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Who Can Ride?
Paratransit: CARTA Tel-A-Ride Customers
Need to Know
Start Riding Today!
Apply!

CARTA is a Regional Transportation Authority a state and government agency governed by an 18 member board with members representing jurisdiction of: Charleston County, The City of Charleston, The City of Hanahan, The City of Isle of Palms, The City of North Charleston, The Town of Kiawah Island, The Town of Mt. Pleasant, and The Town of Sullivan’s Island. Click Board Members for more information regarding members of the CARTA Board.

Who Can Ride?

CARTA OnDemand is open to all seniors 60+ as well as Tel-A-Ride customers.

  • Seniors 60+ can register for CARTA OnDemand by completing the application below in the Apply section
  • Tel-A-Ride customers are automatically registered but will need to contact CARTA and obtain a voucher to start riding with Uber or Lyft. To request your voucher, email us at publiccomment@bcdcog.com or call us at 843-529-6284.
    • For more information about the Tel-A-Ride program and to apply click here: Tel-A-Ride Program
    • For more information on CARTA OnDemand for Tel-A-Ride customers please see the next section
 

Paratransit: CARTA Tel-A-Ride Customers

  • You must be a current CARTA Tel-A-Ride customer
  • If not, download and complete the application for paratransit service (processing can take up to 21 days)
  • If you are a current CARTA Tel-A-Ride customer, you will need to request a voucher to use Uber or Lyft
  • To request your voucher call (843) 529-6284 or email us at publiccomment@bcdcog.com
  • CARTA Tel-A-Ride customers are allowed 40 trips per month
  • A smartphone with an Uber or Lyft account is required to use the service

NOTE: All ride requests must be placed through the Uber or Lyft app. Service questions must be directed to (843) 529-6284. When scheduling please keep in mind drivers have a 15-minute arrival window. This means they may arrive 15 minutes before or after the pick-up time.

 

Need to Know

  • Cost: The program structure differs for seniors and current Tel-A-Ride customers:
    • Seniors: Seniors 60+ have an initial trip fair of $5 for approved participants, and are eligible for up to a $14 discount on their trips.
    • Tel-A-Ride: Tel-A-Ride participants have an initial trip fair of $4 and are eligible for up to a $30 discount on their trips.
    • All customers are responsible for any amount exceeding their discounted amount.
  • No Cash: Cash is not accepted for this service. Riders may use a debit or credit card or purchase an Uber or Lyft card with cash at participating stores and then apply the card to their rideshare account.
  • Uber or Lyft: Seniors and Tel-A-Ride customers can use Uber or Lyft for same day service. All trips require a voucher to participate.
  • Voucher**: Customers need to have an Uber/Lyft account to receive vouchers. The voucher will be automatically placed in customer’s account. **Unused vouchers will not roll over from the previous week.
  • Wheelchair Access: Riders requiring wheelchair accessibility will need to call Tel-A-Ride reservations at 843-745-4101 (Opt.1). The customer must state that they are a current Tel-A-Ride customer, that they require wheelchair access and that they are requesting CARTA OnDemand service. Service animals are permitted.
  • Monthly Riders: The program structure differs for seniors and current Tel-A-Ride customers:
    • Seniors 60+ will receive four (4) vouchers* per week. *Unused vouchers will not roll over from the previous week.
    • Tel-A-Ride customers are allowed 40 trips per month.
  • Surge Times: We are unable to control surge times as they are based on Uber and Lyft individually.
  • Payment Charges: Uber and Lyft may put a hold onto your account for the total trip amount, but those will drop off after 1-2 business days, and you should be charged the discounted amount.

*Note: All questions or inquiries about this program must be made to CARTA OnDemand at (843) 529-6284 or to CARTA customer service at (843) 724-7420 or email us at publiccomment@bcdcog.com.

 
 

Start Riding Today!

  • Seniors 60+
    • Complete an application (above, under “Who Can Ride?) to register for the program. Include a scanned copy or a photocopy of your ID for age verification. Once all items are complete your application is ready for processing.
      *Please allow up to 15 business days for registration
    • Once approved, you will receive a confirmation email with voucher information and details on how to schedule your trip.
    • Seniors 60+ are allowed 4 trips per week to locations within the fixed-route service area.
    • A smartphone with a Uber or Lyft account is required to use the service.

 

Apply!

FAQs

What is CARTA OnDemand?

CARTA OnDemand is a pilot program in partnership with rideshare companies Uber and Lyft that serves seniors and Tel-A-Ride paratransit customers throughout the designated CARTA fixed-route service area. The enhanced level of service offered through CARTA OnDemand makes traveling easier for those who most need assistance and includes direct, on-demand service Mon-Fri 7 a.m.-5 p.m.

  • Trips can cost as little as $5 each way (For seniors). CARTA subsidizes (or pays for) the remaining amount up to $14. With the expanded area, total trip cost may increase. The customer is responsible for any amount over the subsidized $14. Trip cost is determined by distance of trip. CARTA cannot control the surge prices and times. Customers will be advised of the total cost of the trip before accepting .
  • Rides can be scheduled with as little as one-hour notice.
  • CARTA OnDemand is offered in addition to the existing Tel-A-Ride services.
  • Riders requiring wheelchair accessibility will need to call Tel-A-Ride reservations at 843-745-4101 (Opt. 1). The customer must state that they are a current Tel-A-Ride customer, that they require wheelchair access and that they are requesting CARTA OnDemand service.

*Note – All questions or inquiries about this program must be made to CARTA at publiccomment@bcdcog.com, to CARTA at 843-529-6284 or CARTA customer service at 843-724-7420.

What is the safest way to wait for my ride?

  • Always stand in the designated pickup location just prior to the scheduled pickup time.
  • Avoid spending any time standing outside the designated pickup area.
  • Observe your surroundings and be cautious at all times.
    • Never get into a car with someone who claims to be an Uber or Lyft driver without asking to see identification or asking the driver to verify your name and destination.
    • Use your smartphone flashlight (if needed) to confirm the license plate number and to clearly identify the driver.

What is the service area?

The service area covers the entire CARTA service area, which represents any area within 3/4 of a mile from a CARTA bus stop. A map of the service area can be viewed by clicking service area map. In order to get the subsidized ride, their pickup and drop off locations must be within the service area.

I signed up since I'm a senior. Now what?

Once you have submitted your application and a scanned copy of photo of your ID for age verification, please allow 10-15 business days for registration to take place. Once approved and you are in the system, you will receive a welcome email notifying you that you’ve been approved for the service and that a voucher has been applied to your Uber or Lyft account.  You will be notified if there is an issue applying the voucher to your rideshare account.

What are the cancel and no-show policies?

Sanctions are in place and would be used for repeat offenders, ranging from warnings to suspensions. Please be present for any rides that are requested. Additionally, charges may occur for no-show customers that will not be covered by the subsidy.

What do I do if the Uber or Lyft voucher does not work?

If the voucher codes do not work, customers should retrace the instructions provided by Uber or Lyft to ensure that the voucher codes have been applied. They also should check that the trip meets CARTA OnDemand program eligibility requirements, which include approval and operating within the service zone.  Customers can also email questions to publiccomment@bcdcog.com.

What if I do not have a credit or debit card?

If you do not have a debit or credit card, you can purchase prepaid cards at retail locations that can be utilized and attached to your Uber or Lyft accounts.

What if I do not have a smartphone or cannot download the app?

A  mobile device with internet access is required to use this service.

Who is eligible to ride?

All current Tel-A-Ride customers, regardless of age, qualify for this pilot program. Additionally, all customers 60 or over qualify, as well. If you are under 60 and not on the CARTA Tel-A-Ride registry, you are not eligible for CARTA OnDemand. Each trip must start and end within the CARTA fixed-route service area.

How much does CARTA OnDemand cost?

CARTA OnDemand is a subsidized program, meaning a portion of the cost will be paid for by CARTA. The program structure differs for seniors and current Tel-A-Ride customers

  • Seniors: Senior participants pay the initial $5 of the fare and CARTA will pay the remaining amount for your trip up to $14 . The customer is then responsible for any additional cost beyond the subsidized amount of $14 in addition to the initial $5.
  • Tel-A-Ride – Participants are ensured a $4 rate per trip to supplement Tel-A-Ride service.

How do I report non-emergency safety and security concerns?

Contact CARTA customer service at (843) 724-7420. Our team is available Mon-Fri (7am-9pm) and Sat-Sun (8am-8pm).

What should I do there is an emergency or if I feel threatened or unsafe?

If you see something, say something. Pay attention to approaching vehicles. Call 911 immediately if something does not seem right. Trust your instincts. Stay on the phone with the 911 operator until they are told to hang up.

Can I request a ride in advance?

Not at this time. Rides that are scheduled in advance will not allow the user to access the trip discount.

Do I need to tip my driver? Or is that included within the subsidy?

Tips are not included in the subsidy and will be a choice for the customer.

Will I owe more during peak times when Uber often charges more?

The cost per ride will initially be $5 ($4 for Tel-A-Ride customers) each way for the customer when using Uber. CARTA will pay the remaining amount up to $14. However, if the trip is more than the $14 subsidy any non-Tel-A-Ride customer will be responsible for the additional cost. Costs are determined by length/distance of trip. CARTA cannot control surge prices and times. Customers will be advised of the total cost of the trip before accepting

I have someone that assists me. Can they ride?

Yes, Personal Care Attendants (PCA) (which are approved as part of the Tel-A-Ride application process) are allowed for Tel-A-Ride customers on Uber and Lyft trips.

Will the Uber be wheelchair accessible?

Folding wheelchairs and smaller mobility devices should be accommodated by all Uber and Lyft vehicles.  Customers requiring transport with an electric wheelchair and larger mobility devices must call Tel-A-Ride reservations at 843-745-4101 (select opt. 1).  The customer must state that they are a current Tel-A-Ride customer, that they require wheelchair access and that they are requesting CARTA OnDemand service (same day).

How will I know the ride is on the way? Can I track it?

Yes, you can track the status of your ride within the Uber or Lyft apps.

How do I sign up?

For seniors (customers 60 and over), and Tel-A-Ride customers, you will need to fill out an application. You can click, and complete, the application by going here > CARTA OnDemand application Tel-A-Ride customers are automatically approved. However, additional information will be needed to receive the voucher. Please ensure that your Tel-A-Ride registration status is up to date and that your trips will occur within the designated CARTA fixed-route service area. Questions regarding eligibility should be sent to publiccomment@bcdcog.com

How many times can I use this service?

60+ senior customers have 4 vouchers per week (roughly 16 per month) within the CARTA fixed-route service area. Vouchers will renew every week, 4 vouchers at a time. Please note that vouchers do not roll over. Registered Tel-A-Ride customers have up to 40 trips monthly.

How can I book a ride?

Customers can use their smartphones, telephone, or computer to book a subsidized trip with Uber or Lyft.

How to use Uber   How to use Lyft