Dial-a-Ride

No Show

Scheduling a ride and then not boarding the bus after the driver 1) stops, 2) waits for two minutes after arriving at the pickup location, and 3) honks several times during the two-minute waiting period.

Expectations

Cancel a scheduled ride, whether same day or reoccurring, within 30 minutes of your scheduled pickup time by calling Dispatch at 616-527-4000 option 1.

If you call for a same-day pick-up that is scheduled within the 30-minute time frame and you cancel prior to the driver being en route to the pickup, you will not be considered a no-show.

Compliance

If a rider is a no-show:

1. 1st no-show the rider will be reminded to please notify dispatch of cancelations at least 30 minutes prior to scheduled pick up.
2. 2nd no-show the rider will be reminded to please notify dispatch of cancelations at least 30 minutes prior to scheduled pick up.
3. 3rd no-show the rider will be taken off the reoccurring schedule for two weeks.
4. 5th no-show the rider will only be allowed to schedule same-day trips.
5. 7th no show the rider will be suspended for 1 week.
6. 8th no show the rider will be suspended for 2 weeks.
7. Subsequent no-shows will be addressed by the Director.

Appealing No Show & Suspensions

Email Ionia Dial-A-Ride Director or contact in writing to appeal a no-show record and/or suspension. Mail appeals to: 

• Ionia Dial-A-Ride, Attention: Director
  251 E Adams St
  Ionia, MI 48846

Related Documents

• No-Show Policy Document (PDF)

For Dial-A-Ride service, phone 527-4000. Dial-A-Ride fares can be purchased as a Single Ride (One-Way Trip) or a Trip Credit bundle. Trip credit is loaded to your rider account and deducted automatically. Trip Creit Bundles may be purchased at the Dial-A-Ride office, online, on the rider app, or by paying your driver at your pickup location. Current Dial-A-Ride Rates (PDF).

Pay for Dial-A-Ride fares online.

Our goal is to provide safety, comfort, and satisfaction for our customers. In order to better serve you, we ask that you adhere to the rules and regulations set forth for using the City of Ionia Public Transportation System. If you have questions or comments, please call 616-527-4000. We hope your trip is a pleasant one.

Ionia Dial-A-Ride (I-DART) Rules Are As Follows:

• All service animals are allowed in vehicles with passengers. Animals not used as ADA service animals are permitted only if the animal is transported in a suitable carrier. The carrier must be placed in the passenger's lap to secure the carrier. Please read our Service Animal Policy (PDF).
• Carry on bags are limited to four bags, two placed on your lap and two on the floor between your feet.
• Do not stand forward of the yellow line indicated on the floor of I-DART vehicles.
• Drivers do not carry change and credit for future rides is not provided.
• Remain seated until the vehicle comes to a complete stop.
• Shoes and shirts are required.
• Please read our Portable Oxygen Tank and Respirator Policy (PDF).
• Review Passenger Rights and Responsibilities (PDF).

The Following Are Prohibited On I-DART Vehicles:

• Any act prohibited by law
• Bicycles
• Eating, drinking, or smoking
• Explosive materials
• Firearms or weapons of any kind
• Possession or use of alcohol or illegal substances
• Use of radios, CD players, or other sound-producing devices without the use of personal headphones
• Wearing Skates

Disruptive Behavior, Including, But Not Limited To, Are Prohibited On I-Dart Vehicles:

• Any actions which may interfere with or disrupt the operators or customers
• Fighting, mock fighting, or roughhousing
• Obscene, threatening, inciting, or insulting language or gestures
• Running, yelling, or throwing objects
• Spitting, littering, picking trash from receptacles
• Standing, sitting or walking in a way that inconveniences, obstructs or interferes with others (for example, blocking doors, feet on seats, etc.)
• Vandalism or graffiti

Non-compliance of the preceding rules may result in the passenger not being allowed to utilize I-DART, a Public Transportation System.

I-DART services are provided in accordance with Title VI, without discrimination based on race, color, national origin, or other prohibited basis. Read I-DART's Title VI Statement (PDF).

I-Dart services are provided in accordance with ADA standards. Read I-DART's ADA Complaint Policy (PDF).

Ionia Dial-A-Ride

• Has professional and trained drivers in passenger assistance techniques to assist our customers with special needs
• Offers convenient curbside service
• Offers priority seating for senior citizens and persons with disabilities
• Offers reduced passenger fares for seniors and persons with disabilities (must present Dial-A-Ride eligibility card)
• Offers Senior Hour Monday through Friday from 10 am to 11 am and 1 pm to 2 pm and Saturday 10:30 am to 11:30 am so seniors can ride for $1 on a one-way trip.
• Operates a fleet of 9 service vehicles, all 9 vehicles are equipped with wheelchair lifts and comply with all related ADA regulations
• Provides free rides for attendants assisting persons with disabilities
• Provides mobility for the growing elderly population by providing transportation to medical appointments, shopping, and recreational needs

Reduced Fare

To apply for a reduced fare, fill out and return our Certificate of Eligibility Application (PDF)and return to our business office. Upon receipt and approval of your application, we will send you an eligibility card. Please present this card to our drivers when boarding the bus to receive your reduced fare.

City of Ionia

All areas located inside the City of Ionia limits. View the I-DART- Service Area Map (PDF).

Berlin Township

• South on M-66 to Sprague Road
• West on Tuttle Road to Harwood Road
• North on Harwood Road to Riverside Drive
• East on Riverside Drive to M-66
• North on M-66 to city limits of Ionia

Ionia Township, North of River

• North on M-66 to Parmeter Road
• East on Parmeter Road to Jefferson Road
• South on Jefferson Road to Welch Road
• East on Welch Road to Prairie Creek Road
• Prairie Creek Road to M-21
• East on M-21 to Stage Road
• South on Stage Road to city limits of Ionia

Ionia Township, South of River

• Kelsey Highway South to Tuttle Road
• West on Tuttle Road to M-66
• South on M-66 to the city limits of Ionia

Easton Township

• North on M-66 to Dildine Road
• West on Dildine Road to Graff Road
• North on Graff Road to Ellison Road
• West on Ellison Road to Johnson Road
• South on Johnson Road to M-21
• East on M-21 to South Bellamy Road, (West Main St.) back to city limits of Ionia

Orange Township

• South on M-66 from Sprague Road to David Highway
• East on David Highway to Kelsey Highway
• North on Kelsey Highway to Townsend Road

Note About Service Areas

Service areas not listed above for Berlin, Ionia, and Easton Townships will require a 24-hour notification for service. Orange Township service area is limited only to the area listed above. If you have questions regarding the above service area descriptions, please call 616-527-4000.

Extended Routes to Other Municipalities

No other route services are available at this time. Please check back from time to time.

Overview

It is the policy of Ionia Area Dial-A-Ride to make sure that the needs of Wheelchair, Daily Time Calls, 24-hour, And Reserved Rides be fully administered before addressing the needs of the Priority 4, On Demand passenger calls.

Priority 1 - Daily Time Calls

Rides reserved for the same passenger, same time, and same origin.

Priority 2 - 24-Hour Calls

Rides reserved 24 hours in advance.

Priority 3 - Reserved Rides

Rides reserved at least one hour in advance.

Priority 4 - On Demand

Rides reserved less than one hour in advance.

We want to continually improve our Dial-A-Ride services so that we can better serve you and the community. If you experienced a problem with Dial-A-Ride, please let us know. Download the ADA Complaint Policy (PDF) and Customer Complaint Form (PDF), and then return them to our office.

Affordable and safe student transportation, convenience for families, multi-year recipient of "Award of Excellence for Vehicle Maintenance" presented by Michigan Department of Transportation.

Ionia Dial-A-Ride policies and procedures help to ensure children's safety. We have professional and trained drivers.

I-DART is a public transportation system that provides open-door transportation to the general public. Routes and riders are scheduled according to efficiency. Please remember that IDART cannot designate a route specifically for student riders only.