City Services > Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services > Seniors

Senior Transportation Booklet - effective 7/19/10
     (printer-friendly version of the below information)

Fare Structure
Service Hours
Destinations
Passenger Responsibilities
Punch Cards
How to Schedule Transportation

You can make appointments anytime day or night from your computer. Email your transportation request by clicking here.   Read more below under How to Schedule Transportation.

The City of Novi’s Senior Transportation Service provides  specialized transportation to residents of Novi age 55 or over, or physically challenged non-seniors. The service cannot  accommodate children. Vehicles are scheduled based on  the needs of each passenger using either a lift-equipped bus, minivan, or standard car.

If you are under 55 years of age you must provide a letter from your doctor stating you are physically challenged and cannot drive a vehicle.

Fare Structure

• $4 per one-way ride within the city limits. (per stop)

• $6 per one-way ride outside the city limits for medical appointments only. (per stop)

• $1 per one-way ride to the Novi Civic Center, Senior Center, Novi Public Library, or to Novi Senior Center special events/programs within the city limits. (per stop)

Service Hours

• Regular on-demand Van Transportation is available 8:00am - 4:00pm Monday-Friday and 9:00am - 2:00pm Saturday. Advance notice of 2 days is required for transports during regular business hours.
  
• Expanded on-demand Van Transportation is available until 9:00pm Monday-Friday, and 5:00pm on Saturday for employment or medical appointments only that can not be made during regular transportation hours. Advance reservation of 72 hours is required for transports during the expanded hours of service.
  
• No rides will be available on Sundays, after 9:00pm on weekdays or 5:00pm on Saturdays.
  
• Normal rates apply; $4 for a one-way van ride within the City and $6 for a one-way van ride outside the City within the ten mile radius for medical appointments.
  
• No transportation is provided on holidays when City services are closed. Transportation service is cancelled whenever Novi Schools close due to snow/ice/temperature. Please look for notification on television, radio and the website. Scheduled passengers will be informed as soon as  possible. Call transportation if in doubt, 248-735-5617. You may also call the Hotline at 248-347-0473 and press the number four (4) to receive any closure updates.

Destinations

Transportation may be provided to doctor appointments, shopping, etc., and may travel up to 10 miles outside the City of Novi for medical appointments only (exception: Providence Hospital in Southfield). All passengers are scheduled through the Transportation Scheduler, located in the Novi Senior Center by calling 248-735-5617 or by email your transportation request.

Passenger Responsibilities

• The Transportation Scheduler must be notified when making your reservation if you need assistance from your door to the vehicle.

• You may have an escort/caregiver ride with you for assistance, free of charge.

• The driver is prohibited from entering any home or taking you into any appointment.

• The driver is only responsible for your transportation. They are not able to provide any other services such as banking, grocery pick-ups, snow removal, mail pick-up, garbage cans, quick household chores, etc.

• Driver may assist with a few small packages/bags, but numerous trips are not permissible. If heavy items must be transported, please utilize a cart. Driver cannot take items into any home.

• A caregiver must be present for assistance if transportation is being utilized for any outpatient surgery and you are unable to care for yourself.

• Seat belts must be worn at ALL TIMES.

• STATE LAW REQUIRES all passengers remain seated until the vehicle has come to a complete stop and the driver has opened the door.

• Smoking or eating is prohibited in any vehicle.

• Drivers cannot make unscheduled stops or schedule rides.

• Inappropriate language, behavior, constant cancellations and being late for scheduled pick-up times may result in removal from the service.

• Please note, payment is expected as you board the bus each time. Passengers pay their fee to the driver. Driver cannot accept tips, but you are welcome to make a donation to the transportation program.

• No children or pets are allowed in vehicles. (Exception: Service dogs with appropriate certifications on file are permissible.)

NOTE: Please schedule your appointment with some flexibility as the vehicle may be up to 15 minutes early or late depending on road conditions, traffic and other passengers. Thank you for your understanding.

 

Punch Cards

For your convenience, pre-paid punch cards are  available. The cards are used in place of cash. Three  separate cards are available:

Card Prices

10 rides within the City (white) - $40
6 rides outside the City (yellow) - $36
20 rides to Senior Center, Civic Center or Library (blue) - $20

Punch cards can be purchased at the Novi Senior Center or from a driver. Punch cards are  non-refundable.

How to Schedule Transportation

Call 248-735-5617 between 7:00am and 4:30pm, Monday through Friday or at any time by emailing your transportation request. Reservations must be made at least 2 days in advance by 4:30pm for rides during normal business hours and at least 72 hours in  advance for transportation outside the normal business hours. NOTE: Monday appointments must be made no later than 4:30pm the Thursday prior and Tuesday appointments must be made no later than 4:30pm the Friday prior. The earlier an appointment is scheduled, the better the chance of getting the time requested. An appointment may be scheduled up to a year in advance.

• Schedules of multiple trips per month, or the same trip on various days in the month, may be given to the Transportation Scheduler. A ride will be provided for the dates on the schedule without you having to call. Note: Excessive cancellations of pre-scheduled rides will result in requiring you to call two (2) days in advance for any ride.

• If you are going to therapy or other programs on  a monthly basis, it is your responsibility to let the  Transportation Scheduler know before the end of  the month if you are continuing into the next month.

• If you need to change or cancel your ride, please contact us as soon as possible. Multiple cancellations will result in a charge for the trip equal to the fare of at least a one-way ride.

• If the Transportation Scheduler is away from the office when calling for a reservation, leave your name, phone number and brief message on the recorder and your call will be returned as soon as possible.

• If you have a need for a special vehicle, or are in a wheelchair and need the lift, please provide this information to the Transportation Scheduler when making your reservation. You must be able to leave your home on your own without assistance.

• The driver is prohibited from coming into your home, or taking you into your appointment. Please notify the Transportation Scheduler if you will have an escort/caregiver riding with you (escort/caregiver ride free).

The following information is required when making a reservation (all information is confidential). Failure to do this may result in discontinued use of the service.

• Name, Address & Phone Number

• Disability, if any

• Destination with address, suite #, appointment time, doctor’s name and telephone number

• Emergency contact name and phone number