Metro Bus to change Dial-a-Ride ride reservation hours

ST. CLOUD — Metro Bus Dial-a-Ride customers will need to make ride reservation calls by 5 pm on weekdays starting May 6. There are no changes to the weekday start time of 6:30 am and 8 am-5 pm weekend schedule.

“This change has absolutely no impact on when the buses are running. It only affects when you can call to schedule a ride or make changes to a scheduled ride,” said Jim Perez, Chief Operations Officer for Metro Bus. “Metro Bus will continue to answer questions, take cancellations and check voicemail until 8 pm on weekdays.”

Previously, Dial-a-Ride reservations were accepted 6:30 am–6:30 pm Monday-Friday. The new hours gives Metro Bus time to optimize rides for the next day.

“Our goal is to provide the best service possible,” said Perez. “Ending the calls earlier allows us time to analyze and adjust the next day’s schedule to maximize ride efficiency and better meet the needs of more customers.”

Dial-a-Ride is a driver-assisted, shared ride service for individuals whose disabilities prevent them from being able to ride the Fixed Route service. Eligibility is determined through an application process that may require both a physical and cognitive assessment. Last year, Metro Bus provided more than 136,400 rides on the Dial-a-Ride service. For more information about Dial-Ride service visit ridemetrobus.com.

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