HomeMy WebLinkAboutSEATS Riders Guide 2016
SEATS RIDER’S GUIDE
Johnson County Para-transit System
Last Revision: Feb, 2016
Shared facility with Secondary Roads at 4810 Melrose Avenue, Iowa City, IA. 52246
Phone Numbers
339-6125: to schedule a ride for the next day or up to fourteen days
339-6127: to cancel a ride or for the current day issues
339-6128: after hours/office closed (to leave a message or talk to a night
driver) or for comments, questions, or to talk to a supervisor
Emergency Information:
http://www.johnson-county.com/dept_seats.aspx?id=581
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WELCOME
Welcome to Johnson County SEATS, a collaborated program funded by Iowa
City, Coralville, North Liberty, and University Heights, Johnson County and
East Central Iowa Council of Governments (ECICOG).
SEATS is a quality transportation system which is a shared ride service for:
Riders in Iowa City, Coralville, North Liberty, and University
Heights who are certified by their city of residence as being
unable to use the fixed route bus service.
The general public of Johnson County two or three times a
week (see page 2 for service days) for those over the age of
seven unless accompanied by an adult.
The SEATS program in Iowa City, Coralville, North Liberty, and University
Heights exceeds the minimum transportation requirements of the Americans
with Disabilities Act. SEATS is a door-to-door shared service that seeks to be
responsive to the individual transportation needs of eligible riders.
The SEATS staff is one of our greatest assets. We have a core of committed,
dedicated drivers who are ready to serve you. Please feel free to
communicate what assistance you would or would not like.
Contents
Service Schedule Page 2-3
Cost of a Ride Page 3
How to Request a Ride Page 3-5
How to Cancel a Ride Page 5-6
Stranded Rider Page 6
Bad Weather Page 6-7
Carry-On Packages Page 7
Food and Drink Policy Page 8
Missed Ride Policy Page 8-12
Safety Policies Page 12-15
Appeal Process Page 15-16
Title VI statement Page 16
Phone Numbers Page 17
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HOW TO IMPROVE OUR SERVICE
The Johnson County Paratransit Advisory Committee and Johnson County
SEATS want to know how we can better serve you. You can help us improve
the service by voicing your concerns or suggestions about SEATS through the
following methods:
1. Fill out a “Customer Service Postcard” located inside each vehicle
2. Call SEATS 339-6128 ext. 3
3. Call 356-6000 ext. 2 to request that a member of the Paratransit
Advisory Committee contact you. View our list of members on the
website: http://www.johnson-county.com/seats/index.shtml, then
click on Paratransit Advisory Committee info (PDF) on the left
side of the page under Information.
SERVICE SCHEDULES
In Iowa City, Coralville, and University Heights service is provided
six (6) days a week weather permitting (SEATS operates the same
hours for comparable areas of fixed routes):
Monday – Friday: 6:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
6:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. for Coralville
7 a.m., 11 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. for North Liberty
Saturday: 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. for Iowa City
7:15 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. for Coralville
Holidays: Closed for: New Year’s, Memorial Day,
Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and
Christmas. The times will vary for the following so
please call SEATS 339-6128 for specific
information: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day,
Presidents Day, day after Thanksgiving, and the
floating Christmas Holiday (there is no rural service
on any of the holidays mentioned).
North Liberty: Hours for North Liberty are negotiated one hour on either
side of fixed route times Monday - Friday.
In Rural Johnson County:
The northern part of Johnson County including Solon, Shueyville, Swisher,
Morse, Oasis, and surrounding areas:
Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
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The southern part of Johnson County including Lone Tree, Hills, Frytown,
Sharon Center, and surrounding areas:
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Rides to Senior Dining in Lone Tree are provided when site is open.
The west central part of Johnson County including Oxford, Tiffin, Cosgrove
and surrounding areas:
Tuesday and Thursday from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
COST OF SEATS RIDES
The basic cost for a one-way ride is $2.00 for any rural, Iowa City, University
Heights, Coralville and North Liberty one way trip.
Riders must pay when boarding the vehicle. The correct fare must be paid in
cash, punch cards or any combination equal to the fare. Drivers are NOT able
to provide change. Riders who do not have the proper fare will not be
transported.
You can purchase punch cards from the SEATS driver or the SEATS office,
which will allow you pay for forty punches for $20.00, so each punch is worth
fifty cents. When a rider shows their reduced fare certification card for a pick-
up in Iowa City the person will have the card punched for the reduced fare
amount. For all other trips originating Iowa City, as well as all trips originating
in Coralville and/or North Liberty, the punch card and/or fare will punched for
the amount of two dollars. Please keep in mind that Johnson County SEATS
is not able to refund any punch card purchases.
If you need a personal care attendant, authorization must be approved by Iowa
City or Coralville on their eligibility application for SEATS. This will allow one
attendant to ride for free; please notify the scheduler at the time the ride is
requested. Companions are also permitted as availability allows, each
companion pays the same as the eligible rider does.
The SEATS scheduler also needs to know if a service animal will accompany
you. You may transport small pets with you if they are in a standard secured
pet carrier and they will be charged at a companion full fare rate. There is no
charge for service animals.
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HOW TO REQUEST A RIDE
Call (319) 339-6125
This phone is staffed Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. till 4:00 p.m. and
on Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. except on the days these Holidays
are observed (New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day,
Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day when SEATS is completely closed).
Individuals should schedule rides at least one day prior or up to 14 days in
advance of the day they need a ride. SEATS will provide same-day service if
space is available. In order to serve you and others, you are asked to give the
scheduler the following information:
Rider’s Name
Pick-Up Address (must be a specific address)
Drop-Off Address (must be a specific address)
Date of trip
Time to be picked up or dropped off (choose either a pick-up or an
appointment time, we cannot do both)
Whether an attendant or companions will be accompanying the rider
Whether a mobility device will be used
Whether a service animal will be used and if there will be a small pet.
In addition, the rider should have pen/pencil and paper handy to write down the
scheduler’s name, date(s) of trip(s) and trip times. It would be helpful for the
rider to confirm this information.
Due to the number of trips requested, SEATS may not be able to provide you a
ride for the exact time requested. SEATS, however, will always attempt to
schedule rides as efficiently and effectively as possible. SEATS will make
every effort to accommodate you. However, if a ride is available within one
hour on either side of your requested time and you choose not to accept that
time, this is considered a refused ride and not a denied ride. Negotiating times
within that one-hour allows for SEATS to provide rides to more individuals who
need transportation. The heaviest demand is from 7:15 a.m. until 9:30 a.m.
and from 2:45 p.m. until 4:45 p.m. If possible, try to avoid these times when
making appointments.
When scheduling a ride, you should be aware of the fact that the ride is shared
with others and thus may take more than 1.5 times longer than the length of a
comparable fixed route trip, which would include:
1. Walk time to a bus stop from the point of trip origin
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2. Wait time at the bus stop
3. Time on board the bus
4. As applicable, transfer bus stop wait time and time on board after transfer
5. And walk time to the final destination
Upon request, if the rider may be late for an appointment, SEATS will call their
destination.
The scheduler will give you a 30-minute pick-up window. This means that you
need to be ready to be picked up from the beginning of that time period to the
end of that time period. The driver cannot wait if they are to serve others and
stay on schedule. Every minute a driver waits delays the service for everyone
else, so please be ready.
If you have trips that occur on multiple days of the week, at the same time, to
and/or from the same destination, you may wish to request a subscription ride.
This allows the rider the convenience of having the trip automatically
scheduled without having to call SEATS. The number of subscription rides
may be limited; however, if SEATS is able to provide the subscription service it
will be offered.
Riders whose pick-up or drop-off locations change will need to request a new
subscription ride agreement because the trip characteristics have changed. As
with any new subscription request it will be accommodated if possible to do so.
Persons may wish to check on the availability of a different subscription ride
before changing schedules.
HOW TO CANCEL A RIDE
Call (319) 339-6127
It is important to cancel your ride early, if you do, you make it possible for
another rider to get a ride.
You may call anytime day or night to cancel a ride but you must cancel at least
one hour prior to the ride to avoid a missed ride (see page 8 for missed ride
policy).
This phone is staffed with an employee Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m.
till 4:00 p.m. and on Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. There is a voice
mail system after hours and holidays when SEATS is closed that allows you to
leave a message.
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If you are calling after the office has closed for a same day cancel you may call
339-6128. Listen through till the end of the greeting and you will be connected
to the evening driver. You will be able to talk to the driver or leave a phone
number for the driver to call you back. The latest a driver will be available
varies on their last scheduled drop-off.
If you are calling after hours for a next day or future day cancellation, please
call 339-6127 and leave a message on the voice mail. Please leave your
name, name of the rider, telephone number, date and time of trip(s), and the
pick up and drop off address of all trips you wish to cancel.
The drivers do not have access to make scheduling changes, so do not ask
them to make any changes for you. All schedule changes must be done
through direct communication with the SEATS scheduler (339-6125) or
dispatcher (339-6127).
STRANDED RIDERS
If you have a ride scheduled with SEATS and your driver does not arrive by the
end of the pick-up window or if you miss your window, you may call 339-6127
to check and see where your driver is and when he/she can be expected.
Since this service is a shared-ride service, other riders or circumstances
outside the driver’s control can sometimes delay the driver. If you are calling
after hours, as with same day cancels, you may call the night or weekend
driver at 339-6128 (follow instructions) and leave your phone number so the
driver may return your call and let you know what is happening and when you
can expect them.
POLICIES
The Johnson County Board of Supervisors has, upon recommendation of its
Advisory Committee, adopted a set of policies. Riders will be kept informed of
all changes in operation or policy. We ask you as a rider to let us know of any
changes you may need. Policies are mentioned briefly throughout this guide,
but to obtain any complete policy please call 339-6128 to request one. We
must abide by all safety standards and codes, so all ramps, doorways, etc…
must meet all guidelines for SEATS to provide door to door service. The
responsibility to meet safety regulations is up to the landowner who is to stay in
accordance to all ordinances and codes. Johnson County SEATS contracts
with Iowa City and Coralville transits and adheres to all of their policies.
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BAD WEATHER POLICY
Emergency information & schedule changes will be updated on the website,
www.johnson-county.com/seats/index.shtml
Services are provided, weather permitting. When service is canceled due to
weather conditions, the cancellation will be announced on the following local
radio and television stations. We follow Iowa City Transit and Coralville Transit
for hours, delays, or canceling service due to weather.
Television: KCRG (Channel 9) .
Radio: KCJJ (1630 AM)
The general policy is that if the city fixed route systems stops running for a
specific period of time, then SEATS will also stop operating those same hours.
If Iowa City Schools are delayed or canceled there will be no SEATS service
in any of Johnson County rural areas.
If Solon Schools are delayed or canceled there will be no meal delivery or
trips in Solon.
If Lone Tree Schools are delayed or canceled there will be no meal delivery
or trips in Lone Tree.
If Clear Creek Amana Schools are delayed or canceled there will be no
SEATS service in Oxford, Tiffin, or Cosgrove.
Also affecting SEATS service: if the access to the residence or facility
(driveway, sidewalk, and/or walkway) is ice or snow covered and unsafe to
drive or walk on, SEATS service will not be able do the service due to safety
concerns. Approval of these circumstances goes through the SEATS office.
CARRY-ON PACKAGE POLICY
This policy is meant to reasonably limit the time and weight of carry on items to
prevent injury or unreasonable delay and provide a safe environment for all
SEATS passengers.
Any item that is too large to see around and/or too awkward for one person to
carry through the vehicle doorway without continued readjustments will not be
transported. SEATS will transport only what the driver and the passenger
(along with their companions or attendant) can carry on the vehicle in one trip
with a maximum of ten plastic grocery bags to a total weight of twenty-five
pounds. The driver will not carry on any item weighing more than twenty-five
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pounds. Items transported on SEATS vehicles will be the sole responsibility
of the rider.
Riders will have to take the responsibility of having the packages that are not
allowed on a SEATS vehicle delivered to their home by other means. For
packages that are acceptable, the driver will take the packages to the front
door entrance and set them inside.
FOOD AND DRINK POLICY
Due to safety concerns and the time involved to clean up a spill or mess,
Johnson County SEATS does not allow eating or drinking on the vehicles.
Exceptions are allowed for medical conditions, notification in writing is
requested.
MISSED RIDES POLICY
*** If a rider desires to make a No Show excused he/she may only pay a
financial penalty for each unexcused missed ride over and including the
fifth missed ride in a month.
The purpose of this policy is to: define the timeframes for scheduling and/or
canceling a trip, define a “no-show”, specify the penalty to be imposed for
excessive no-shows; and establish an appeals process. This policy applies to
the paratransit service operated by Johnson County SEATS.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 requires a provider of fixed
route transportation to the general public to also provide complementary
paratransit service to a person whose disabilities preclude him/her from using
fixed route bus service. Iowa City, Coralville, North Liberty, and University
Heights contract with Johnson County SEATS to provide the mandated
complementary paratransit service. In addition, Johnson County also provides
limited rural paratransit service for elderly and disabled. The rural service is
not required by the federal mandate because there is no fixed route
transportation service provided in the rural areas of Johnson County. Section
37.125(h) of the Federal Register, Title 22, Part IV, Department of
Transportation, 49 CFR allows paratransit service to be suspended for a
customer who establishes a “pattern or practice” of missing scheduled trips.
Riders who have a pattern of missed trips adversely impact everyone. If these
scheduled rides were canceled in a timely manner, they could be utilized by
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other riders. Consequently, to protect the interests of all riders a policy was
developed to penalize riders who consistently abuse the system by not using
the rides they have scheduled.
Timeframes for Scheduling Trips
A trip may be scheduled up to fourteen (14) days prior to the trip; but must be
scheduled no later than 4:00 p.m. the day before the trip. Reservation
operators are available Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and on Saturday and certain holidays from 8:00
a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Advance Cancellation Requirement
A rider must, at a minimum, cancel a scheduled trip one hour prior to the
scheduled trip time. This requirement applies to all SEATS services, including
subscription and rural trips.
When a rider calls to cancel a scheduled trip the following information must be
provided: rider’s name, date of the scheduled trip, pick-up address and pick-up
time.
Trips may be cancelled by dialing (319) 339-6125. If the call is made after
4:00 p.m. an answering machine is available to record the information. For
TDD service, call RELAY IOWA: 1-800-735-2942.
Definition of a No-Show
A “no-show” is defined as:
A rider missing a scheduled trip without canceling one hour prior to the
scheduled trip time. If the rider is able to provide information to the driver at
the time of pick up that indicates that the no-show is out of their control, the
ride will not be considered a rider no-show and will be documented as an
excused ride.
A care provider or an agency representative (including a job coach) is
required to receive the customer at the point of destination, but the care
giver or agency representative is not present when the rider arrives. If the
care giver or agency is able to provide information which indicates that the
care giver or agency was not able to meet the rider because of conditions
out of their control, the ride will not be counted as a no-show.
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If the rider is not at the pick-up location at the scheduled time, the driver will
attempt to make contact at the location and contact the office for dispatch to try
and call. After these attempts have been made the driver will need to continue
on their way to avoid other riders from being delayed.
If the SEATS vehicle arrives before or after the scheduled pick-up window and
the rider has left or declines to take the trip, the rider is not considered a no-
show.
Warnings and Penalties:
A rider’s no-shows will be tracked each month. It is the intention of this policy
to prevent no-shows and therefore, SEATS will work with agencies and care
providers to assist with their clients to prevent possible no-shows. This will be
done on both an individual basis and through educating the riders.
A rider may accrue no more than two no-shows during any single calendar
month.
3rd No-Show in single calendar month. A warning letter will be initiated after
the rider’s third no-show to alert the rider and/or the care provider that a
fourth no-shows constitute a pattern or practice of missing scheduled trips
and that another no-show could result in the loss of service.
5th No-Show in calendar month. Penalty Assessed. If a rider has five (5)
no-shows in any single calendar month, a penalty shall be imposed which
will be a suspension of service for one week. In addition, a rider whose
service is suspended will lose all subscription services after the suspension.
The rider will still be able to use SEATS, but will be required to call the
SEATS office to request individual trips. The rider and/or care provider will
receive a notice by mail advising him/her that their service will be
suspended effective the first week, which begins more than 35 days after
the notice, is mailed. For example, if the notice of suspension is mailed on
February 20, the suspension will begin on March 22nd. During the 35-day
period, the rider may appeal the suspension.
2nd No-Show Suspension. If the rider receives a second suspension for no-
shows within six (6) months of the last suspension, the second suspension
shall be for one (1) calendar month. The rider and/or care provider will
receive a notice by mail advising him/her that their service will be
suspended effective the first month, which begins more than 35 days after
the notice, is mailed. For example, if the notice of suspension is mailed on
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February 20, the suspension will begin on April 1st. During the 35-day
period, the rider may appeal the suspension.
Appeals
There are two stages of appeal available to the rider. The stage one appeal
addresses a single no-show, which the rider disputes as being beyond his/her
control. The stage two appeal is reserved solely for suspension of service.
Ordinary absentmindedness, locating an alternate means of transportation, or
deciding against taking the trip without canceling by one hour before the trip
will not excuse a no-show.
Stage One Appeal
As part of stage one, a rider may appeal a single no-show. Riders are
encouraged to appeal a no-show at the time it is initially recorded and not wait
until a service suspension is pending. If a rider believes a no-show has been
incorrectly recorded, he/she should contact Johnson County SEATS in writing.
At that time, the following information should be supplied:
rider’s name and address;
date of the recorded no-show; and
written summary of the circumstances related to the recorded no-
show.
Should there be a question of verification, SEATS may request written
verification from the rider to substantiate the no-show claim. If written
verification is required, SEATS will inform the rider prior to initiating any
penalty.
If the rider is unsure what type of verification is required, SEATS staff will help
clarify this on a case by case basis.
During the stage one appeal when the rider disputes a no-show, SEATS
administrative staff will review the appeal and if the no-show is substantiated
as being beyond the rider’s control, the no-show will be removed from the
rider’s record.
The rider and/or care provider will be notified in writing of the stage one appeal
decision within ten (10) days of receipt of the appeal letter and all required
verification. If the rider is dissatisfied with the decision, it may be appealed to
the stage two formal appeals board if the rider incurs additional no-shows and
his/her service is to be suspended.
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Stage Two Appeal
See Appeals process below
SAFETY POLICIES
Pick up and Drop off: In certain instances, a Johnson County SEATS driver
may have to provide curbside service versus door to door. Johnson County
SEATS drivers are not authorized to go beyond the threshold of any door for
pick up or drop off. It is not the responsibility of Johnson County SEATS to
provide for a safe pathway to or from a SEAT’s vehicle and a destination’s
door. It is not the responsibility of Johnson County SEATS to provide a safe
environment at the threshold of a door. Unsafe conditions may include but are
not limited to unsafe ground surfaces, insufficiently confined pets, inadequate
lighting or other unsafe conditions. If the access, pathway or threshold is
unsafe in the driver’s opinion and the driver is unable to contact the rider, then
the Johnson County SEATS driver shall contact dispatch. Dispatch shall
attempt to contact the rider or other parties who may be of assistance in
correcting any cause for concern or arrange for pick up in a safe manner.
Johnson County SEATS drivers are not authorized to attempt the pick up of a
rider which would be unsafe for a rider or a driver.
If it is the Johnson County SEATS driver’s opinion that access, the pathway to
or the threshold of the drop off location’s door is unsafe, then the driver shall
work with the rider and others in an attempt to correct the cause for concern or
otherwise arrange for safe delivery of the rider to the destination. SEATS is
not authorized to refuse to permit a passenger from disembarking at a
designated stop unless a lift cannot be deployed or the lift will be damaged if
deployed in the process. See Section 37.167 of the Federal Register, Title 22
part IV, Department of Transportation, 49 CFR.. However, Johnson County
SEATS drivers are not authorized to attempt delivery of a rider to a doorway
which would be unsafe for rider or driver.
Any unsafe conditions in access, the pathway to or the threshold of a rider’s
door shall be noted on the driver’s trip manifest. In addition, SEATS may
contact property owners or managers to inquire about what action is possible
or appropriate to prevent such conditions in the future. At the discretion of the
SEATS Director, a rider’s service may be altered to a curb to curb service
versus door to door service if a pattern of difficulty with door to door service
has been established. Such a determination may be appealed through the
appeal process as described in the SEATS Rider’s Guide.
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To insure rider’s safety a rider is required to stay buckled and in their seat until
the driver lets them know it is safe to unbuckle their seatbelt.
No Staff at Drop off Location: There are times when riders have made
arrangements to have someone meet them at a drop off location or an agency
has staff meet the rider at a location rather than ride with the rider. Johnson
County SEATS does not recommend this since we are comparable to a public
transit system and do not accept responsibility for riders after being dropped
off at the designated location. But in those cases when the rider requires
someone to meet them and that rider cannot be left unattended we strongly
suggest that the rider or care provider arranging the ride let the scheduler
know at the time the ride is being scheduled. This information will be noted on
the driver’s trip manifest. On the day of the ride, should the rider be taken to
the drop off location and there is no one to meet him/her, one or more of the
following actions may take place:
The rider may have to remain on the vehicle and the driver will continue
with the schedule until able to return to the drop-off location, or
They may be returned to the rider's original pick-up location, or
They may be returned to the rider’s residence.
An additional trip will need to be scheduled and charged for when this
occurs.
If the rider has a care provider or agency that the ride was scheduled by, the
care provider or agency will be contacted to notify them of the inability to
deliver that individual at the requested drop off location. In addition, SEATS will
discuss what action is possible or appropriate at that time to resolve the issue
and to prevent this type of incident in the future.
Child protection: Children under the age of seven (7) years must be
accompanied by a responsible adult. If the child under the age of seven (7) is
the eligible rider, the responsible adult may ride free. If required, children must
have a safety seat provided by the rider’s caregiver.
Seatbelts: Riders utilizing mobility devices are required to use a lap belt when
loading or unloading from the vehicle. All riders are required to use a seatbelt
when riding in a SEATS vehicle unless medical authorization is provided. The
rider must understand that Johnson County SEATS is no longer responsible
for their safety in case of an accident when not wearing a seatbelt.
Mobility devices: Wheelchairs and scooters must have working brakes and
no leaking batteries. For safety reasons riders with scooters are advised to
transfer to a seat in the vehicle. The lift platform requirements are 30 inches
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wide by 48 inches in length. Oversized or overweight mobility devices may not
be accommodated on some of the SEATS lifts.
*SEATS will not be responsible for personal items (i.e. grocery bags, walkers,
canes, crutches) left unattended that may fall and injure someone.
Medications and other medical needs: Riders who require medication or
oxygen at regular intervals should be advised that their travel time could be 60
minutes and on occasion longer. SEATS drivers cannot administer medical
assistance or assist in administration of medication.
Rider Conduct: Remember your conduct affects the safety of others. The
purpose of this policy is to ensure the safety and comfort of the riders on
Johnson County SEATS. This policy applies to all SEATS services, including
subscription and rural trips.
SEATS is concerned about the safety and comfort of its riders and drivers. For
this reason violent, illegal or seriously disruptive conduct is not allowed on the
vehicle. This includes the behavior of service animals and pets, as well as the
riders. Section 37.125 and 37.5 of the Federal Register, Title 22, Part IV,
Department of Transportation, 49 CFR allows paratransit service to be refused
or provided conditionally for a customer who engages in violent, illegal or
seriously disruptive conduct or behavior. Service may not be refused to an
individual with disabilities solely because the individual’s disability results in
appearance or involuntary behavior (sounds or actions) that may offend,
annoy, or inconvenience the SEATS driver or other riders.
Educational Process:
The primary approach to dealing with riders’ conduct is through education.
SEATS will work with rider and care provider or agency, if any, involved with
the rider to educate that rider on appropriate behavior aboard public
transportation. All riders will be urged to be considerate of the other
passengers and driver.
When a person has been engaged in inappropriate behavior, the driver will
inform the SEATS office at the time the behavior occurs. The behavior will be
discussed with the rider and/or care provider or program staff member and
attempt to correct the episode immediately. The SEATS Director or a SEATS
supervisor will then evaluate the issue and speak with the rider and care
provider or agency, if any. During the discussion(s) with the rider and care
provider or agency, if any, an action plan will be developed to prevent further
episodes of inappropriate behavior. If the behavior is seriously violent and/or
harmful to other passengers, immediate suspension may occur.
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If, after the initial educational process has been utilized, a rider continues to
display inappropriate behavior a written warning will be sent to the rider and
care provider and agency, if any, by the SEATS Director or SEATS supervisor
indicating that another episode of inappropriate behavior will result in a
suspension of services. Included with the notice will be possible alternative
measures, which might assist in preventing the continued behavior.
If a rider has another episode of inappropriate behavior he/she and the care
provider or agency, if any, will be sent a notice of suspended services. The
length of suspension of services will be determined by the Director who will
work with the rider and care provider or agency, if any, to determine
suspension length and time.
If the rider then returns to utilize SEATS service and continues to display
inappropriate behavior the rider may again receive suspension of service
and/or possibly termination of service. The length of the 2nd suspension will be
determined by the SEATS Director and care provider or agency, if any, to
ensure enough time to allow for the development of a plan to assist the rider
with correcting the inappropriate behavior. Should the behavior continue, the
SEATS Director or staff member will contact the rider and care provider or
agency, if any, to discuss termination of service. If a rider’s service is
terminated, the rider and care provider or agency, if any, may request restoring
service. Some assurance of corrective behavior and compliance will be
necessary for consideration of resumed service.
APPEAL PROCESS
A rider who has been notified that their SEATS services will be suspended
may appeal the decision.
The rider must provide a written request to appeal the decision within one
week. This should be mailed to Johnson County SEATS, 4810 Melrose
Avenue, Iowa City, IA 52246. If the decision by the Johnson County SEATS
administration is unacceptable, you may continue to the Appeal Board.
The person appealing can either have the information reviewed by the
Metropolitan Plan Organization of Johnson County or have it taken to an
appeal Board that would be made up of three members: 1) A citizen
representative serving on the Advisory Board, 2) An elected representative
(determined, if possible, by the rider’s city of residence) serving on the
Advisory Board, and 3) A SEATS rider or community volunteer. The Appeal
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Board will meet in a location close to and accessible to the rider whose appeal
is being reviewed within two weeks.
The Appeal Board will hear the appeal. The rider and/or others representing
the rider may come before the Appeal Board to present written and oral
information. All relevant SEATS records and personnel will be made available
to the rider and his/her representative(s). A rider who requires the records in
an alternative format may request them either in the appeals letter, by
telephone or other electronic means. Alternative formats currently available
are Braille and audiotape.
After receiving and reviewing all information related to the suspension, the
Appeal Board shall be empowered to take such action, as it believes to be
appropriate in the case. The decision of the Appeal Board will be final, subject
to further appeal at other governmental levels.
Title VI
Johnson County SEATS does not discriminate on the basis of race, age,
disability, religion, color, sex or national origin. Services are open to the
general public, including persons with disabilities, as required by the
American with Disability Act (ADA). For more information on Title VI of
the Civil Rights Act of 1964 call the US Commission on Civil Rights at
(202) 376-7700 or TTY (202) 376-8116.
To request additional information on Johnson County SEATS’s non-
discrimination obligations or to file a Title VI complaint, please submit
your request or complaint in writing to the SEATS Director.
SEATS Director:
In writing to Tom Brase
By email to tbrase@co.johnson.ia.us
By phone at (319) 339-6128 ext. 8
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PHONE NUMBERS
Ride Request Line 339-6125
24-Hour Cancellation Line 339-6127
Ride Information Line (7 am-5 pm) 339-6127
For TDD (hearing impaired phone) 1-800-735-2942 (Iowa Relay)
SEATS Customer Service 339-6128
Punch card Sales 339-6128
After office hours to talk to driver 339-6128
Iowa City Transit 356-5151
Coralville Transit 248-1700
University Heights 337-6900
North Liberty 626-5712
SEATS E-Mail tbrase@co.johnson.ia.us
SEATS Fax 339-6185
Johnson County Board of Supervisors 356-6000
SEATS Advisory Committee 356-6000
(The Advisory Committee phone calls are handled by the Board of
Supervisors office)
REMEMBER – SEATS IS HERE TO SERVE YOU!