Did You Know? Beaumont Transit Offers Door-to Door-Transportation for the Disabled
The new Zip fleet was upgraded with amenities and features like folding chairs to allow more room for wheelchairs and kneeling ramps for increased accessibility on the public buses. Our goal is to provide every citizen access to public transportation, but if the normal buses are still a challenge, there is another solution.
Beaumont offers door-to-door transportation for individuals who are unable to independently use the public fixed-route buses due to a physical or mental disability. That definition is very broad and includes everything from mobility to cognitive impairments.
What are Zip Paratransit Vans and How Can They Benefit You?
Paratransit Vans are smaller than normal transit buses, and usually seat around 15 passengers including the diver. A wheelchair lift and many different seating configurations make these types of vans perfect for persons with limited mobility. Paratransit vans provide individualized curb-to-curb transportation for people who are unable to use Beaumont Zip’s fixed route buses. “Curb- to-curb” means a van will pick you up and drop you off at any address in Beaumont the customer designates. And if you need extra help, a friendly employee can provide white-glove service for “Assist-to-Door” customers who cannot independently walk or roll from the front door of their home to the van.
How do you know if you are eligible?
The ADA has outlined guidelines to see if you qualify here.
If you believe you do, you can download an application from the website, request one by phone at 409-835-7895 or visit the offices at: BMT ZIP Operations Facility, 550 Milam St. Beaumont, Texas 77701, which are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
A decision will be made within twenty-one (21) days – we appreciate your patience as applications are reviewed.
You’re Approved! Now What Do You Do?
To schedule a ride, call (409) 835-7895 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Reservations may be made one day prior to desired trip service. Transportation is provided on a “first-come-first -served” basis regardless of trip purpose. When scheduling a trip, please be ready to provide the following info:
- Your name
- Your pick-up address (including building/business names, specific pick- up information, landmarks).
- The date you are traveling.
- The time you would like to be picked up. (Note: schedule appointments with ample time to reach your destination)
- Requested drop-off time and alternate drop-off times
- The street address of your destination (including specific drop-off information)
- If a Personal Care Attendant (PCA) will travel with you or if a guest other than your PCA will travel with you (including children).
- Schedule a return trip
- The need for a will-call (for a medical appointment)
Have an appointment, but not sure when you will be done? That’s ok!
Occasionally, customers need open-ended return trips because they do not know how long their appointment may last. Customers may request open-ended pick-up times for medical appointments or jury duty only.
Customers must let the reservation agent know at the time of call that they need a “will-call.” Will-call pickups are activated when the customer notifies the ZIP reservationist that they are done. BMT ZIP will dispatch a vehicle as soon as possible; however, during peak times and high use circumstances it can take up to one (1) hour before the vehicle arrives. Will-call pick-ups are not recommended unless all other options have been eliminated. Operators will then wait five (5) minutes for will call riders before continuing their route.
How much does it cost?
- Eligible Individual $2.50 per one-way trip
- Monthly Pass (calendar month) $80
- Ticket Book (10 one-way rides) $25
- Guest $2.50 per one-way trip
- Personal Care Attendant (PCA’s) No Charge – must travel with eligible passenger
For more information on eligibility, or to purchase a pass, call 409-835-7895 or view our policy guidelines here.