Transportation

   We provide transportation services to individuals with mental retardation and/or developmental disabilities who reside in Geauga County.  Gaining access to educational programs, employment opportunities and social functions is key to fostering a sense of well-being, independence and inclusion in the community.  We are proud of our dedicated staff who provide safe, reliable and accessible transportation to children, under the age of three, through our Early Intervention program and to over 150 adults attending day habilitation programs, worksites and social and athletic functions.
 
                                               Safety Instructions
 
Routes are designed using the home address.
The  driver will be able to provide you with approximate pick-up and drop-off times. routes are designed using the home address.  If a pick up or drop off point is to be other than the home address, notify the Transportation Department as soon as possible.    440-729-9406
 
Van does not arrive call Metzenbaum at 440-729-9406 to inquire.
 
 
Emergency pick up/ drop off arrangements must be made with the Transportation Supervisor, not Staff or the driver. Alternate / emergency pick up / drop off points must be in the immediate proximity of the regular stop or an existing route and must be prearranged with the Transportation Supervisor.
 
To Cancel Transportation:  Call 440-729-9406.
There is an answering machine from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 a.m.
 
 
Going home early due to illness or other reasons:  Drivers will view going home before the end of the program day the same as if you called your family member in absent that day.  The driver will not pick up your family member again until you call back to make the arrangements
 
When a client is picked up from programming for any reason, and your family member will not go
home on the  van, please notify the driver and the individual’s program contact person in writing.
 
 
 
Reporting Absences:
When you know that your family member will not be coming in to the program, you are asked to call  GCBMRDD Administration office  440-729-9406 to report the absence to the Transportation Department.  Please be advised that you still must call the individual program to report the absence. 
 
Advise the dispatcher of the number of days the absence will last, you must call again to reschedule/restart transportation Services
 
Vans may pull into drives (provided there is room to turn around) for non-ambulatory students.
Others will meet the van at the curb.
 
 
 
Drivers shall wait for pupils (only) if they are running ahead of schedule. 
We ask that consumers are at the stop and ready to board at the time the van is due to arrive and that someone is present to receive clients at the end of the day.    In consideration of others riding the bus, please be punctual
 
If no one is present to receive the consumer, the driver will proceed with the route.  Call the Administration Office/Transportation Dept. at 440-729-9406 so they can contact the van.  Arrangements will then be made for you to meet the van further on the route.  In fairness to others on the van, the driver cannot wait for you to return or double back to your home. 
 
Routes times may vary from day to day due to individual schedules and absenteeism. 
 
Waiting and boarding the van
Be ready to board the van before it is due to arrive
Stay in a safe place (10’ – 15’ away from the stop) until the van comes to a complete stop
Go directly to your seat and secure your seatbelt
 
There is to be no food or drink consumed on the van.  All medication should be given to the driver.
 
All clients should follow directions from the driver and aid, remain in their seat, sit upright, hands to yourself, talk quietly, seat belts fastened  and follow all safety procedures for getting on and off the van.  We thank you for your cooperation in making this a safe and pleasant ride for all. 
  
  
  
Exiting the van
Wait until the van comes to a complete stop before removing your seat belt and getting out of your seat.
Use handrails ( where available) when walking down the stairs
Take care not to catch loose clothing, straps, scarves, etc. when exiting the van.
Walk to a place of safety (10’ – 15’ away from the stop) until the van has driven away.
 
Unescorted individuals may not leave the van unless we have the appropriate form on file with Transportation Department
Please notify the driver if someone other than yourself will be picking up your family member.  Identification may be required in order to release the individual.   
  
 
Revised  1/08

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