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Accessible Transit, Suffolk County NY, (SCAT)
Operating since 1994, Suffolk County Accessible Transportation (SCAT) provides curb-to-curb service to individuals with
disabilities. Eligibility to use SCAT is determined based on guidelines contained in the Americans With Disabilities
Act of 1990 (ADA). SCAT provides safe, reliable transportation service designed to increase your mobility in Suffolk County.
How do I know if I am eligible? – You are eligible to ride SCAT if you have permanent or temporary disabilities that prevent you from using regular Suffolk County Transit (SCT) public bus service. Those individuals are eligible whose disabilities are defined by federal regulation and who:
Cannot use SCT buses without assistance; or
Cannot use SCT buses because the route(s) they wish to use are not accessible; or
Have a disability that, combined with environmental barriers or circumstances, prevents them from accessing the system.
Once registered with SCAT as an "ADA Eligible" rider, you will be issued an I.D. card and number which will allow you to use SCAT as well as other ADA paratransit services throughout the country. If you have a temporary disability you may be eligible for SCAT service however, your eligibility will expire when you no longer have the disability.
When Is SCAT service available?* – SCAT service is available system-wide during normal service hours, Monday through Friday, 6:00am to 8:30pm;
Saturday, 7:00am to 8:30pm.
*Earlier morning and later evening SCAT service is available only to and from points within 3/4 of a mile of SCT (Suffolk County Transit) bus service that are operating at the time you wish to travel. Sunday and holiday service is available only to and from points within 3/4 of a mile of SCT bus line(s) that operate on those days, and during time of day service is provided along the route(s).
What kind of service can I expect from SCAT? – SCAT provides curb-to-curb transportation and will pick you up and drop you off between any two points in Suffolk County within 3/4 mile of a Suffolk County Transit or HART bus route. SCAT dispatchers will make every effort to make your trip as direct and quick as possible. In addition to the curb-to-curb service SCAT will also offer Origin to Destination service. This service will allow SCAT drivers to provide basic additional assistance to paratransit riders between curbside and building entrances. To receive such assistance, passengers must request it at the time they reserve their trips.
Upon request, SCAT drivers will assist wheelchair passengers while boarding and leaving lift and with use of securement device. For curb-to-curb service drivers are not required to escort you between curbside and building entrances. Drivers are not required to carry packages for you. If you need assistance getting to and from pickup location, please arrange for someone to help you.
What if my travel plans change? – Because it is a shared ride service, your promptness in being ready to travel at your pickup time will help us keep on schedule for others using the service. So tells us right away about any changes in your travel plans. Cancellation must be made no later than two hours prior to your trip to avoid being considered a "late cancellation." Your trip will be considered a "no show" if a cancellation is not made and you do not make the trip. Emergency cancellations can be made any time. Please make reservations only for the trips you intend to make. Once your reservation is made, others seeking to travel when you wish to may be denied their request.
Are there any restrictions on the type of trip I can make? – All types of trips may be requested, including social, recreational, medical, work or shopping trips. No priority will be placed on trip purpose, nor are you required to identify the purpose of your trip. Trip reservations are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.
Under Federal regulations, SCAT is not to replace other existing program transportation. SCAT is designed to complement the existing public bus system.
How do I make a SCAT reservation? – You must make a reservation to use SCAT. Reservations may be made up to 7 days in advance and no later than one day prior to the day you want to travel. Reservations will be accepted Monday through Saturday, from 7:00am to 5:00pm. On Sundays, reservations will be accepted 8:00am to 4:30pm for next day service only.
SCAT will attempt to schedule pickup times no more than one hour before or after the requested pickup time. Passengers must be ready to depart 15 minutes before and after their designated pickup time. When you call to make a reservation, please be ready to tell the operator:
Your name,
Identification number,
The address(es) where you want to be picked up and dropped off as well as the closest cross streets,
The times you want to travel,
The day and date of each trip,
Whether anyone else will be traveling with you,
If you are using any assistive devices (for example an oversized wheelchair, cane or service animal).
While the reservation operator will try to give you your first choice, SCAT is an increasingly popular service and not all trip times are available all the time. When calling to reserve a trip, be prepared to offer an alternative travel time, if possible.
Can my Personal Care Attendant travel with me? – If you have a Personal Care Attendant, (PCA), he or she does not need to pay a fare, but must have the same origin and destination as you do. One additional companion may also travel with you. More than one companion may also accompany you if space is available. All companions (not Personal Care Attendants) must pay a fare.
What does it cost?
ADA Eligible Rider – $3.00
Companions – $3.00
Personal Care Attendants – Free
Children Under 5 Years of Age – Free
Please have your fare ready in cash, exact change only. Our drivers cannot make change.
Please visit our website or Contact us for more information:
TTY: (631) 981-0104
Offices:
