What is Paratransit and Demand Response?

Fort Smith Transit provides curbside service for passengers with qualifying disabilities (Paratransit) and/or passengers traveling outside the fixed route coverage area (Demand/Response). When scheduling curbside service, please check to ensure you have provided the office with the most recent information regarding any changes that may affect your schedule.

Client registration is required before scheduling for curbside service.

Who Can Use FST's Paratransit and Demand Response?

FST's Demand Response service is for those who reside over 3/4ths of a mile from an FST bus stop or those who did not qualify for an ADA Paratransit Ride.

Under the ADA, a disability alone does not automatically qualify a person to use the FST ADA Paratransit Service. A person who lives within 3/4 of a mile of a fixed route must be functionally unable to get to or use the fixed-route bus service to qualify to use FST's ADA Paratransit Service.

ADA Paratransit Service is provided to the following three general groups of persons with disabilities:

• Persons who have specific impairment-related conditions which make it impossible (not just difficult) to travel to or from the bus stop.
• Persons who need a wheelchair lift or ramp and a wheelchair lift-equipped vehicle/bus are unable to deploy their lift/ramp in a particular location due to physical constraints of that particular bus stop.
• Persons who are unable to board, ride, exit, or otherwise navigate the fixed-route bus system, even if they can get to a bus stop.

FST does go beyond what is required by ADA law and does allow passengers living outside the fixed-route areas to schedule rides if there is space available, as well as those who are considered ADA eligible.

Scheduling a Paratransit and Demand Response Ride

• Base Fare: $2.50
• Additional Service Trip Fare: $3.00
  (Demand service when fixed routes are closed)
• Seven (7) Years & Younger: Free (with paying passengers)

Verified Personal Care Attendant (PCA) Rides Free when providing care assistance.

When boarding be sure to have the exact fare ready. Drivers cannot make change.

Demand Scheduling Hours
Call 479-783-6464
between 8:00am and 3:00pm, Monday through Saturday.

Paratransit Scheduling Hours
Call 479-783-6464
Between 8:00am and 5:00pm, Monday through Friday.
Between 8:00am and 4:00pm, Saturday.

Service Hours
5:30am to 7:00pm, Monday through Friday.
7:00am to 7:00pm, Saturday.

Sunday and holiday schedules are available by answering machine and can be confirmed as early as 5:00 a.m. the next business day. Fort Smith Transit does not provide same-day service. Customers must schedule one day in advance and may schedule multiple trips from one to five days in advance with one call. Dispatchers will select the pick-up and drop-off times available nearest your request. Call the office for information regarding paratransit certification. When calling to schedule trips, be ready to provide the following passenger information:

• Your name, address, and phone number.
• Date of the trip(s).
• Requested pickup time(s).
• Any specific appointment or work times.
• Approximate duration of the appointment.
• The exact street address and building entrance of each location, pickup, and drop off.
• If you use a mobility device such as a wheelchair, cane, or walker.
• If a companion, personal care attendant, or service animal will be traveling with you, and if the companion uses a mobility device.
• If you need assistance to and from the vehicle.

All demand response trips are on a space availability basis and are still considered pending until 5 PM the night before the ride is to take place.

Tips for Riders

1. Passengers are asked to be ready at the beginning of their 30 minute ride time window given to them by the dispatcher. Passengers are requested to wait at the exact doorway and address indicated when the trip was scheduled.
2. Drivers will not come to the door unless special assistance is requested at the time you call to make your reservation, and then only once the passenger has come outside. Drivers can only assist in reaching the door of your destination.
3. Once a driver arrives within the given 30 minute ride time window, they will wait no longer than 5 minutes, and then proceed on to their next passenger.
4. Please call the dispatch office at least 2 hours in advance to cancel a ride. Failure to call and cancel your ride at least 2 hours in advance will be considered a No Show and prevents other passengers from scheduling a ride during that time.
5. Frequent No Shows can result in a suspension of your riding privileges. Please see the Rider’s Guide for full details on the No Show policy and other policies on our services.

These rules are in place as our promise to keep you safe! View our complete Passenger Rules & Regulations.

Paratransit Services for the ADA Disabled

Paratransit services offer origin-to-destination boarding and deboarding for individuals qualified as disabled through the Americans with Disabilities Act. Passenger(s) requesting a reasonable modification to the policies should make their request in writing to Fort Smith Transit P.O. Box 1908, Fort Smith, AR 72902. ADA certification must be obtained through the transit office by completing the appropriate application. Temporary presumptive ADA eligibility will be granted until approval of the final certification. For an ADA application or if you need more information, please contact the transit office at the number provided. The application must be returned no later than 21 days after receiving it. If any sections are left blank, the application will be returned to you. If the application is not returned to us, your temporary ADA eligibility will be rescinded. FST provides presumptive eligibility to visitors.

Demand Response

Demand response is an origin-to-destination service for travel to or from areas outside the fixed-route network.

Equipment and Disabled Services

All FST buses are lift-equipped for mobility devices or steps and contain the appropriate restraint devices to assure securement. Service animals are permitted on FST buses. If you have a special need, please advise the dispatcher when scheduling your ride(s). Some disabled persons may be eligible for paratransit service. Call the transit office to obtain an application and information. When scheduling paratransit or demand response, please ensure we have the most recent information on file.

Frequently Asked Questions