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PSTA’S DART System

If it is determined that you qualify for PSTA’s DART system you can reap the benefits of transportation anywhere in PSTA’s service area at your request. Often referred to as Paratransit service the DART system is a complimentary service required under the ADA. The term Paratransit is a federal term that only should be used and applied to DART services. Paratransit is the abbreviation for parallel transit and does not have any thing to do with paraplegic transit as many mistakenly believe. The term should not be used in reference to any other program that provides wheelchair transport. This misuse has been the basis for much confusion in the county and frankly across the state.
DART transportation service is available during the same days, hours and within the corridors as the regular bus service for any given trip request. This means that if your trip is starting within 3 quarters of a mile and your destination is within 3 quarters of a mile of a bus route and you can travel during the times that the specific bus route is active then DART can assist you if you have been previously qualified. Bus service is provided on all major roads in Pinellas County, with routes and bus stops within a short distance of most of the resident population. PSTA buses are air-conditioned and can accommodate wheelchair passengers. Information on bus routes and schedules is available from PSTA at (727) 540-1900, TDD (727) 540-0603 or at www.psta.net and can also be found at the County’s public libraries and PSTA bus terminals.
Where architectural barriers, such as lack of curb cuts or sidewalk, are the only impediment to using accessible buses an individual may be transported to a bus transfer point where an accessible bus can be boarded. This program, called “Feeder” service is intended to provide you convenient access to the accessible fixed route system. Upon certification, you will be notified of the conditions of your eligibility. Bus schedules will be provided indicating the days and hours you can travel on PSTA's DART transportation. Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about the PSTA service.
What is the price of the demand response service?
The fare for DART transportation can be no more than twice the full cash fare for the same trip on the regular fixed route bus system. No discounts are offered. Once the fare for a demand response trip has been determined, correct fare is necessary when boarding the vehicle. Convenient frequent-rider tickets are also available, but may need to be supplemented when a higher fare is necessary for a particular trip. (Note: Checks and credit cards are not accepted.)
How do I make a reservation?
Trip Reservations/Cancellation (727) 724-0440
DART Information (727) 540-1800

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You may call up to one (1) month before your scheduled trip to make a reservation, but no later than 5:00 p.m. the day before your trip. Telephone operators are available to take reservations between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on weekends and holidays.
In order to accommodate as many riders as possible, pick-up times will be negotiated up to one hour before or after the pick-up time requested by the passenger. Cancellations must be made at least two hours prior to a scheduled pick-up time, or the trip will be deemed a "no show." Drivers are not permitted to wait more than five minutes after a scheduled pick up time. If a passenger is not at the door, ready to board a vehicle within five minutes of the scheduled pick-up time, the trip will be deemed a "no show." Passengers will be billed for each no-show trip, and service may be discontinued if a passenger establishes a pattern of regular and repeated no-shows.
What if I travel to the same destination on a regular basis?
Subscriptions can be made for certain trips and will permit you to travel without having to make a reservation each time you ride.
What kind of trips can I take using DART?
The provision of DART services is based on the ADA so PSTA cannot ask you the purpose of your trip. As long as the pickup and drop-off points are within the corridor of service and the times are within the normal operational times of the buses you can go anywhere you wish within those parameters.
How are passengers with special needs accommodated?
Accessible vehicles are available for passengers who use wheelchairs. However, wheelchair lifts on PSTA demand response vehicles cannot accommodate wheelchair devices which exceed 30 inches in width, 48 inches in length (measured 2 inches above the ground), or 600 pounds in weight when occupied. In addition, PSTA requires that all wheelchairs be secured by the securement system of the vehicle during transport. Driver assistance is provided when boarding and leaving the vehicle, and to/from building entrances when necessary. In addition, the Information and Reservation lines are Voice/TTY accessible.
Please note: emergency transportation service is not provided and DART drivers are not trained in emergency medical techniques.
What is permitted on the vehicle?
No smoking, eating, or drinking is permitted in the Paratransit vehicle.
Riders may bring one (1) portable oxygen tank.
Tipping the driver is not permitted.
Disruptive on-board behavior may result in the termination of riding privileges, or the requirement that the passenger travel with an attendant.
Guide dogs and service animals are welcome.
What won’t the DART drivers do?
Enter a person's home, even to assist with a wheelchair.
Administer or assist in administering medication, or provide medical treatment.
Lift or carry any passengers, packages, parcels or groceries at any time.
Passengers who cannot travel independently or need special assistance should travel with a Personal Care Attendant (PCA). Passengers with small children must provide their own child safety seats.

| Apply | Contacts | CARE | DART | Glossary | Hurricane |
| Medicaid | Seniors | Services | Transit |