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CARTA OnDemand

A program serving seniors 55+ and Tel-A-Ride customers in the designated CARTA service area.

Plan Your Trip

CARTA OnDemand is a partnership with Uber that will serve seniors and Tel-A-Ride paratransit customers throughout the designated CARTA fixed-route service area. Trips can cost as little as $4 each way and rides can be scheduled with as little as one-hour notice.

Use OnDemand for as Little as $4 Each Way

  • CARTA OnDemand will connect riders going to or from destinations within the fixed-route area, Monday through Friday from 7 a.m.- 5 p.m. Trips with Uber cost can cost as little as $4 each way. CARTA will pay the remaining amount for your trip up to $21 ($25 total cost) and most trips fall in this range. The customer is responsible for any additional cost beyond the subsidized amount of $21. CARTA OnDemand is offered in addition to the existing Tel-A-Ride services.

OnDemand Service Area (Click to View)



Who Can Ride?

CARTA OnDemand is open to all seniors 55+ as well as Tel-A-Ride customers. Seniors 55+ can register for CARTA OnDemand by completing the application below. Tel-A-Ride customers are automatically registered but will need a voucher to start riding with Uber.  To request your voucher, email us at publiccomment@bcdcog.com  or call us at 843-529-6284.  Those who wish to apply for Tel-A-Ride can do so by completing the Tel-A-Ride Application below. a

OnDemand Application

Tel-A-Ride Application



Need to Know

  • Cost: Cost: As low as $4 per trip, each direction. CARTA pays the remaining amount up to $21 (Total cost of $25). The customer is responsible for any amount over the CARTA subsidized amount of $21.
  • No Cash: Cash is not accepted for this service; a debit or credit card is required.
  • Uber: Seniors and Tel-A-Ride customers are able to use Uber for same day service. All Uber trips require a voucher to participate.
  • Wheelchair Access: Riders requiring wheelchair accessibility will need to call Tel-A-Ride reservations at 843-747-0007.  The customer must state that they are a current Tel-A-Ride customer, that they require wheelchair access and that they are requesting CARTA OnDemand service.
  • Monthly Riders: Seniors 55+ are allowed 20 trips per month to areas within the fixed-route area. Tel-A-Ride customers have unlimited CARTA OnDemand access.
*Note: All questions or inquiries about this program must be made to CARTA at (843) 529-6284 or CARTA customer service at (843) 724-7420 or email us at publiccomment@bcdcog.com.

Start Riding Today!

  • Seniors 55+
    • Complete an application (above, under “Who Can Ride?) to register for the program. Include a scanned copy or a photocopy of your ID for age verification. Once all items are complete your application is ready for processing.
    • Once approved, you will receive a confirmation email with voucher information and details on how to schedule your trip.
    • Seniors 55+ are allowed 20 trips per month to locations within the fixed-route service area.
    To use Uber:
    • Sign into your existing Uber account.
    • If you don’t have an Uber account, go to www.uber.com to download and create an Uber account.
    • In the sign up and confirmation process, CARTA will send you an Uber Voucher via email, click “Accept voucher.”
    • After accepting the voucher, you will be able to enter a destination.
    • If the trip is covered by the voucher, the discount will appear above the “confirm” button.
    View the videos for more information on using Uber:  Desktop | Mobile


Paratransit: CARTA Tel-A-Ride Customers

    • You must be a current CARTA Tel-A-Ride customer.
    • If not, download and complete an application for paratransit service (processing can take up to 21 days).
    • If you are a current CARTA Tel-A-Ride customer, you will need to request a voucher to use Uber.
    • All Uber trips require a voucher. To request your voucher call (843) 529-6284 or email us at publiccomment@bcdcog.com.
    • CARTA Tel-A-Ride customers are allowed unlimited trips per month.
    NOTE: All ride requests must be placed through the Uber app.  Service questions must be directed to (843) 529-6284. When scheduling please keep in mind drivers have a 15-minute arrival window. This means they may arrive 15 minutes before or after the pick-up time. To use Uber:
    • Sign into your existing Uber account.
    • If you don’t have an Uber account, go to www.uber.com to download and create an Uber account.
    • All Uber rides require a voucher to participate. Call (843) 529-6284 or email us at publiccomment@bcdcog.com to request your voucher.
    • CARTA will send a welcome email to eligible customers and an Uber Voucher will also be sent in the process.
    • You will be prompted to “Accept voucher”.
    • After accepting the voucher, you will be able to enter a destination. If the trip is covered by the voucher, the discount will appear above the “confirm” button.

More information on using Uber

Additional Uber resources



FAQs

What is CARTA OnDemand?

CARTA OnDemand is an all-new pilot program in partnership with Uber that will serve seniors and Tel-A-Ride paratransit customers throughout the designated CARTA fixed-route service area. The enhanced level of service offered through CARTA OnDemand will make traveling easier for those who most need assistance and includes direct, on-demand service Mon-Fri 7 a.m.-5 p.m.
  • Trips with Uber can cost as little as $4 each way.  CARTA subsidizes (or pays for) the remaining amount up to $21 (Total $25).  Most trips will fall in this range.  With the expanded area, total trip cost may increase.  The customer is responsible for any amount over the subsidized $21.  Trip cost determined by distance of trip.  Customers will be advised of the total cost of the trip before accepting.
  • Rides can be scheduled with as little as one-hour notice.
  • CARTA OnDemand is offered in addition to the existing Tel-A-Ride services.
  • Riders requiring wheelchair accessibility will need to call Tel-A-Ride reservations at 843-747-0007.  The customer must state that they are a current Tel-A-Ride customer, that they require wheelchair access and that they are requesting CARTA OnDemand service.
*Note – All questions or inquiries about this program must be made to CARTA at publiccomment@bcdcog.com , to CARTA at 843-529-6284 or CARTA customer service at 843-724-7420. 

What is the safest way to wait for my ride?

  • Always stand in the designated Uber pickup location just prior to the scheduled pickup time.
  • Avoid spending any time standing outside the designated pickup area.
  • Observe your surroundings and be cautious at all times.
    • Never get into a car with someone who claims to be an Uber driver without asking to see identification or asking the driver to verify your name and destination.
    • Use your smartphone flashlight (if needed) to confirm the license plate number and to clearly identify the driver.

What is the service area?

Effective 3.7.22 – The service area expanded to cover the CARTA fixed-route service area. Trips must occur entirely within the designated service area. The service area is shown in this map.

I signed up since I’m a senior. Now what?

Once you have submitted your application and a scanned copy of photo of your ID for age verification, please allow one to two business weeks for registration to take place. Once approved and you are in the system, you will receive a welcome email with a voucher for any Uber trips you’d take.

What about COVID-19?

Drivers for Uber are required to wear masks and disinfect vehicles after trips. Passengers are also required to wear a mask when riding. Customers are encouraged to wash their hands before and after the trips, sit in the back of the vehicles and open a window to improve ventilation.

What are the cancel and no-show policies?

Sanctions are in place and would be used for repeat offenders, ranging from warnings to suspensions. Please be present for any rides that are requested. Additionally, charges may occur for no-show customers that will not be covered by the subsidy.

What do I do if the Uber voucher does not work?

If the voucher codes do not work, customers should retrace the instructions provided by Uber to ensure that the voucher codes have been applied. They also should check that the trip meets CARTA OnDemand program eligibility requirements, which include approval and operating within the service zone.  Customers can also email questions to publiccomment@bcdcog.com.

What if I do not have a credit or debit card?

You will need a credit card or debit card to utilize either Uber.

What if I do not have a smartphone or cannot download the app?

A  smart device and app are required to use this service.

Who is eligible to ride?

All current Tel-A-Ride customers, regardless of age, qualify for this pilot program. Additionally, all customers 55 or over qualify, as well. If you are under 55 and not on the CARTA Tel-A-Ride registry, you are not eligible for CARTA OnDemand.  One portion of each trip must start and end within the CARTA fixed-route service area. Customers must be traveling to or from these designated areas for the trip to be counted in the program.

How much does CARTA OnDemand cost?

Trips with Uber cost $4 each way. This is a subsidized program, meaning a portion of the cost will be paid for by CARTA. Under this program, CARTA will pay the difference of the trip (beyond the $4 paid by the customer) up to $21. When scheduling a trip, the provider will inform customers whether the trip is an eligible trip for the program or not.  Customers are responsible for any amount over the $21 subsidized by CARTA.

How do I report non-emergency safety and security concerns?

Contact the CARTA customer service at (843) 724-7420. Our team is available Mon-Fri (7am-9pm) and Sat-Sun (8am-8pm).

What should I do there is an emergency or if I feel threatened or unsafe?

If you see something, say something. Pay attention to approaching vehicles. Call 911 immediately if something does not seem right. Trust your instincts. Stay on the phone with the 911 operator until told to hang up.

Can I request a ride in advance?

Not at this time. Uber rides that are scheduled in advance will not allow the user to access the trip discount.

Do I need to tip my driver? Or is that included within the subsidy?

Tips are not included in the subsidy and will be a choice for the customer.

Will I owe more during peak times when Uber often charges more?

The cost per ride will initially be $4 each way for the customer when using Uber.  CARTA will pay the remaining amount up to $21. Most trips will fall in this range.  However, if the trip is more than the $21 subsidy any non-Tel-A-Ride customer will be responsible for the additional cost.  Costs are determined by length/distance of trip.

I have someone that assists me. Can they ride?

Personal care attendants (PCA) can be approved as part of the Tel-A-Ride application. If approved and using Uber, be sure to stipulate the additional person count for the trip. PCAs are not charged.

Will the Uber be wheelchair accessible?

No, not at this time.  Temporary: Until another provider is determined, riders requiring wheelchair accessibility will need to call Tel-A-Ride reservations at 843-747-0007.  The customer must state that they are a current Tel-A-Ride customer, that they require wheelchair access and that they are requesting CARTA OnDemand service.

How will I know the ride is on the way? Can I track it?

For Uber, you can track your ride on the app.

How do I sign up?

For Tel-A-Ride customers you are automatically enrolled in the program for both providers and can ride today with UZURV.  Please ensure that your trips will occur within the designated CARTA fixed-route service area and that you are currently approved. If you plan to use Uber you will need to request a Voucher by calling (843) 529-6284. Questions regarding eligibility should be sent to publiccomment@bcdcog.com . For customers 55 and over, please complete an application.

How many times can I use this service?

Non-Tel-A-Ride senior customers have up to 20 trips monthly within the CARTA fixed-route service area. There are no trip limits for customers that are on the registry for CARTA’S Tel-A-Ride.

How can I book a ride?

Customers can use their smartphones, telephone, or computer to book a subsidized trip with Uber.
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