Tele-Transit

Seat Belt Use
Battle Creek Transit has adopted a new safety rule for all customers riding a Tele-Transit Van (regardless of the service the vehicle is providing): All customers will be required to use seat belt restraints.

Customers using mobility devices (wheelchair/scooters) will be required to use the shoulder and lap belt or transfer to a regular seat and use the seat belt. The operator will provide assistance to those who need help properly securing the seat belt.  

Ordering Information

In order to make the best possible use of its drivers and vans, Battle Creek Transit prioritizes the type of Tele-Transit service requests that it receives. Reservations may be made by calling 269-966-3474 between the hours of 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday - Friday. Reservations will be accepted for the following types of service requests by priority in the order shown:

ADA Eligible (Priority Number 1)
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Battle Creek Transit must provide next day service to our customers who have been certified as "ADA" due to their inability or difficulty in using the regular route bus service. Contact Battle Creek Transit at 269-966-3474 to request an application if you would like to be considered as ADA certified.

Senior Citizens & Persons with a Disability (Priority Number 2)
Senior citizens 60 years of age or older, persons with disabilities, and persons with a Medicare card will receive priority Tele-Transit service after trip requests of Priority #1 customers are met.

Other customers (Priority Number 3)
Customers who don't qualify as Priority #1 or #2 will receive Tele-Transit service on a "space available" basis.

Priority #2 and #3 customer reservations may be changed or canceled in order to meet Priority #1 customers scheduling needs. Battle Creek Transit will make every effort to accommodate and notify any affected individuals. 

Reservation Procedures

All customers wishing to utilize the Tele-Transit service must be registered 24 hours in advance. To register or make reservations, contact dispatch by calling 269-966-3474, then press 2, Monday through Friday, during the hours of 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 

ADA certified customers may schedule next day service for Mondays and the day after a holiday by calling 269-966-3474 and leaving a voicemail. Please provide your name, the trip request information and a phone number where you can be reached.

When you call to reserve a trip, please have the following information ready to give to the dispatcher:

1. Your name, address and phone number
2. The day and date you wish to schedule the trip.
3. The origin, destination, and desired time of your trip. The dispatcher will ask you to schedule your return trip, if needed, at the time that you make your initial trip reservation. Please be specific on which building and/or entrance you wish to use.
4. Any special needs you may have, such as a mobility device, visually impaired, etc.
5. Anybody traveling to assist you (PCA) and companions. You are allowed to schedule one (1) companion. Additional companions may be scheduled based on space.

Same day service is available to our registered customers if time requested is available. We require a one (1) hour notice for same day service. 
 

Reservation Tips

• Having your information organized helps the dispatcher take your reservations in an efficient manner.
• Have pen and paper ready and write down your scheduled trips that the Dispatcher gives you.
• Keep a list of all your reservations.
• Allow at least 45 minutes for your trip if you must arrive by a specific time, in case the ride is shared or the vehicle is running late. We try not to keep you on the vehicle longer than necessary. However, shared rides allow us to accommodate more customers.
• Tell the Dispatcher what building entrance you wish to be picked up at if there is more than one. This saves the driver from having to look for you.
• If plans change and you do not need your trip, you must cancel one (1) hour before the scheduled trip by calling the dispatcher. Any change to your reservation must be made with the dispatcher and not the driver.
• When canceling, please give the dispatcher your name and trip information. Make sure you also cancel your return trip if you will not need it. Be sure to ask for, and write down, your cancelation number.

When Will My Ride Arrive? 

Please be ready to ride anytime between 15 minutes before and 15 minutes after your scheduled pick-up time. Once the vehicle arrives within the 30 minute window, it cannot wait more than five minutes before it proceeds to its next scheduled customer.

If the vehicle must leave without picking you up, every effort will be made to work you back into the schedule. However, this may not always be possible. Customers with valid "no show", will have to wait at least an hour before a new trip will be scheduled if available.
 

No Show Policy For Non ADA Certified Customers

If you do not cancel your scheduled trip at least one hour prior to the scheduled time, it will be considered a late cancel.

Late cancels, failure to appear for a scheduled trip and cancelations at the door are considered a "no show". Inability to appear because of a delay at a medical facility is not considered a "no show".

Three valid "no shows" within a 30 day period, may result in a 30 day suspension of your Tele-Transit service.

This "no show" policy DOES NOT apply to ADA certified customers.

ADA Complaint Procedures

Any individual wishing to file a complaint regarding discrimination, policies, or services with respect to customers with a disability, may contact 269-966-3474 (press 4). All complaints will be documented and provided to the Battle Creek Transit's Operations Supervisor for investigation.

Reasonable Modification Policy

Battle Creek Transit provides reasonable modifications for individuals with disabilities by making changes to policies, practices, or procedures if needed for an individual with a disability to enable him/her to participate in Battle Creek Transit's services. Approvals are subject to several exceptions. For more information, or to request a modification, please contact us at 269-966-3474.