Nature of the service
The STO offers accessible bus routes (on the regular system) for people in wheelchair or with reduced mobility. As for paratransit service, it is a door-to-door public transportation for disabled persons who are unable to use regular public transit. This service is provided for the STO by a sub-contractor in the area served.
To use paratransit, riders must first qualify for the service as defined by the Paratransit Eligibility Policy from the Quebec Ministry of Transport.
This service does everything it can to respond to as many requests for transportation as possible. Co-ordinating the trips and the punctuality of every rider are essential for making the service as efficient and cost-effective as possible.
Depending on the specific needs of riders, the STO's paratransit service uses four types of vehicles: adapted minibuses and taxis, and conventional minibuses and taxis. These vehicles all have access to the reserved lanes to ensure more rapid service.
The Paratransit Service User's Guide can provide more information to supplement this section.
Types of trips
Regular trips for work or education
These are trips that a rider makes on a regular basis for at leas three months, meaning at least once a week at a set time with the same pick-up and drop-off points. Once the request has been confirmed, the rider no longer needs to reserve each trip.
Occasional trips
These are occasional trips for shopping, visiting family or friends, or participating in activities.
Last-minute trips
Last-minute trips are generally owing to unforeseen circumstances. Depending on vehicle availability, we are happy to provide you with transportation. An eligibility application must be submitted.
Reasons for transportation
There is no restriction to the reasons for using the paratransit service except for school transportation and inter-institutional transportation (such as from one health care institution to another).
The only transportation provided to the Ontario area is the following:
Transportation for work and post-secondary education
For work and post-secondary education when the courses are not available in the province of Quebec, riders can be taken from their home to any destination within a distance of no more than 8 kilometres from Parliament Hill (corner of Wellington/Metcalfe).
Transportation for health care services
When health care services such as occupational therapy, physiotherapy and medical appointments are required, riders can be taken from their home to the following locations only:
- Ottawa Hospital (General Campus, Civic Campus and Riverside Campus)
- Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario
- Ottawa Rehabilitation Centre
Transportation for cultural, recreational or social activities
When transportation is required for cultural, recreational or social activities, riders can be taken from their home to any location within the following boundaries:
- Eastern limit: King Edward Avenue – both sides
- Southern limit: Queensway
- Western limit: Booth Street – both sides
- Northern limit: Ottawa River
Transportation is always offered subject to the availability of vehicles and is provided only for paratransit riders. The service does not offer the possibility for persons other than the rider to be taken to or picked up from these locations.
