An Introduction to: Call-A-Bus

A service of the Central New York Regional Transportation Authority (CNYRTA) to meet the transportation needs of persons with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990.

Your Trip Reservationist can tell you the exact fare of your trip at the time you make your trip request. Specific
Call-A-Bus trips outside the core business area may require additional fares. Requests for rides may be made 14 days in advance, but no later than one day before the day you wish to travel.

Call-A-Bus Areas of Service Area

The Call-A-Bus service area is determined by the Centro Transit Bus routes in your area. Call-A-Bus vehicles travel within 3/4 mile of the Centro Transit Bus route. Call-A-Bus trips must start and end within those boundaries. Certain routes are not eligible for Call-A-Bus. Please call your local Call-A-Bus office for more information.

Drivers do assist passengers with boarding and exiting the vehicle and securing mobility devices. They will also assist with limited packages or an escort to the door if it is safe to do so. Drivers are not allowed to enter homes, assist with dressing, or perform escort duties beyond the front door. Drivers must be able to see their vehicle at all times.

Call-A-Bus Drivers cannot supervise or perform custodial duties for passengers. If passengers need additional assistance to travel, they must make their own arrangements. Personal Care Attendants ride free if they are assisting a Call-A-Bus passenger.
The presence of a disability or disabling health condition by itself does not result in an automatic approval to use Call-A-Bus. Rather, eligibility is based upon the functional abilities of the individual.

Example: Mary has rheumatoid arthritis, but can still walk distances and has made adjustments to maintain her independence. She still uses the bus. Mary is not eligible for Call-A-Bus at this time. John also has rheumatoid arthritis. He cannot stand for more than a few minutes (as in waiting for a bus) nor can he be exposed to extreme heat or cold for more than 10 minutes. John is eligible for Call-A-Bus.

Age, distance to the bus stop, lack of availability of the Centro Transit Bus, the inability to drive a car, inconvenience or decreased comfort are not qualifying factors for Call-A-Bus eligibility. Your disability must prevent travel on the Centro
Transit Bus.

To determine if you are eligible for Call-A-Bus, you must complete a written application and it must be signed and verified by a healthcare professional of your choice. This process may take several weeks. Once we have a completed application, you will then be able to use Call-A-Bus. In most cases, applications are reviewed and applicants notified within 21 days.

To request an application, please contact your local Call-A-Bus office (see back cover for phone numbers), Monday-Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm.

Central New York Regional Transportation Authority
200 Cortland Avenue, P.O. Box 820
Syracuse, NY 13205-0820 www.centro.org
315-442-3333