Riding WOTA: What to Expect
WOTA provides public, demand-response transportation, which means rides are scheduled around appointments rather than fixed routes. Because traffic, weather, rider needs and vehicle availability can change from day to day, your pickup time, driver and route may not be the same for every trip. We appreciate your patience as we work to safely serve as many riders as possible.
Rides are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot be guaranteed. WOTA is shared public transportation, so other riders may travel with you.
Rider Registration
Everyone riding with WOTA must have a completed registration form on file, including companion riders. Registration may be completed online or by mail. Please allow 1-2 business days for applications to be entered into our system.
Scheduling a WOTA Ride
Dispatchers schedule rides Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.
Please keep in mind the following:
- Rides must be scheduled at least 48 business hours in advance.
- Rides must be booked directly with a dispatcher. Voicemail cannot be used to book a ride.
- Weekly work schedules may be emailed to scheduling@RideWOTA.org.
- Peak-hour rides may be scheduled up to seven days in advance.
- Rides outside peak hours may be scheduled up to three months in advance.
Peak hours are Monday through Friday from 6:00–9:00 a.m. and 3:00–6:00 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays 9:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m.
When calling, please provide the following information:
- The day and time of your appointment
- The destination address and any entrance instructions
- Expected length of time for the appointment
- Any companion rider or changes to your mobility
WOTA dispatchers will provide your pick-up window information so please have a pen and paper ready to record your trip details.
Keep in mind that WOTA does not perform same day trips or transportation for medical emergencies.
Pick-up and Ride Expectations
You will receive a 30-minute pickup window. Please be ready at the beginning of that window. WOTA does offer a text or phone call for reminders the day before and 15 minutes prior to appointment. Please ask the dispatcher about this optional, free service.
Drivers will wait up to five minutes after arriving; then a call will be placed. Drivers cannot change your scheduled ride or add stops. All changes must be approved by Dispatch in advance.
Riders may generally schedule one round trip with up to two stops per day, based on availability. A fare of $2.00 or $4.00 is charged each time the rider boards the vehicle, including each stop and the return trip. Veterans and registered companion riders travel free.
Drivers may assist riders from the front door of the pickup location to the door of the destination. Driveways, sidewalks and walkways must be clear and safe.
Wheelchairs, walkers and mobility scooters are permitted but must be properly secured. Drivers cannot carry a wheelchair up or down stairs.
Cancellations and No Shows
Please contact Dispatch as soon as possible when you need to cancel a ride. You may leave a voicemail for cancellations.
A rider who is not ready within five minutes of the driver’s arrival may be marked as a no-show and charged the applicable fare. If another vehicle is sent, an additional fare will apply.
Cancellations made less than two hours before pickup are considered late cancellations. Late cancellations are not charged a fare, but they count toward the monthly no-show policy.
Three late cancellations or no-shows within one month may result in suspension of service for the following month. Extenuating circumstances will be reviewed by the Director on a case-by-case basis.
Weather and Holiday Closures
WOTA is closed on designated holidays and may suspend service during severe weather. Closure notices will be posted on RideWOTA.org and WOTA’s Facebook page. Registered riders may also receive a phone call or text message through the dispatch system for closure notifications.
