Questions and Comments from the virtual Customer Forum. Held on November 19, 2020.
1. What does TARTA do to prepare for winter weather?
TARTA’s snow crew monitors the weather and communicates to each other via text messaging. Maintenance crews are onsite 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. They have four plows, several snow blowers, and three truck mounted salt spreaders. The first priority is to clean up around the Hub and then they move on to other TARTA locations.
2. Is TARTA still fare free and for how long?
TARTA continues to not collect fares for its services, thus reducing interaction between riders and drivers. We plan to do this at least through 2020, and perhaps beyond, although that has not been officially decided yet.
3.Is TARTA still operating on a Saturday schedule?
Yes. At this time TARTA fixed-route vehicles are still operating using modified Saturday schedules. Line-ups follow Saturday time points with the exception that line-ups begin at 7:30 a.m. and end at 7:30 p.m.
4. How often do line-ups run?
Lineups are currently running every 90 minutes or every hour and a half.
5.Is TARTA still offering shadow bus service?
Yes. TARTA fixed-route service is still offering shadow bus service. Shadow bus service is defined as the buses that follow the main line-up to accommodate for any rider overflow. At this time, fixed-route service is still limited to ten riders per vehicle to ensure the safety and security of customers and Team TARTA members.
6. How many TARPS riders can ride at one time?
TARTA’s paratransit service, TARPS, has a vehicle capacity of 5 passengers per vehicle. Per the Americans with Disabilities Act, no rider may be refused service when riding a public paratransit service. TARTA does not limit ridership but does follow proper vehicle capacity standards.
7. Are pets still allowed to ride?
According to TARTA’s Code of Conduct and Passenger Responsibility Policy, no person shall bring or carry aboard a TARTA vehicle, or take into a TARTA station, any animal not housed in an enclosed carrying container, except for a person who requires a service animal.
8. What is the best way for a customer to communicate with TARTA, phone call, e-mail, letter?
TARTA and TARPS riders are encouraged to communicate with TARTA in a variety of ways. The best way to communicate with TARTA and TARPS for immediate assistance is to call the rider information line. The TARTA information line can be reached at (419) 243-7433 and the TARPS information line can be reached at (419) 382-9901.
9. How are the bus routes changing and/or being added to? Will some of the bus routes expand to time frame they run?
TARTA is exploring expansion options for Winter 2021. We encourage riders to stay tuned at tarta.com and through TARTA’s text alert program and e-newsletter for the most up-to-date information regarding expanded service changes.
10. Are the drivers dealing well with those people who constantly give them trouble about wearing a mask, etc.?
The Toledo Metro area community has been excellent in adapting and complying with TARTA’s COVID-19 safety protocols. However, TARTA drivers are trained in conflict resolution and are empowered to enforce safety protocols like wearing a facial covering before and during riding a TARTA or TARPS vehicle.
11. Can you use cash?
At this time, customers are not required to pay fare when riding any TARTA or TARPS vehicle as fare collection has been suspended due to COVID-19. When fare collection resumes, riders will be able to pay with exact change or through their mobile EZfare app.
12. Is mobile app info applicable to TARPS services as well or just TARTA?
Mobile route planning applications are primarily used for fixed-route transportation options. As TARTA’s paratransit service, TARPS, is a pre-scheduled, on-demand service, mobile applications have yet been developed for service.
13.Will the #8 Call-A-Ride in Maumee expand its hours back to as early as 6:00am to 7:00pm, any time in the near, near future?
At this time, TARTA’s #8 Maumee Call-A-Ride is not set to expand its current service. We are currently reviewing our current service needs and demands and will take this feedback into consideration.
14. When winter hits, I will no longer be able to get to work walking in the elements. Any solution around this?
TARTA and TARPS understands that several mobility issues can arise during the winter months. We encourage riders who need specialized mobility options outside of fixed-route or TARPS service to contact TARTA’s Mobility Manager, Daniel Hunt, to discuss other viable transportation options. Daniel may be contacted at 419-725-5281 or dhunt@tarta.com.
Further comments or questions may be emailed to customer-relations@tarta.com.
If you were not able to attend the public meeting, an online recording is now available.
