Helpful Advice on How to Use the Transit System

Scheduling Tips

• Schedule rides only with dispatchers.
  
  
• Remember that separate rides need to be scheduled for each leg of your trip.  Therefore, you would need to schedule two rides to go somewhere and then back again.
  
  
• Schedule all rides for your outing at the same time.  Specifically, be sure to schedule your return rides along with your outbound rides, even if you have a medical appointment.
  
  
• Call as far ahead as possible to schedule rides up to one week for a bus and up to one month for a volunteer driver.
  
  
• Try to set up standing orders, if possible, for consistent ride requests.  Standing orders work well for ride requests at the same time from day to day and week to week.
  
  
• You are more likely to get the times you need if there are multiple people going to the same place or at least headed in the same direction.
  
  
• Know all the details of your ride request before you call.
  
  
• Determine your method of payment prior to your call.  You can pay on the bus with cash, check, or tokens.
   
  
• You can also have your rides billed to you at home or have us send a bill for your rides to someone else.
  
  
• Make sure billing arrangements are in order prior to the call.  If someone else is going to pay for your ride, make certain that the person paying for your ride contacts Trailblazer prior to you scheduling the ride.
  
  
• Be prepared to negotiate the parameters of your ride request.  If you can't get exactly what you need when you first talk to a dispatcher, try changing some of the parameters to get something that will work with all the other rides that have been scheduled.
  
  
• Be flexible with the times you are willing to accept.
  
  
• Never be shy about calling and asking what times are available for you to ride.
  
  
• Call back multiple times to see what times may be available.  Schedules can change due to additions and cancellations.
  
  
• Same day or last minute requests can be accommodated from time to time depending on the bus schedules.  However, please understand that the ability to get a ride at the last minute is always subject to what other rides are already scheduled.
  
  
• Do not schedule a ride if you are uncertain you really want it.  Others may be denied the opportunity to schedule rides because Trailblazer reserved a specific time for you.
  
  
• If you no longer need your ride, be sure to call the office and cancel your pickup time at least one hour in advance.

Medical Appointments

• Schedule a return ride along with your outbound ride, even if you do not know when you'll be done.
  
  
• Find out from the medical facility how long your appointment is expected to last and schedule your return ride at least an hour later to help account for any unexpected delays.
  
  
• If you get done early with your appointment, you can call a dispatcher to see if we can pick you up sooner.
  
  
• If you have an appointment and are using Trailblazer to get back home, tell someone when you arrive for your appointment so they can help you keep your appointment time for the bus.
  
  
• Have medical facilities call the dispatchers if you will not be ready in time to be picked up for your return ride when you scheduled it.  We will do our best to move things up in the schedule so we can still pick you up when you are ready.

Boarding

• Be ready and waiting for the bus 10 minutes prior to the scheduled pickup time.
  
  
• If you plan on paying for your ride on the bus, please have exact change and be prepared to pay when you board the bus.
  
  
• Eat and use restrooms before riding.
  
  
• Have caretakers present at pickups and destinations, if required.
  
  
• Dispose of any open food or drink containers.  Only water in clear, plastic containers can be consumed on
  the bus.
  
  
• Wait until after the pickup window expires before calling dispatch to see where the bus is.  The bus is not late until after the pickup window expires, which happens 10 minutes after your scheduled pickup time.
  
  
• Confirm ride destination(s) when you board the bus or volunteer driver vehicle.
  
  
• Using seat belts on the buses are optional, but we strongly encourage you to use them.  Seat belts must be worn in the volunteer driver vehicles.

General Advice

• Be patient.  Trailblazer serves many people in many communities and cannot meet everyones needs at exactly the same time.
  
  
• Be prepared for the bus to do other things for other people.  On the other hand, don't always expect that the bus will be helping other people, meaning the bus may go directly to your destination.
  
  
• Always assume the bus is coming to get you, even if other community services are cancelled for some reason (i.e. weather).  A dispatcher will contact you if the bus is not operating as planned or if a volunteer driver has cancelled.
  
  
• Transit staff and volunteer drivers are not permitted to accept tips or gifts.  If you feel it is necessary to show your appreciation, you are welcome to make a donation or leave a memorial to the Trailblazer Employee Fund.
  
  
• Ask for assistance when you want or need help.
  
  
• Trailblazer offers a workshop on how to use the transit system for groups who are unfamiliar with the program or for those who are having trouble understanding or using the transit system.  Please call the office for more details.
  
  
• Let us know how things are going and tell us how we can serve you better.