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What is the ADA?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal law that guarantees people with disabilities full and equal access to the same services and accommodations available to people without disabilities. Under ADA, public buses that run on regular schedules along specific routes (called fixed-route service) must be accessible to people with disabilities. When fixed-route service is not accessible or when a passenger with a disability is not able to use the fixed-route system, ADA mandates that transit systems operate complementary paratransit service. The complementary paratransit service provided by Salem-Keizer transit is called CherryLift. Salem-Keizer Transit has contracted with WHEELS to provide this transportation service. ADA allows you to: Ride the bus seated in your own mobility aid device; Travel with or without a personal care attendant; Stand on a lift if you cannot use the steps of the bus; Get on and off a bus at any regular stop where a lift can be safely used; and much more. To learn more about the ADA and accessible public transportation, contact: Easter Seals Project ACTION 1-(800)-659-6428 (or 1-(202)-347-7385 TTY.) See their website at:

Service Area

CherryLift reaches all areas reached by the Salem-Keizer fixed-route bus system. If you live within the urban growth boundary (UGB) of the Salem/Keizer Area, you live within our service area. Individuals who live outside the UGB can still apply and utilize the service when traveling within the service area. Individuals living outside the UGB may use the CARTS transportation system which serves Marion and Polk County cities. Call 503-585-5187 for additional information concerning CARTS transportation.

Eligibility

CherryLift service is available to those individuals in Salem and Keizer who, because of their disability or other health-related condition: (1) cannot independently board, ride and/or disembark from an accessible fixed-route transit bus; or (2) cannot get to or from a boarding or disembarking location. All eligible customers must apply for service through Salem/Keizer Transit (503) 588-2424 or you can download an ADA application (in PDF format) by clicking this button.       Print the downloaded application. In order to have your application accepted, it MUST be signed and mailed or delivered to Salem/Keizer Mass Transit, 555 Court Street NE, Salem, OR 97301. This PDF file requires Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is free of charge, at: Should you need assistance during the application process, you may ride under a pending status, after notifying Salem/Keizer Transit, 503-588-2424. It is important to notify a Paratransit Specialist at 503-588-2424 if your condition changes, as it may affect your eligibility status.

Reservations

For reservations on CherryLift, call 503-315-5544. CherryLift ride reservations are taken between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, seven days a week. Rides can be reserved up to 14-days in advance, and as late as the day before the ride is needed. It's best to make your reservations as soon as possible to ensure you get the time and trip you want. At the time the reservation is made, the customer service representative will give the customer an approximate pickup time. We make every effort to arrive within 15-minutes (before or after) of the scheduled pickup time. If the van is expected to be more than 20-minutes late, customer service will notify the customer.

Cancellations

To cancel CherryLift reservations, the rider should notify dispatch at 503-315-5544 as soon as possible, but at least one-hour before their scheduled pickup time. Customers who fail to show up for a scheduled ride three (3) times within a 30-day period will be deemed a "No-Show" and will have their service terminated for two weeks. A written notice will be sent before service is terminated.

CherryLift Fares and Tickets

The fare is $2.00 per one-way trip and is due at the time of service. Fares can be paid using cash (exact change only - drivers cannot give change!) or a CherryLift ticket. Cherrylift tickets are available at the OHAS office, 2755 19th Street 3E, Salem, OR 97302. To purchase by mail, please enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Checks should be made payable to OHAS, and a notation made on the Memo Line: "For CherryLift Tickets." NOTE: Cherriots passes cannot be used for Cherrylift service.

CherryLift Hours

CherryLift provides all-day paratransit service in Salem and Keizer parallel to Cherriots bus service. Service hours are: Mon. through Fri. - 6:15 AM to 10:15 PM, Saturday and Sunday - No Service, Major Holidays - No Service.

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