Call-a-Bus Riders Guide

Call-a-Bus provides curb-to-curb service anywhere within the city limits for persons who, because of a disability, are unable to use the ColumBUS Bus Loop service.

For more information about this service or to schedule a ride, please call us at 812-376-2507.

Service Hours
Monday – Friday
6:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Saturday
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Reservations may be made during the following hours:
Monday – Friday
8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Saturday, Sunday
8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Taken by voicemail)

Call-a-Bus FAQ

Reservations may be made up to two weeks in advance by calling 812-376-2507.

Monday-Friday: 8 am – 4 pm
Sunday: 8 am – 4 pm (taken by voicemail)

  • When the reservation is made, the rider will be given a 30 minute pickup window. The rider must be ready to board within five minutes of arrival.
  • Any change in reservations must be made through the office prior to your trip.

Before calling, please have this information ready:

  • Name of recipient
  • Date of request
  • Destination of pickup
  • Appointment starting time
  • Appointment ending time or approximate pickup time
  • Lift is required with use of mobility device, walker, etc.
  • Personal Care Attendant (PCA)

Persons who, because of their disability, cannot independently board, ride, and/or disembark from an accessible fixed route vehicle. Persons who, because of an impairment-related condition, cannot get to a fixed route.

To qualify for Call-A-Bus, an application must be filled out, submitted, and approved.

Call-a-Bus Application (PDF)

Applications are also available on the bus, or at the Bus Depot.

Grievance Procedure (PDF)

All of ColumBUS Transit service fares have been paused indefinitely. Drivers are not allowed to accept tips or gratuities.

To cancel reservations, passengers should notify dispatch as soon as possible, but at least one hour before their scheduled transport time.

You will be provided a full cancellation/no-show policy upon eligibility approval.

What to Expect on Your Call-a-Bus Ride

  • Expect a “shared-ride” service. Others may be picked up or dropped off before you reach your destination.
  • State law requires seat belts. If necessary, drivers will assist.
  • Remain seated at all times while the vehicle is in motion.
  • Passengers are expected to treat dispatchers, drivers, and other passengers courteously.
  • No open containers of food, drinks, or alcohol (drinks with screwed-on lids are allowed: all others are prohibited).
  • No smoking, electronic cigarettes, or tobacco use.
  • No carrying firearms or weapons of any time (unless otherwise authorized by law).
  • Laundry brought on bus must be in a sealed container or tied plastic bag, limited to what you can carry in one trip while boarding van.
  • Cell phone speaker chat prohibited.

Notes on Transporting Packages

  • Call-A-Bus is a shared ride. Passengers should limit their parcel, groceries, etc. to the amount that you can carry in one trip.
  • Passengers are responsible for carrying their own packages & belongings.
  • All items must be safely secured within your personal space or fit in a small, folding cart.

A Personal Care Attendant (PCA) is someone who provides necessary personal assistance.

  • One PCA may accompany a passenger.
  • The PCA must be picked up and dropped off at the same location as the passenger.
  • Drivers are not allowed to perform PCA duty functions.
  • Call-A-Bus is a curb-to-curb service. Drivers are not allowed to enter the home or go inside the destination.

Notes on Transporting Service & Non-Service Animals

  • Service animals may travel on Call-A-Bus to provide assistance to individuals with disabilities.
  • Service animals must remain on a leash and under full control of the owner at all times.
  • Please inform the office when booking your reservation that you will be traveling with a service animal.
  • Animals that are not Guide, Signal, or Service Animals are considered as pets and must be carried in an appropriate enclosed container (pet taxi) while on the vehicle.

Notes on Mobility Devices/Lift Procedures

  • Lift will be provided for those with walkers, mobility devices and/or those who have difficulty using the steps.
  • For your safety, handrails are provided.
  • We will request that your mobility device be backed onto the lift to equal out weight distribution.
  • All mobility devices must be turned off while lift and vehicle are in motion.
  • For safety reasons, all devices, including portable oxygen tanks, will be secured.
  • Ensure that items are not attached, hanging on the back, or on any side of a mobility device that might restrict the ability for the driver to safely secure the mobility device.
  • Passengers who use scooter-type devices, who are capable of transferring to a vehicle seat, are strongly urged to do so before transport.

In 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law. As a major piece of civil rights legislation, the ADA protects all peoples’ rights without regard to their physical and/or cognitive disabilities.

The ADA specifies that all people have a right to be able to use available public transportation. The ADA requires those individuals not be able to independently ride public buses, be provided with an equivalent, complimentary service for their transportation needs. Visit
columbus.in.gov/columbus-transit
for more information.

Additional Information

ADA Eligible Visitors Policy
Visitors not from this jurisdiction may be able to use Call-a-Bus. Visitors who are ADA eligible with another transit system may use Call-a-Bus services. Visitors shall provide ColumBUS Transit with documentation that (1) they are not residents of Columbus, and (2) they are paratransit eligible elsewhere. If they cannot show ColumBUS Transit staff they are eligible elsewhere, but can show sufficiently they are a visitor and are disabled, they may use Call-a-Bus services for up to 21 different days for one (1) year. If the visitor needs further service, he/she must apply for Call-a-Bus eligibility.

Confidentiality Acknowledgement
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects confidentiality. Following ADA guidelines, ColumBUS Transit considers all information including Call A Bus applications and associated paperwork confidential, including information riders may disclosed voluntarily.

ColumBUS Transit keeps all confidential materials in separate, locked files and restricts access to those that need to know in order to make necessary accommodations.