View Rules for Riding GET-A-Lift

GET-A-Lift Order by Mail

1. What is GET-A-Lift?

GET-A-Lift (GAL) is a special transportation service designed to provide curb-to-curb service within GET's service area to qualified persons with disabilities. GAL uses air conditioned, lift equipped vans.

2. Who can use GET-A-Lift?

The U.S. Department of Transportation implemented the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). The ADA requires public entities that operate a fixed route system for the general public to also provide a complimentary paratransit service to persons unable to use the regular fixed route service. There are 3 qualifying categories set forth in the ADA. Only those individuals who qualify under at least one category will be certified to ride GET-A-Lift.

The categories are as follows:

1. Any individual with a disability who is unable to board, ride or deboard a bus on the fixed route system that is accessible and usable by other individuals with a disability.
2. Any individual with a disability who needs the assistance of a wheelchair lift or other boarding assistance and the fixed route the want to travel is not wheelchair accessible.
3. Any individual with a disability who has a condition that prevents them from walking or traveling to and from a bus stop on the fixed route system.

3. What services are available.

There are two types of services available:

1. Subscription Service is offered for customers traveling to the same location on a regular basis. This is limited to employment, school and ongoing medical appointments.
2. General Purpose is offered to customers who take occasional trips for purposes such as medical appointments, shopping or recreation. Reservations can be scheduled between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., seven days a week by calling 869-6363

Trips must be limited to the GET District boundaries, which includes the greater Bakersfield Metropolitan area.

4. How do you apply for GET-A-Lift?

Applications are available at GET's District office. You may also request an application be sent to your home by calling our District office at 324-9874 or you can download a GET-A-Lift Application (pdf). When you complete your application return it to our GET's District office at 1830 Golden State Avenue.

Once an application is received, a GET official will review it and determine eligibility within 21 days. You will be notified of the decision in writing or another appropriate format. An ID card will be sent to you in the mail if you are approved. If you are denied certification,you will be notified of the reasons and of the procedure to appeal. You will have 60 days, from the date of your notification, to file an appeal.

5. When is GET-A-Lift available?

GAL operates seven days a week. Monday through Friday trips can be made as early as 7:00 a.m. or as late as 10:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday trips can be made as early as 7:00 a.m. or as late as 7:30 p.m.

No service is available on the following holidays:

• New Year's Day
• Easter Sunday
• Thanksgiving Day
• Christmas Day

6. How much does GET-A-Lift cost?

A one way trip on GAL costs $1.75. Attendants ride free if you are certified to have one. A companion may ride on a space-available basis for the regular $1.75 fare. Passengers must have the exact fare or purchase a GAL punch pass. This pass is good for 10 rides and can be purchased for $17 at the GET office. Drivers DO NOT carry change.

7. No Show Policy

Golden Empire Transit District (GET) recognizes that No-Shows and Late Cancellations adversely affect operations of the GET-A-Lift bus system. The District also recognizes the inconvenience riders face when delays occur. GET will strive for continuous improvements by regularly monitoring No-Shows and Late Cancellations. To emphasize the importance of avoiding No-Shows, GET has adopted the following policy:

Suspension points will be given for the following types of No-Shows:

1. No-showing for your reservation when the GET-A-Lift arrived at the pick-up location, one (1) point per No-Show.
2. Failing to cancel your reservation with advanced notification (one hour before scheduled pick-up), one (1) point per Late Cancellation.