General Information

Tri-Development Center’s Transportation

Volunteers Needed

Best Friend Dial-A-Ride

Best Friend Express Bus

Medicaid Van

GENERAL INFORMATION

Whenever the unmet needs of people with severe, lifelong disabilities are assessed, transportation emerges as a major issue. Many of these individuals do not have drivers’ licenses and, as a result, must be dependent on other systems and individuals for getting where they need and want to go. For a large number of citizens with disabilities residing in Aiken County, the availability of such transportation supports is inadequate. The quality of life available to many individuals in rural areas is particularly impacted by a lack of available transportation. At Tri-Development Center and the Aiken County Board of Disabilities, we are proponents of efforts to assist individuals with disabilities in having better access to those services and activities that are available to other members of our community.

Our public transportation system, the Best Friend Express, is operated by the Aiken Area Council on Aging/Your LifeCare Connection. It serves as a dependable source of transportation for those individuals who, not only live near the bus lines, but also have destinations near the system’s fixed routes. Unfortunately, routes and times of operation are very limited. For those individuals who live near the established lines of the Best Friend Express and whose disabilities prevent them from utilizing the Best Friend Express, Dial-a-Ride (648-6493) is available as a transportation option also provided by Your LifeCare Connection. This service is door-to-door and vehicles utilized are accessible to individuals using wheelchairs. Arrangements need to be made as early as possible since this service is very limited.

We support Your LifeCare Connection’s efforts to increase the availability of public transportation services to our area’s citizens. Taxicab services are available as well and are listed in the yellow pages of the phone directory.

TRI-DEVELOPMENT CENTER’S
TRANSPORTATION

At Tri-Development Center we assist those we serve with learning how to utilize the transportation systems which are available. In addition, we operate a fleet of vehicles that are used to transport individuals to and from day services and various day program work sites in the community. It should be noted that this does not include on-going transportation to competitive employment. Limited transportation is available to help support self-advocacy activities.

A large number of vehicles are also used in our provision of residential services. Transportation supports to this group include taking individuals to and from work and/or other day services, medical appointments, and recreational activities. Trips also involve shopping as well as visits with families and other service providers.

The transportation needs of those we serve can not be fully met by our agency or available public transportation. Many of those we serve remain largely dependent on families and friends for the bulk of their transportation. We still find individuals who can not go to church because of a lack of accessible transportation. We encourage churches throughout our county to consider this when purchasing vehicles for their congregations.

Additionally, most organized services providing supports to individuals who use wheelchairs are closed on Sundays and in the evenings. This makes it difficult for individuals to get to recreational and other leisure activities. Joining friends for a meal in a restaurant can become a tremendous ordeal for the individual who uses a wheelchair and does not have his own transportation.

Many people with disabilities residing in rural areas and even in the more urban areas need transportation if they are to participate in evening and weekend activities. Volunteers are needed to help them get to meetings and activities that can greatly increase their quality of life. In short, we need your assistance in this area. Many of those needing additional transportation supports do not use wheelchairs and can be transported in vehicles without any special adaptations. If you have a good driving record and time you can offer to assist your fellow citizens with disabilities, please consider being of service in the area of transportation.

IF YOU ARE WILLING TO HELP US IN THIS CRITICAL AREA, PLEASE CONTACT US AT 803-642-8800. ASK FOR THE DIRECTOR, SPECIAL ACTIVITIES & MARKETING

THE BEST FRIEND DIAL-A-RIDE

What is Dial-a-Ride?

Dial-A-Ride is specialized transportation for people with disabilities. The service is for individuals who, due to their disability, are unable to ride the Best Friend Express bus. It is a curb to curb, advance reservation, shared ride transportation service. Transportation may be for regularly scheduled trips at the same time and to the same location. These can be automatically scheduled. Individual scheduling is required for trips that occur irregularly to different locations.

What is the service area?

The service area is within a three mile radius of the Best Friend Express bus. This covers Aiken, Horse Creek Valley, and North Augusta. A service area map is available upon request.

When is the service available?

The service is available Monday through Friday.

What is the cost?

The cost is $1.00 for one zone and $2.00 for two zones.

How do you qualify?

Any person with a physical or mental disability that makes it impossible to use the Best Friend Express bus may be eligible. All riders must be certified by a physician. When using the service, they must present an I.D. they will be given when certified. Your service coordinator at the Aiken County Board of Disabilities will be happy to provide you with an application, or they may be picked up at the Aiken Area Council on Aging/Your LifeCare Connection at 159 Morgan Street in Aiken, S.C.

What is the phone number?

The phone number is 648-6493

What information will I need when I call to make a reservation?

You will need to provide your name, phone number, the pick up location, the address of the destination, the time you must be at that destination, the approximate time of return trip (if transportation will be needed), the type of vehicle needed (i.e. equipped for individuals using wheelchairs), and whether or not you will be accompanied by an escort.

How do I make reservations?

Requests are taken at 803-648-6493 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Outside of these hours, you may leave a message on the answering machine. Trips must be requested 24 hours in advance. Cutoff time for requests is 12 noon the day before the trip.

What if I want to cancel?

Cancellations should be received at least two hours prior to pick up time. You are asked to give as much notice as possible. Three "No Shows" may result in loss of eligibility for Dial-A-Ride service. No shows are defined as riders who are more than five minutes late, riders who fail to keep a scheduled trip appointment, and riders who cancel less than two hours before a scheduled trip.

Will drivers make change?

No, drivers are not authorized to make change. Please have the exact fare ready.

What assistance can I count on the driver to provide?

The driver will assist you with boarding and leaving the vehicle and up and down stairs. He/She will also provide assistance in the use of seat belts and assist with a small parcel and up to two grocery bags. Please note that drivers are not allowed to enter homes or offices. If you require further assistance, you are asked to please arrange for an escort.

What else do I need to know?

• Seat belts must be worn at all times.
• Be ready five minutes before your scheduled pick up time.
• The driver will not wait for you longer than 5 minutes.
• In the event the driver is running late, you will be notified.
• Do not make medical appointments that begin after 2:00 p.m.

THE BEST FRIEND EXPRESS BUS SERVICE

The Best Friend Express Bus Service is a part of Aiken County’s public transportation system and runs Monday through Friday. It is a fixed route service, and its vehicles are accessible. For information on routes and schedules, please call 803-648-6493. The cost is $.75 for one zone and $1.50 for two or more zones.

MEDICAID VAN

Medicaid transportation is also operated through Your LifeCare Connection. This service provides transportation to medical appointments. Appointments for use of this door-to-door service also need to be made well in advance of scheduled appointments. The earliest appointments are for 7:00 a.m. and the van usually completes its day around 4:30 or 5:00 p.m. This service is available throughout Aiken County, and is operational Monday through Friday. If you need dialysis on Saturdays, arrangements can be made for you to have transportation.