Call the dispatcher to reserve a ride. Dispatch hours are Monday - Friday from 7 AM to 4:30 PM and Saturday 8 AM to 4:30 PM.

Reservations need to be made before 4:30 PM 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 by 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.

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

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 requsted, the driver may provide assistance to riders between the vehicle and the entrance of the building. Inform the dispatcher that you need assistance when making your reservation. If additional help is required beyond the main door, the rider should have someone meet them. The driver will not assist any individuals in to 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) or any unusual items will cost extra.

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 one month will result in a one-week suspension from 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 prescheduled 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, will 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
• Christmas Day

A limited number of buses will run on the day after Thanksgiving.

Closings

Paul Bunyan Transit will not be open on days that local school district is closed due to inclement weather.

Statement of Non-Discrimination

Paul Bunyan Transit, Beltrami Country and the City of Bemidji do 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.