Uplift is an alternative service offered for persons with disabilities who are unable to use the RTA fixed route bus service.  Uplift service is provided, with lift-equipped para-transit vehicles, Monday through Friday during the same hours as the fixed route services.   The UPLIFT service area consists of the required service area (Zone 1) serving ¾ of a mile beyond any of the fixed routes.  The cost of this service is $2.00 per one-way trip.  RTA also has a Zone 2 UPLIFT service area that extends to 3 miles beyond any of the fixed routes (Please see map for service area details).  There is an additional charge of $3.00 ($6.00 per one-way trip for the Zone 2 area) due to the cost of extending this additional service in the community.  There are 10 ride tickets available for both Zone 1 UPLIFT service and the Zone 2 UPLIFT service.  These tickets will be $20.00 and $60.00, respectively. 
If you are not being picked up or traveling outside of the Zone 1 service area, you will not be required to pay the extra Zone 2 fee.  Anyone residing within or with a destination within the 3-mile limit of RTA’s fixed route service will be deemed eligible for RTA’s Uplift service.

Eligibility for the UPLIFT service requires an application form process with a section to be completed by the individual applying for service and another section to be completed by a physician or medical professional that has knowledge of your disability and need for special transportation service.  Applications for the UPLIFT program are available at the RTA Administrative Office or by calling (419) 222-2RTA.  The hearing impaired can use the Ohio Relay Service at 1-800-750-0750.  Once approval of your application is made and you have been notified, you may schedule UPLIFT trips until the end of the service day, prior to the day you need a service trip by calling the numbers listed above.  Trips will be assigned on a first come, first serve basis and subject to availability of vehicles.

All the ACRTA vehicles are wheelchair equipped for standard size wheelchairs.  A weight limit for the wheelchair lifts is not to exceed 600 pounds (including the combined weight of a passenger and wheelchair).

An individual traveling with an eligible ACRTA client will be permitted to ride and be required to submit the same fare as the ACRTA client.  The client and guest must have the same origin and destination.  No guest will be permitted to ride with a registered client alone.

When calling for a reservation for a child, you must request a car seat for any child less than 40 pounds.  Reservations requiring child safety seats will depend on the availability of child safety seats. Children from 2 to 10 years of age will not be considered aides for clients and must pay the same fare as the ACRTA client.

The drivers’ primary responsibility is to insure safe transportation.  Drivers are to assist clients on and off the van and secure seat belts and/or secure straps on wheelchairs.  All passengers are required to wear seat belts on ACRTA vans.

When a client calls to make a trip arrangement, they are given a pick up time, usually ½ hour before appointment time. You should be ready at least 15 minutes prior to your scheduled pick up time. Drivers will wait seven (7) minutes past your scheduled time and then leave.  Drivers are not permitted to enter your homes or facilities, physically lift you or your possessions, nor push wheelchairs to and from destinations.  If you need help you will have to bring an aide with you to assist you.

If you need to cancel part or your entire trip, for any reason, you must call (419) 222-2782 as soon as possible.  Calling early could enable another client to be scheduled for a trip.

A no show client is anyone who is not at their pick-up point within (7) minutes of their scheduled pick up time.  For any client who accumulates three (3) no-shows, the ACRTA can and will suspend service to the client for a minimum of thirty (30) days.