Accompaniment
When examining eligibility applications, the eligibility committee determines whether applicants require assistance from an attendant when travelling.
If so, the attendant must:
- Be 14 years of age or older;
- Be capable of assisting the rider at pick-up, during the trip and at drop-off;
- Get on and off the bus at the same stops as the rider being accompanied.
Types of accompaniment
Compulsory accompaniment
This type of accompaniment is granted if the rider requires medical assistance when during the trip. In this case, the attendant travels for free.
Riders under 6 years of age must be accompanied at all times by a person 14 years of age or older. The child travels for free, but attendants must pay the applicable fare according to their rider profile and status.
Optional accompaniment
The eligibility committee grants all riders with a motor or organic disability the right to optional accompaniment. Attendants who are authorized to travel with the rider on an optional basis must always pay the applicable fare according to their rider profile and status.
Unauthorized accompaniment
Accompaniment is not authorized if the eligibility committee deems that an attendant can compensate for the rider's disability and enable the rider to take regular public transit.
Similarly, accompaniment is prohibited if the rider uses a scooter when travelling.
Accompaniment for parental responsibility
Riders granted eligibility for paratransit services may travel with their children under 14 years of age in order to meet their parental responsibility. The children must pay the regular bus fares.
Special provisions for the attendant when boarding
When the rider is picked up, the driver cannot accept an unconfirmed attendant without authorization from the dispatcher. This rule applies even if there is available space in the vehicle.
When requesting a reservation, it is important to mention whether the rider will have an attendant . Any unconfirmed person can be refused permission to board the vehicle.
Policy on access for animals
The only animals allowed on vehicles are guide dogs and service (or assistance) dogs.
However, riders must submit a certificate to the STO in advance confirming that the dog has been trained at a recognized facility in Quebec or elsewhere. The certificate must show that the animal fulfills the functions of a guide dog or service dog for a disabled person and that the training includes a component dealing with transportation situations.
The dog’s master must maintain control over the dog at all times to ensure it behaves properly.
