Riding on DATS

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DATS strives to deliver consistent and exceptional quality services to clients, while performing our duties with honesty and integrity. We ask that clients please be respectful of the DATS service and other passengers.

What You Need to Know

Pick Up

When you book a trip, the agent will give you a 30-minute pick-up window. Please be ready at the first set of exterior accessible doors at the beginning of your pick-up window.

An automated reminder notification will be sent for each scheduled ride. Learn more about DATS Interactive Voice Response Notifications or register for text updates by contacting 780-496-4567 (Option 4).

Cancelling

Same day cancellations must be received at least 2 hours prior to scheduled pick-up time. Failure to cancel will result in a "no show". Frequent no shows may be subject to a temporary suspension.

Call 780-496-4567 (option 1) or cancel online.

DATS Cancellation Policy

Trip Adjustments

Operators may be able to accommodate trip changes under certain conditions.

Understanding Your DATS Travel Time

At DATS, we're dedicated to providing you with reliable and comfortable transportation. As a shared-ride service, DATS coordinates trips for multiple riders heading in similar directions, which helps us serve our community efficiently. We're always working to get you to your destination as efficiently as possible, and we appreciate your understanding as we coordinate rides for everyone. However, since we pick up and drop off other passengers, your vehicle might not always take the most direct route. Road, weather and traffic conditions can also influence the travel time of your trip.

For ways to potentially shorten your ride, consider destinations that are near your origin and, when possible, travel during off-peak hours when roads are less busy. Weekdays are typically busiest between 8- 9am and around 3pm. On weekends, busier times are between 11am - 12pm.

Travelling With

Mobility Aids

All wheelchairs, walkers, and scooters must meet the specific safety guidelines for DATS travel. Some new equipment may not fit on DATS vehicles, or may not be able to be tied down securely.

Learn more by calling 780-496-4567 (option 4) or review the DATS User Guide .

Wheelchairs

The base of the wheelchair (with push rings and attachments) cannot measure more than 30" x 50" (76 cm x 127 cm). Bags attached to the backs of wheelchairs must be compact and fit into the space behind the chair's back. If the wheelchair has handles, bags should not extend past the end of the handles or below the level of the seat. If there are no handles, suggested bag size is 14" wide by 18" high by 6" deep, or smaller (36 x 46 x 15 cm).

Wheelchairs must have a secure, easily identifiable place on the frame for the tie-downs to be attached at approximately a 45 degree angle to the floor. The wheelchair, passenger and parcels/ baggage cannot have combined weight of more than 750 pounds (337 kg).

Scooters

The base of the scooter, including bumpers and other attachments, cannot measure more than 30" x 50" (76 cm x 127 cm) to fit on the DATS bus lift. Bags attached to the backs or sides of scooters cannot extend past the 30" x 50" size limit (76 x 127 cm).

While traveling on DATS, scooters must be tied down separately. Clients must transfer to a seat for the safety of all on board. Scooters must have a secure, easily identifiable place on the frame for the tie-downs to be attached at approximately a 45 degree angle to the floor. The scooter, passenger and parcels/baggage cannot have combined weight of more than 750 pounds (337 kg).

Other Considerations

When buying new equipment, ask the vendor if any securement devices (for example, D-rings) can be added to the main frame to ensure safe travel on public transit.

Group trips

Please keep in mind how many people and how much equipment will be required on your group trip. Can smaller equipment be used? This may affect trip availability.

Animals

Operators are required by law to transport service dogs accompanying people who are blind, deaf or otherwise disabled. Clients are required to provide their animal's Alberta Service Dog Identification Card upon registration for DATS and bring this card when they travel.

DATS will consider other types of assistance animals on a case-by-case basis. Clients who wish to travel with a pet may do so as long as the pet is in a regulation carrier, and is held by the client at all times while in transit.

Food and Beverage

Consumption of food and drink is allowed on all transit as long as food and beverages are in containers designed for travel and under the control of the customer.

Baggage

For the safety of everyone on DATS, passengers must limit their possessions to what they can safely carry and hold on their lap. Parcels and baggage cannot block aisles or be placed on the floor of the vehicle.

DATS Operator Assistance

DATS Operators can assist clients with:

Positioning their mobility aid on the vehicle lift
Safely securing mobility aids to the floor of the DATS vehicle
Correctly securing the shoulder strap/lap belt
Getting on and off DATS vehicles
Exiting the vehicle to the first set of accessible doors

DATS Operators can not assist with:

Provide attendant care or emergency medical type services
Make repairs or adjustments to mobility aids
Help with parcels or baggage, so limit possessions to those you can carry or travel with an attendant who can assist you
Enter your premises under any circumstances
Lift wheelchairs or scooters up or down stairs. All wheelchairs and scooters must be at ground level when the Operator arrives, unless you have a DATS approved ramp.

Customer Service

The Client Service Centre can be reached at 780-496-4567. There are 6 menu options:

1 - cancel a trip or to check on a late ride
2 - book or change a trip
3 - register for DATS
4 - submit a commendation, concern or any other inquiry
5 - self-serve options
6 - subscription requests

DATS Vehicle Operation Hours

Monday	6am - 11pm
Tuesday	6am - 11pm
Wednesday	6am - 11pm
Thursday	6am - 11pm
Friday	6am - midnight
Saturday	6:30am - midnight
Sunday	6:30am - 11pm

Holiday hours: 6:30am-11pm

Contact Us

DATS Client Service Centre

Email	dats@edmonton.ca
Phone	780-496-4567
Fax	780-496-1008