Specialized Transit

Specialized Transit Services

Specialized transit service is provided by the City of Woodstock. For many Woodstock residents, Paratransit is a vital service that supports independence, mobility, and community connection for riders who cannot use the city's fully accessible fixed route buses due to disability or functional limitations.

To qualify, you must meet one of the following criteria: 

  • Unconditional: Riders require specialized services, i.e.: permanent disability. 
  • Temporary: Riders require specialized services for a limited duration, i.e.: temporary disability. 
  • Conditional: Riders require specialized services under certain circumstances, i.e.: during winter months (Nov. 1 to March 31). 

This service continues to operate as a shared, prebooked system (not as a taxi service).  Riders must be ready at their scheduled pickup time to keep routes running on time and efficiently.  Travel times may vary, similar to conventional transit, and riders are encouraged to plan accordingly.

Check the expiration date on your specialized transit ID pass and be sure to reapply several weeks prior to when your pass expires so you are not without your ID pass when booking your rides. You may contact the Engineering Department at 519-539-2382 ext. 3102 and 3104 for more information.

How to Apply for Your Specialized (Paratransit) Card

  1. Fill out the application form:
    • Fill out Part A on the online fillable format - Specialized Transit Application (fillable form) then print and send the entire application form (Part A and Part B) to your health care provider and have them fill out Part B.  Acceptable health care providers are listed on the application.  or
    • Print the application using the Specialized Transit Application (printable form).  Fill out Part A and then send the entire application form (Part A and Part B) to your health care provider and have them fill out Part B.  Acceptable health care providers are listed on the application.  
  2. Return the completed application form the Engineering Office, Transit Department either in person at 944 James Street, Woodstock, ON, or by email to engineering@cityofwoodstock.ca. 
  3. We will notify you once we have reviewed and approved your request to use our specialized transit.  Your Specialized Transit ID Card will either be mailed to you or arrangements can be made to have you pick this up in person.  Please note that you may be required to show the driver your Specialized ID Card each time you board the bus. (Additional Ontario approved Photo ID may also be required)
  4. Please allow 5-10 business day for this process.  If you have not heard back from us after two weeks, please call 519-539-2382 ext. 3104 or 3102 for assistance.

Scheduling Rides

You can book your rides by calling our dispatch at 519-539-2382 ext. 2510 or you can schedule your rides online. Rides must be booked a minimum 24 hours in advance when using dispatch.

A New Way to Book Your Rides Through Blaise Transit

The City of Woodstock has launched another way to book your rides with a new online scheduling tool powered by Blaise Transit.  This partnership marks a significant leap in convenience and accessibility.  Riders can not book, edit, or cancel their own trips through the Blaise Transit app or online portal.  

The platform emphasized accessibility, offering clear navigation and compatibility with assistive technologies.  By downloading the free app from your App Store or Google Play, or by visiting the ride.blaisetransit.com, riders can select their pickup location, choose a time and confirm their ride with just a few taps. Users can view upcoming rides, receive updates and make changes independently.

The city has created a Step by Step Guide on how to use the Blaise Transit App, which outlines how to find the App Store on your phone, to create an account, and how to book your rides using the free app. You can book your rides online as little as 1 hour before your pickup, if buses are available.

If you have any questions regarding booking your rides online, please call Specialized Paratransit Services dispatch at 519-539-2382 ext. 2510 or email engineering@cityofwoodstock.ca.

Cancelling Your Ride/Trip

Be sure to cancel your ride as far in advance as possible and up to three (3) hours before your scheduled pickup, as per our para transportation policy.  Excessive late cancellations will result in a warning letter which may result in a suspension of service.

To cancel or edit your ride/trip, you can either call our dispatch service or use the Blaise App to cancel your rides.

Fare 

Cash fare for a single ride is $2.75.  Exact change is required at the time of boarding when paying for a single ride.  All bus passes that are accepted by our conventional/fixed-route transit are also accepted by our specialized transit service. Riders with inadequate fare will be declined service. 

Our drivers are required to follow their manifests/schedules and are not permitted to change your scheduled destination or book return rides. 

For more information on our passes and fares, please visit our Fares & Passes page.  

Registered specialized transit users can no longer ride conventional service for free. 

Contact Us

City of Woodstock

P.O. Box 1539, 500 Dundas Street
Woodstock, ON N4S 0A7
Phone: 519-539-1291

 

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