Guidelines for No Escort Conditional Eligibility on DATS

DATS Review

The 2002 DATS Review was initiated by the City Manager's Office and included the participation of the Office of the City Auditor. The scope included a review of DATS eligibility and certification processes. City Council approved the DATS Review Policy Considerations on July 2, 2002. The DATS Review recommended all DATS registrants be re-certified and a more detailed application form be used, a review panel conduct any in-person assessments and a third party be used for any functional assessments.

Why the New Process?

We are implementing a new Conditional Eligibility Process as approved by City Council. These changes will help to keep DATS trips available for people who have no other alternative and will encourage the use of the many accessible services offered by Edmonton Transit.

ETS Travel Training

ETS provides a free training program for persons with disabilities, which can be customized to meet group or individual needs. This program provides instruction on how to safely and confidently use the ETS bus and LRT system. Training can also be arranged for agency representatives or others who work with persons with mobility challenges. Call the Travel Training line at 780-496-3000 to find out whether this program would be helpful to you.

No Escort

No Escort Conditional Eligibility was introduced for people who are unable to use ETS alone due to a disability (such as cognitive or visually impaired), but do not have a physical disability limiting their use of ETS. Therefore, it is primarily used for able bodied clients who would be at risk if traveling alone on ETS.

What does it mean?

Registrants with No Escort Conditional Eligibility have unlimited use of DATS when traveling alone. The registrants are not able to travel on DATS with an escort. Instead registrants are expected to use ETS when traveling with an escort. When escorting a DATS registrant on ETS, escorts ride free. Please note: ACT trips are exempt from the No Escort Condition.

DATS registrants who require assistance in using regular transit can bring an escort on ETS for free! This escort can be a medically trained assistant, friend or family member who will assist in using public transit. DATS registrants simply show their registration card to the bus driver when they pay their fare, and their escort can then ride free of charge.

For More Information

DATS Customer Care Centre

Telephone	780-496-4567
Fax	780-496-1008
Email	dats@edmonton.ca