Dade County Transit is committed to providing safe, reliable, accessible, and affordable transportation options for everyone living in Dade County. Whether you need to get to work, school, shopping, social events, medical appointments, or any other destination, Dade County Transit is here to serve you. Our services are designed to be inclusive and cater to a wide range of needs within our community.
Accessible Transportation for All
We understand the importance of accessibility in public transportation. Dade County Transit proudly serves all geographic areas within the county and offers wheelchair-accessible services to accommodate all riders. If you require non-emergency transportation and wheelchair accessibility, we are here for you.
To ensure we can accommodate your wheelchair comfortably and safely, we do have dimensions guidelines. Wheelchairs should not exceed 30 inches in width and 48 inches in length. The total weight of the wheelchair, when occupied, should not exceed 600 pounds. This helps us guarantee a secure and comfortable ride for all passengers.
Child Passenger Safety
Ensuring the safety of our youngest riders is a top priority. Children aged 8 and under are required to be in a car seat while riding with Dade County Transit, unless a physician provides an exemption letter. Please note that Dade County Transit does not provide car seats. Passengers must be at least 17 years old to ride unaccompanied by a parent or guardian, ensuring responsible ridership for everyone.
How to Request a Ride
Planning your trip with Dade County Transit is straightforward. To request a ride, please call 706-657-8277 between 4:30 am and 2:00 pm, Monday through Friday. To help us serve you best, we require you to call 7 days in advance of your desired service date (excluding weekends).
For trips outside of Dade County, including destinations like Fort Oglethorpe, Chattanooga, and Lookout Valley, please ensure you reserve your ride at least 7 days in advance. Please be aware that space may be limited, so reservations are essential.
When you call to book your ride, our dispatcher will need the following information to assist you efficiently:
- Your Full Name
- Your Home Address
- Your Telephone Number
- Doctor’s Name (if applicable for medical appointments)
- Doctor’s Telephone Number (if applicable for medical appointments)
- Address of Your Destination
- Date and Time of Your Appointment or desired travel
Fares for Dade County Public Transportation are collected in cash or check only. Please have your fare ready when you are picked up.
Pick-Up Procedures
To ensure smooth and timely service for all our riders, please be ready 15 minutes before your scheduled pick-up time. When weather permits, please wait at the main entrance or curbside of your location. Our drivers are allotted a five-minute window to wait at each pick-up location before proceeding to the next scheduled stop.
If a Dade County Transit driver arrives at your location and you are not present, or if you fail to cancel your ride, it will be recorded as a no-show. Excessive no-shows may unfortunately lead to a suspension of riding privileges. If you need to cancel an appointment, please call the Transit office at least two hours before your scheduled pick-up time. This allows us to adjust our schedule and offer the slot to another rider.
Weekend and Holiday Service
Please note that Dade County Transit services do not operate on Saturdays or Sundays. We are also closed on holidays that are officially observed by the Dade County Government. Please plan your transportation needs accordingly, keeping our weekend and holiday schedule in mind.
Riding Rules for a Comfortable Journey
To ensure a pleasant and safe experience for everyone on board, we kindly ask all passengers to observe the following rules:
- Lost Items: Dade County Transit is not responsible for personal items left on the vehicle. However, any items found will be taken to our office for safekeeping.
- Driver Assistance: Our drivers are happy to assist passengers with boarding and disembarking the vehicle and can provide door-to-door assistance. However, for safety and policy reasons, drivers are not permitted to enter private residences.
- No Eating, Drinking, or Smoking: To maintain a clean and comfortable environment for all, eating, drinking, and smoking are prohibited on all Transit vehicles.
- Beverages and Food: You may bring food and beverages on board, provided they are securely closed in spill-proof containers to prevent accidents and maintain cleanliness.
- Wheelchair Securement: For the safety of all passengers, wheelchairs must be properly secured to the vehicle using the provided shoulder straps and lap belts. This is a mandatory safety measure.
- Respirators and Oxygen: Passengers who require the use of respirators or portable oxygen are welcome to use our services.
- Pets: Pets are not allowed on transit vehicles, with the exception of service animals that are accompanying individuals with disabilities. Service animals are always welcome.
- Seat Belts and Child Safety Seats: For your safety and in compliance with regulations, seat belts and child safety seats must be correctly utilized at all times while the vehicle is in motion.
Reasonable Accommodation Policy
Dade County Transit is committed to complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and ensuring our services are accessible to everyone. We will make reasonable modifications to our policies, practices, or procedures when such modifications are necessary to avoid discrimination based on disability or to provide program accessibility. This is subject to the limitations outlined in Federal Regulations § 37.169(c)(1)-(3).
If you require a modification to Dade County Transit service to accommodate your needs, please contact the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator. Describe your specific needs so we can best assist you in using our services. Please note that you are not required to use the term “reasonable modification” when making your request – simply explain what you need.
We are here to provide reliable and accessible public transportation within Dade County. Contact us today to book your ride!
