2014 Riders Guide
RWB 2015 Riders Guide – UPDATED 8-19-15
Scheduling a Ride
Call the dispatcher to reserve a ride. Bemidji Dispatch hours are Monday – Friday from 7 AM to 4:30 PM and Saturday 8 AM to 4:00 PM. In Roseau, Warroad and Baudette Dispatch hours are Monday – Friday 7:30 Am to 4:00 PM.
Reservations need to be made before 4:15 PM for Bemidji and by 3:45 for RWB each day while dispatcher is on duty. Otherwise, you will not receive service for the day. Same day reservations will be accommodated as space allows. Reservations may be made on Thursday of the current week for the upcoming week.
The dispatcher will assist you in reserving a pick-up time. The dispatcher may schedule your trip at an earlier or later time to accommodate those who have scheduled their rides the day before or to make more efficient use of the dial-a-ride service.
Do not submit rides by fax or email. The best way to schedule a ride is by calling dispatch in Bemidji at 751-8765 ext.1.
Call 218-463-3238 ext. 1 in Roseau and Warroad. Call 1-844-452-0407 in Baudette ext. 1.
Please do not leave voice messages on other extensions as they may not be received during the same hours that dispatch is available.
The following information should be given to the dispatcher when you call:
- Address you’re at and where you want to go (exact addresses needed)
- Time you need to be at destination
- Return time, if needed
- If driver assistance is required
- Number of people needing a ride
- Pick Up Procedures
- If you will need the bus lift for a wheel chair or walker
When you call to reserve a ride, the dispatcher will give you a scheduled pick-up time. You should be ready at the entrance with coat on and packages together. Generally, the driver will pull up to the curb of a residential home if room is available for the bus.
The driver will wait three minutes for you to appear. After this time, it is imperative that the bus continues on its dial-a-ride service.
Driver Assistance
If requested, the driver may provide assistance to riders between the vehicle and the sidewalk. Inform the dispatcher that you need assistance when making your reservation. If additional help is required beyond the sidewalk, the rider should have someone meet them. The driver will not assist any individuals into buildings.
In addition, the driver may assist passenger with four (4) items per trip. This assistance is dependent upon weight of the item(s) and time available to the driver. There is a limit of four (4) items per person per trip. Additional items over (4) will be allowed for an additional fare.
Transfers
Transfers may take place while you are riding our public transit system. There will be no additional charge to you for this. Transfers are done, at times, to assist us in the efficiency of our dial-a-ride service.
Canceling Rides and Penalties
If your plans change, you should call to cancel your reservations. Trips must be canceled at least 30 minutes before the scheduled pick-up time or they will be considered a “no show” ride. Three “no shows” during a 30 day period will result in a 30 day suspension from service. Repeat offenders we be discipline per individual circumstance for longer periods without bus service. Exceptions are made if the reason for the “no show” was due to some unforeseen circumstance or the vehicle arrived more than 15 minutes late for the scheduled trip.
If you don’t show up for your ride, your pre-scheduled return ride will be automatically canceled. If you still need your return ride, you must call the dispatcher.
Trip Denial
The driver may refuse to give you a ride at locations that are unsafe for either the passenger, driver or vehicles, including areas not cleared of snow.
Passengers who appear disorderly or are considered a safety threat to the driver or other passengers, including those under the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol, may be denied a ride.
Holidays
Paul Bunyan Transit will be closed on the following holidays throughout the calendar year:
- New Year’s Day
- President’s Day
- Memorial Day
- Fourth of July
- Labor Day
- Thanksgiving
- Friday after Thanksgiving
- Christmas Day
Closings
In inclement weather, listen to the local radio stations for closings.
* Please note other closures in the community does not necessitate Paul Bunyan Transit will not be operating.
Statement of Non-Discrimination
Paul Bunyan Transit does not discriminate against an individual on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, disability, age or familial status and assure equal opportunity for all persons in the provision of public transportation service. All buses are handicap accessible.