt will be made to try and accommodate your request for a ride. We also ask you to remember that Dial-A-Ride is not an emergency service. If you need an ambulance, please call one.
Dial-A-Ride does not charge a fare and we will attempt to avoid charging a fare for as long as possible. An annual donation request is mailed to every rider and it is hoped that those who are able to contribute will do so.
In inclement weather, when Vernon schools are delayed due to weather, the Dial-A-Ride will be delayed for a least 90 minutes. If schools in Vernon are cancelled, Dial-A-Ride will be delayed at least until 11:00 a.m. when a decision will be made about whether to cancel rides. You can get cancellation information by listening to WFSB Channel 3.
Remember that you are always encouraged to voice any concerns you may have to the driver, reservation staff, or to a supervisor when necessary. Any issue you raise will be promptly addressed and will help us offer the best possible service to all of our riders.
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