All documents are available in an accessible format upon request.
The Parabus is a specialized, curb-to-curb public transit service for persons with physical disabilities and vision loss.
Note: Applications must be completed by a physician, nurse practitioner, chiropractor, occupational therapist, physiotherapist, optometrist or ophthalmologist.
Contact
To schedule your trip, it must be within the two-week scheduling window. You can call anytime within business hours, 705-942-1404. If you have any comments or suggestions regarding the Parabus service, email ssmpara@cityssm.on.ca.
Hours of Operation:
Once your application has been approved, you can book the Parabus for service during the following hours:
Monday to Friday: 6:00 a.m. – 11:59 a.m.
Saturday & Sunday: 7:00 a.m. – 11:59 a.m.
Statutory Holidays
- Family Day
- Easter
- Canada Day
- August Civic Holiday
- Thanksgiving
- Christmas Day
- Boxing Day
Ensure a Smooth Ride:
- All bookings may be made up to 2 weeks in advance. (first come first serve). Please be ready to tell us:
- Your name and pick-up address
- The date and time you wish to travel
- The address you are travelling to
- The time you wish to be picked up to return home
- If someone is accompanying you
- No priority is given to medical, employment or educational trips.
- You must be ready 10 minutes before your scheduled pickup. The bus may arrive up to 10 minutes early, or 10 minutes after your scheduled pickup time.
- Have the exact cash fare of $3.50 ready. One way fares only.
- Please notify us at least one hour in advance for a cancellation or you may be subject to a No-Show penalty.
- Limit your parcels to what you and/or your Support Person can carry.
- Wear your wheelchair belts at all times and all Transit belts must be worn to ensure a safe ride.
- Be considerate of fellow passengers.
- The Parabus service may not be able to accommodate you if your wheelchair or scooter is longer than 48” or wider than 32” or if your total weight with your wheelchair or scooter is more than 800 lbs.
- New user ride training is available on request.
Sault Transit will provide same day service, to the extent that it is available, and will accept bookings for service as close as possible to the date requested. (Section 71 – Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation Guidelines).
Cancellations
If you have to cancel a ride, call us as soon as you know. Cancellations require a minimum of one hour notice; otherwise, a no-show penalty of a one-way fare will be charged.
Frequent no shows will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.
Cancellations can also be made after 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, and on weekends by calling 705-942-1404.
FAQs
What is the Parabus?
Parabus is a specialized, curb-to-curb public transportation service for persons with physical disabilities and vision loss unable to use the conventional transit service.
Who can ride the Parabus?
How do I get approval to ride the Parabus?
Applications must be completed by a physician, nurse practitioner, chiropractor, occupational therapist, or physiotherapistoptometrist or ophthalmologist. Once received, applications take approximately 5 to 10 days to process. If approved, a letter and brochure will be sent to you.
Where can I get an application?
An online application form is available. Forms can also be picked up at the Sault Ste. Marie Transit office located at 111 Huron Street (across from the Ontario Travel Information Centre), or call us at 705-942-1404 and we will mail you an application form.
How do I use the Parabus?
Once your application has been approved, you can book the Parabus for service by calling 705-942-1404 weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 4:20 p.m. You will need to provide your name, pick-up address, date and time you wish to travel, destination address, and the time you wish to be picked up to return home. We also need to know if someone is accompanying you.
How far in advance should I book the Parabus?
You can book the Parabus up to two weeks in advance. For example, if you have an appointment on January 20th, the earliest you can book the Parabus is January 6th.
How much does a Parabus ride cost?
- 40 Rides
- 6 Rides (Seniors Only 60+)
- 12 Rides (Seniors Only 60+)
What if I require assistance at all times?
If you require a Support Person to ride with you, you may request a Support Person Card, which allows your Support Person to ride for Free. This must be indicated on your application form. Call the office for more information.
Where do I catch the Parabus?
Parabus service is curb-to-curb. The Parabus will pick you up at the street curb closest to your home. If you require assistance to and from the curb, you must make your own arrangements.
What if I have to cancel my ride?
If you must cancel your ride, call us as soon as you know. Cancellations require a minimum of 1-hour notice, otherwise a No-Show Penalty of a one-way fare plus an administration fee will be charged. Cancellations can also be made after regular office hours at (705) 942-1404.