Bend Dial-A-Ride

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Bend Dial-A-Ride

Bend Dial-A-Ride (DAR) is a paratransit service complementing the fixed-route bus system within the City of Bend. Bend DAR provides curb-to-curb transportation service within Bend city limits. If you are unable to ride the fixed-route bus for medical reasons or are an eligible low-income senior, you may apply to use this service. See eligibility and application instructions below.

Bend Dial-A-Ride is a shared-ride service where a driver may pick-up or drop-off other passengers before taking you to your destination within the service area. Bend DAR requires a specific drop-off and pick-up address within the service area rather than the nearest bus stop.

All Bend fixed-route buses and Dial-A-Ride vehicles are fully ADA-equipped, including wheelchair lifts. Bend DAR riders must be capable of using the service unaided or with the assistance of a Personal Care Attendant arranged by the rider. Vehicle operators are not permitted to perform the duties of a Personal Care Attendant.

Questions about the Dial-A-Ride service? Ready to schedule a ride? Call our team at: 541-385-8680.

What’s the difference? Fixed-Route vs Dial-A-Ride

Fixed-route buses are buses that stop only at specific bus stops along a fixed route according to routine schedules, while Dial-A-Ride offers curb-to-curb service outside of fixed stops and may be scheduled by the rider. Both services offer fully ADA-accessible vehicles.

Service Hours

Bend Dial-A-Ride operates seven days a week and is closed on these major holidays: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

Bend DAR services are available during these hours:

Monday – Friday: 6:00 am – 7:30 pm

Saturday: 7:30 am – 5:30 pm

Sunday: 8:30 am – 3:15 pm

Fares

Cascades East Transit went fare free during the pandemic on all fixed routes and complementary paratransit services. Ride for free!

In the event that fares resume, all Dial-A-Ride clients will be notified before scheduling a trip.

Eligibility + Apply

Dial-A-Ride within Bend city limits is subject to federal rules and guidelines under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In order to use the service, you must meet certain eligibility criteria, submit an application which may include medical verification from your doctor, and be successfully enrolled in the Cascades East Transit system.

Who is eligible?

People unable to ride a fixed-route bus due to a disability that is temporary, conditional, or permanent
Low-income seniors who reside within 3/4 mile of a fixed-route service

How to apply

Please complete the appropriate application below and mail or fax it to our Dial-A-Ride office at:

Cascades East Transit
343 E Antler Ave
Redmond, OR 97756

Fax: 541-548-9548

Please ensure that your application is complete before sending it to us as any incomplete information may delay processing of your request.

Complete this form unless you are applying as a low-income senior. If you are applying on the basis of a disability that prevents you from riding the fixed-route bus system, choose this form.

Please note that the last two pages must be completed and signed by your doctor or other qualified medical professional. It is the applicant’s responsibility to contact their medical provider to have this form completed as Cascades East Transit cannot do this on your behalf.

Please complete this form in addition to the General Application above if you are applying for a reduced fare.

Please complete this form instead of the General Application above if you do not have a qualifying disability, but qualify for the service as a low-income senior residing within 3/4 mile of a fixed-route in Bend.

Not sure which application is best for you? Call our team for support at: 541-385-8680.

If you need assistance completing an application, would like the application in an alternative format, or have additional questions about public transportation under the Americans with Disabilities Act, contact the Dial-A-Ride office at 541-385-8680. For persons with hearing or speech disabilities, call the Oregon Telecommunications Relay Service at 1-800-735-2900 TTY-Oregon Relay.

Why do I have to apply in Bend, but not elsewhere in Central Oregon?

Dial-A-Ride inside Bend is a complement to the fixed-route bus system, which makes it subject to Federal Transit Administration regulations. Cascades East Transit also provides similar on-demand services in communities across Central Oregon, like Redmond and Madras, which are open to the general public without requiring an application procedure. That’s possible because those communities do not have a fixed-route bus service so the on-demand system in those communities is not considered a “complementary” paratransit service.

What can you expect after Cascades East Transit receives your Dial-A-Ride application?

You will be allowed up to 30 days of Dial-A-Ride service while your application is being processed.
You will receive notice within 21 days of receipt of your fully completed application regarding whether your application was approved or not.
If approved, re-certification will be required every three (3) years.
If denied, please contact the Dial-A-Ride office at 541-385-8680 to discuss the appeal process.

Scheduling a ride

If you are already enrolled in the Dial-A-Ride program, schedule your ride by calling our Dial-A-Ride office during business hours at these numbers:

Call to schedule your ride:

Monday-Friday, 7am-5pm

For will call service on weekdays or to cancel a ride on the weekend, call instead: 541-389-2627.

Rides must be scheduled at least the day before your desired trip.
For example, to ride on Wednesday, make your reservation by Tuesday. It does not need to be strictly 24 hours, but advance booking helps ensure you get the time you want.
You can schedule a ride up to 14 days in advance.
All rides are scheduled based on current availability and your exact desired time may not be available.
Your driver may arrive within a 30-minute window of your scheduled time.
As a shared-ride service, the vehicle may make other stops before arriving at your destination.

After hours reservations

You may leave a message with a reservation request after hours at 541-385-8680. Reservations placed during business hours with a customer service representative will be confirmed immediately.

If leaving a message, please include:

Your full name, address, and call back phone number
The address where you want to be picked up
Your destination address and phone number if applicable
Your desired pick up and return times
Whether you will be traveling with a Personal Care Attendant (PCA), service animal, and/or guest
Any assistive equipment you, your PCA, or your guest(s) may be using.
Any special directions: how to find locations, a specific entrance you will be at, etc

Will Call

If you are going to a medical appointment and cannot schedule a return trip because you do not know the time you will be done, you can request a “will call”. You will then call us when you’re finished with your appointment and a driver will pick you up within an hour depending on availability.

Will calls must be requested at least 24 hours in advance and are limited to five per day, Monday through Friday. If five will calls have been requested by others already, you may be asked to select a scheduled pick up instead.

When you are finished with your appointment, call 541-389-2627 to request your pickup. Please note that this number is different from the usual scheduling phone number.

Riders must call in for their will call pickup by 6:00 pm.

Cancellations and No Show policy

Please call the Dial-A-Ride office at least an hour before your scheduled trip to cancel a reservation.

A “no show” is deemed as anyone who fails to cancel a ride within one hour of the schedule pickup time or who does not board the bus within the five-minute wait time.

Policies and more information

For more information about Cascades East Transit’s RIDE assist programs and accessibility efforts, including the Bend DAR service, contact our call center at 541-385-8680 or toll-free at 866-385-8680.

For more information about using Bend Dial-A-Ride, regional transit service, ADA contact information, and ADA complaint procedures, download our Rider’s Guide (en Español), the CET ADA Paratransit Plan (en Español), and CET’s Reasonable Modification Procedure (en Español)

If you have an ADA or Title VI complaint, please submit an online comment form using the following link: CET Comment Form. For information about the ADA complaint process, please call 541-385-8680.