Your Guide to Monroe Transportation Services: Free Senior Rides and STS

Navigating transportation can be a significant concern for many, especially in a diverse and spread-out county like Monroe. Understanding the available options is crucial for residents to maintain independence and access essential services. Monroe County, Florida, is committed to ensuring its residents have access to reliable transportation, offering a range of services tailored to different needs. Among these, Monroe Transportation Services stand out, providing both free transportation for senior citizens and specialized services for individuals with disabilities or transportation disadvantages. This guide will detail everything you need to know about these vital services, focusing on how you can benefit from them.

Free Transportation for Senior Citizens Aged 60 and Over

Monroe County values its senior residents and offers a fantastic benefit: free rides on Monroe County Transit for anyone aged 60 years and older. This initiative aims to enhance the mobility and quality of life for seniors in the county, allowing them to travel without the burden of transportation costs. If you are a senior citizen in Monroe County, you can take advantage of this program to access various destinations, whether for errands, social activities, medical appointments, or simply exploring the beautiful surroundings. This no-cost transportation option underscores Monroe County’s commitment to supporting its aging population and ensuring they remain active and connected within the community.

Understanding Monroe County Special Transportation Services (STS)

For residents who require more specialized assistance due to disabilities or transportation disadvantages, Monroe County Special Transportation Services (STS) provides a vital paratransit network. STS is designed to offer safe, dependable, and effective transportation to those who may not be able to use the regular fixed-route bus system. This service is crucial for enabling elderly, disabled, and transportation-disadvantaged citizens of Monroe County to maintain their independence and improve their quality of life. STS understands the unique needs of its passengers and goes the extra mile to ensure comfortable and secure travel.

STS drivers are not just drivers; they are well-trained professionals with specialized expertise in various critical areas. Their training encompasses defensive driving techniques to ensure passenger safety, proper wheelchair restraint procedures for secure transport, and effective passenger handling methods to assist individuals with diverse needs. Furthermore, STS drivers are thoroughly trained in vehicle operation and safety protocols, as well as sensitivity-awareness and understanding the specific requirements of passengers with special needs. It’s important to note that all STS buses are wheelchair accessible, reinforcing their commitment to inclusive transportation. For added accessibility, Monroe County STS is also a Medicaid provider, potentially offering further assistance to eligible individuals.

Registering for STS Services: Your Step-by-Step Guide

To begin using the Special Transportation Services, registration is required. The process is straightforward and designed to gather the necessary information to best serve your transportation needs.

Here’s how to register:

Call the STS Reservation Line: Dial 305-292-4424 to reach the STS reservationists. It is recommended to call preferably 24 hours in advance of when you need transportation to ensure availability.
Leave a Message if Necessary: If you reach a message, don’t worry. Simply leave your name and telephone number. The next available reservationist will promptly return your call to assist you with your registration and booking.
Provide Required Information: When you speak with the reservationist, you will need to provide the following essential details:
- Full Name: Your complete legal name.
- Physical Address: Your residential address within Monroe County.
- Local Telephone Number: A phone number where you can be reliably reached.
- Date of Birth: To verify age and eligibility for certain programs.
- Social Security Number: For identification and record-keeping purposes.
- Medicaid Eligibility (if applicable): Indicate if you are a Medicaid recipient, as STS is a Medicaid provider.
- Special Assistance or Mobility Needs: Clearly describe any requirements related to special assistance or mobility, such as the use of a wheelchair, walker, or other aids. This ensures the appropriate accommodations can be made for your transportation.

By providing this information, you will be registered with STS and ready to book your rides, making transportation within Monroe County accessible and convenient.

STS Pickup and Drop-off: What to Expect

Understanding the pickup and drop-off procedures for STS will help ensure smooth and timely transportation.

30-Minute Pickup Window: STS operates with a 30-minute pickup window. This means that the bus can arrive anytime within a 30-minute period of your scheduled pickup time. For example, if you schedule a pickup for 9:00 a.m., the bus could arrive anytime between 9:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. This window allows for efficient routing and accommodating multiple passengers.
Be Visible and Ready: It’s important to be watching for the bus and be visibly ready to board during your pickup window. If you are not immediately visible, the driver is trained to take extra steps to ensure contact.
Driver Contact Procedure: If the driver does not see you waiting, they will approach your door to attempt to make contact. If there is still no response or communication, the driver will notify dispatch. Dispatch will then attempt to call you at the phone number provided during registration.
Departure After No Contact: If all attempts to contact you are unsuccessful, and no communication is established, the bus will unfortunately have to depart to maintain its schedule for other passengers. In such cases, you will need to reschedule your pickup for another day.
One-Way Trip Fare: The fare for a one-way trip on STS is $2. It is essential to have the exact fare ready when you board.
Driver Assistance: STS drivers are happy to provide assistance to passengers. If you require help, the driver can assist you to and from the bus at both your residence and your destination’s door. This support ensures a smoother and more comfortable experience, especially for those with mobility challenges.

Passenger Guidelines for a Smooth Ride with Monroe Transportation Services

To ensure a pleasant and efficient experience for all passengers, Monroe Transportation Services has established passenger guidelines. Adhering to these guidelines helps maintain the smooth operation of the service and respects fellow riders and drivers.

Exact Fare Requirement: Please have the exact fare of $2 for each one-way trip. Drivers cannot provide change. Each stop you make is considered a separate trip and requires a fare, regardless of the distance between stops. Refusal to pay the fare will result in the driver being unable to transport you.
Driver Assistance Limitations: While drivers are happy to assist you, they are not permitted to enter your residence or any business premises. Their assistance is limited to helping you to and from the bus at the entrance.
Safety and Conduct Onboard: Drivers will assist passengers entering and exiting the vehicle. Passengers who are not handicapped are kindly requested to meet the driver at the vehicle. For your safety, wearing your safety belt at all times while onboard is mandatory, and please remain seated while the bus is in motion. While tipping drivers is against county policy, a kind word or a smile is always appreciated.
Assistance for Handicapped Passengers: Drivers may assist handicapped passengers from their outside entrance to and from the vehicle if needed. However, drivers are not allowed to climb stairs to carry or hold passengers. Drivers are also prohibited from lifting passengers from their seat or wheelchair to a standing position but can offer elbow assistance for steadying.
30-Minute “Ready” Window: Transit operates with a 30-minute after “ready” window. If you schedule a ride for 9:00 a.m., be ready to go anytime between 9:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. You will be informed that the driver will pick you up “between 9:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m.” to avoid any confusion about the arrival time. A pickup is considered “on time” if it occurs within this 30-minute window. If the bus will be delayed beyond 9:30 a.m., dispatch will contact you to inform you of the delay.
Be Ready for Scheduled Pickup: Please be prepared to leave your residence at your scheduled pickup time and allow at least 30 minutes after the scheduled pickup time for the vehicle to arrive due to the pickup window. Factor this 30-minute window into your appointment scheduling. If there is no answer and no contact is made with you at pickup, it will be considered a “no-show” (see Cancellation Policy), and the driver will proceed to their next scheduled pickup. You will then need to schedule your pickup for another day.
Preferred Reservation Deadline: The preferred deadline for making a reservation is 3:00 p.m. the day before your trip. However, STS will always try to accommodate you regardless of when you call.
Advance Reservations and Scheduling: Reservations can be made up to one week in advance. Scheduling is based on the priority of need and the number of vehicles in service each day. In some situations, you may be contacted to reschedule your trip due to unforeseen circumstances. Transportation will notify you as soon as possible if such situations arise. Medical needs are given priority over non-medical needs in scheduling. Drivers are unable to deviate from their set pickup and delivery schedules, so please do not ask for unscheduled stops.
Paratransit for Employment: Paratransit services are generally not suitable for rigid employment transportation needs. Clients are discouraged from relying on it for daily work commutes unless they have a very flexible work schedule or an understanding employer. STS cannot guarantee specific pickup or drop-off times, making it less reliable for fixed employment schedules. Paratransit is best suited for those with schedule flexibility and who understand the inherent nature of shared-ride services.
Escort Requirements: Escorts are mandatory for passengers under 18 years of age or for individuals who are not capable of self-care.
Return Trip Scheduling: Always schedule your return trip time when possible. Same-day requests for return pickups are accommodated based on schedule availability. The last pickup time is 4:30 p.m., so call before then to arrange a return trip. For medical appointments, the last pickup for return trips is at 3:30 p.m. If you do not call early enough to schedule your return trip, you will need to find alternative transportation home.
Grocery Shopping Bag Limits: A limit of four paper grocery bags per passenger is enforced. Passengers are responsible for moving their bags to and from the vehicle, though the driver can assist as needed. Drivers will assist frail, elderly, or disabled passengers with grocery bags to the bus and to their front door, including upstairs, but not inside the residence. Please use paper bags for groceries as plastic bags are difficult to handle on the bus.
Passenger Conduct: Disruptive behavior is prohibited. Boisterous or unruly behavior that disturbs other passengers is not allowed. Talking with the driver while the bus is in motion is also not permitted to ensure safety and minimize distractions. For everyone’s comfort and safety, eating, drinking, and smoking are not allowed on the buses. Please be considerate of the driver and other passengers. Drivers have the right to refuse service to anyone under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or anyone using threatening, abusive, or foul language towards the driver or other passengers.
Transit Voucher Booklets and Bus Passes: For your convenience, Transit Voucher Booklets are available for purchase. Each booklet contains 20 $1 vouchers for a total cost of $20. Two $1 vouchers are required for each $2 one-way trip. Voucher booklets are non-refundable. Monthly Bus Passes are also available, allowing unlimited rides for a fee of $40 per calendar month. Bus Passes are non-refundable and non-transferable. Contact the Transit office for more details on purchasing vouchers or bus passes.
Compliments and Complaints: Monroe County Transit values your feedback. Compliments and complaints can be submitted by filling out a simple form available from your driver. Your suggestions are important for service improvement.
Cancellation Policy: If you no longer need your scheduled transportation, please call the Transit Office as soon as possible, ideally the day before your trip, but no less than one hour before your scheduled pickup time. Cancellations made less than one hour prior are considered “late cancels.” A “cancel at the door” occurs when you cancel after the driver arrives. A “no-show” is when you are not present for pickup and have not called to cancel. These situations cause significant time and effort loss for drivers and dispatchers. Violations of the cancellation policy will be addressed firmly. The first two violations will result in a warning letter. A third violation will lead to a 30-day suspension from transportation services. Prompt cancellations help ensure efficient service for everyone.
No Emergency Transportation: Monroe County Transit does not provide emergency transportation services. In case of a medical or other emergency, please call 911 immediately.
Paratransit Service Nature: Monroe County Transit is a paratransit bus service, which differs from a taxi service. It requires flexibility and patience regarding pickup and drop-off times due to its shared-ride nature and pre-scheduled routes.
Pets Policy: Pets are not allowed on the bus, with the exception of trained service animals like guide dogs, which are welcome.
Wheelchair Strap Requirement: Posey wheelchair straps are mandatory for all passengers using wheelchairs to ensure safety and security. The strap will remain fastened until you reach the door of your destination.

Mission Statement of Monroe County Special Transportation Services (STS)

The core mission of Monroe County Special Transportation Services (STS) is to operate a paratransit network that is not only safe and dependable but also genuinely effective in meeting the transportation needs of Monroe County’s elderly, disabled, and transportation-disadvantaged residents. STS is dedicated to enabling mobility, which is essential for improving the quality of life and fostering independence among these populations. By providing access to transportation, STS empowers individuals to lead useful and productive lives within their community.

In Conclusion

Monroe Transportation Services, through its free senior rides and comprehensive STS program, plays a crucial role in connecting the residents of Monroe County with the places they need to go. Whether you are a senior looking for cost-free transportation or an individual with specific mobility needs requiring specialized assistance, Monroe County provides valuable resources. By understanding and utilizing these services, residents can enhance their independence, maintain community connections, and improve their overall quality of life. For any further questions or to book your ride, remember to contact Monroe County Special Transportation Services at 305-292-4424.