This Public Policy Notice is designed to familiarize potential passengers of the policies specific to the Cape May County Department of Transportation. It is hoped that this will answer some of the most frequently asked questions regarding our system and should not be taken as a complete statement of policies and procedures.

Wheeled Mobility Aids

As a Paratransit operator the Cape May County Department of Transportation has established a policy pursuant to: Section 37.165(c)(3) of the DOT’s ADA regulations. This policy requires all riders to have their wheelchairs secured while aboard our transit vehicles.

As a Paratransit operator the Cape May County Department of Transportation has established a policy pursuant to: Section 37.3 of the DOT’s ADA regulations. The Department may decline service to a potential passenger whose Mobility Aid does not meet the definition of a wheelchair.

Also, all wheelchairs that board a Cape May County Fare Free Transportation vehicle must be inspected by the safety officer of Fare Free Transportation prior to your first ride.

Seatbelts

As a Paratransit operator the Cape May County Department of Transportation has established a policy that all individuals riding its vehicles shall wear all available seatbelts when in operation.

Child Safety

As a Paratransit operator the Cape May County Department of Transportation has established a policy pursuant to: New Jersey 39:3-76.2a… all children under 80 lbs. or under 8 years of age must be secured in a safety or booster seat. Children  under 24 months of age must be buckled in a rear facing appropriately rated safety seat. The department will not supply a safety seat, it shall be the responsibility of the guardian to provide the properly rated equipment. Children under the age of 18 must be secured in a safety belt and must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Reservation Requests

As a Paratransit operator the Cape May County Department of Transportation has established a policy of requiring 3 business days to Guarantee Demand Response Service.

Lift Operations

As a Paratransit operator the Cape May County Department of Transportation has established a policy pursuant to: Appendix D of the transportation requirements of the ADA, Section 37.165 that we would prefer a client board the lift facing outboard of our vehicles, though we may only require this if there is a concern for safety.

Medical Oxygen

As a Paratransit operator the Cape May County Department of Transportation has established a policy pursuant to: The U.S. Department of Transportation's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration "Guidance for the Safe Transportation of Medical Oxygen for Personal Use on Buses and Trains". The Department will carry medically required Oxygen. The Department may decline service to potential passengers if the container can not be properly secured or does not meet inspection requirements under these guidelines.

Property Concerns

As a Paratransit operator the Cape May County Department of Transportation has established a policy pursuant to: the ADA Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities that may deny "Door to Door" service to potential passengers should stairs, ramps, lifts or grounds not meet requirements set forth in Section 4 of that document and/or local building codes

Prohibited Practices

As a Paratransit operator the Cape May County Department of Transportation has established a policy pursuant to: New Jersey 26:3D-55 thru 26:3D-64 that will allow the department to refuse transport to persons who smoke on agency vehicles. Also, based on County Policy there is a prohibition against food and drink (including alcohol) on department vehicles that may allow for a refusal of service.

Service Animals

As a Paratransit operator the Cape May County Department of Transportation has established a policy pursuant to: The United States Department of Justice defining the term "service animal" that may allow the department to refuse transport to a potential passenger if the animal is not in full control of its owner and/or does not supply a defined service. "Emotional Support" animals are not considered "service animals" under Federal interpretations of the CFR.

Difficult/Dangerous Persons

As a Paratransit operator the Cape May County Department of Transportation has established a policy pursuant to: the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (PDF) that will allow the refusal of service to a passenger who has become an eminent threat to a department employee or property.

Reservations

For reservations or more information please contact us at 609-889-3700.