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CATS
Citizen's Accessible Transit System

The Coast RTA operator watches closely a wheelchair passenger boarding.

Citizenss Accessible Transit System (CATS) is a paratransit service for persons with disabilities. CATS services are available in areas of Horry and Georgetown Counties where Coast RTA fixed route services operate. Service is offered to qualified riders during fixed route operating hours. To qualify you must have a doctor certify the disability and live within 3/4 mile of a Coast RTA fixed route stop.

CATS is a curb-to-curb advanced reservation, shared ride, transportation service. It is openly available to anyone pre-qualified on the basis of having a physical or mental disability. There are no restrictions on the purpose or frequency of reservations, although service is provided on a time and space available basis.

Fares:

CATS riders and companions will pay double the fixed route fare, but no more than $3 per person for service. Approved and registered attendants are not charged to accompany rider. Companions are allowed on a space available basis at the $3.00 fare.

Eligibility and certification:

All paratransit patrons must meet the criteria of having some type of physical or mental disability and must be unable to independently and safely use the Coast RTA fixed route system. A completed application certified by a doctor is required. CATS may reserve the right to verify any applicants status with a physician, psychiatrist, nurse, etc. Any person who is currently ADA certified or qualified for the CATS program will be permitted to ride the Coast RTA fixed route bus at no cost.

Making trip reservations:

Reservations are taken daily. One day notice for service is required. Pick up times may be negotiated with riders to make scheduling more efficient. Coast RTA may change the requested departure time up to one (1) hour. Any change beyond one (1) hour must be agreeable to the rider. CATS may, at the discretion of the Paratransit Coordinator, honor a late trip request if it coincides with the previously established schedule.

To schedule a ride, call the Coast RTA Paratransit Department at (843) 488-0865. Please have the following information ready:

• Name
• Address
• Telephone number
• Pick up location and address
• Drop off location and address
• The desired time of arrival at your destination
• The desired time for the return pick up
• Whether or not you will be using a mobility aid.

Pickups and driver assistance:

CURB-TO-CURB transportation means CATS service will provide transportation from the curb in front of the trip origin to the curb in front of the trip destination. Drivers will assist the rider with boarding and alighting from the vehicle. The driver may not enter the homes or escort a rider up or down stairs. The driver will secure wheelchairs and assist with seatbelts. Passengers requiring further assistance should arrange for an attendant to travel with them. Drivers will consider personal care attendants, not registered with CATS, as companion riders. Companion riders are charged the regular CATS fare for each trip. A CATS vehicle scheduled to arrive at your pickup time may arrive up to 15 minutes later because of traffic, bad weather, or other unforeseen circumstances. The driver shall wait five (5) minutes for a passenger to board /deboard the vehicle. Riders should always wait where they can by seen by a CATS driver.

Cancellations and no-shows:

Occasionally, you may need to cancel a ride. Please be considerate of others and make your cancellation as soon as possible. All cancellation should be directed to (843) 488-0865. Riders should attempt to call at least one hour prior to pick up time. Coast RTA reserves the right to suspend or deny service to anyone who has excessive cancellations or no shows.

Access the CATS application here!

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