Transportation Policy
SWSRA must use its resources in the best manner possible including our vans. Our vans are scheduled for many different programs, trips and special events throughout the week, so it is very important that participants are dropped off and picked up at the listed time so we can meet this schedule. Thank you for your cooperation.
Door-to-door transportation will be available for some trips at an additional cost. In-district residents will be charged $6 per round trip; out-of-district residents who reside within 10 miles of the SWSRA office will be charged $8 per round trip. TRANSPORTATION IS NOT AVAILABLE FOR OUT-OF-DISTRICT RESIDENTS WHO RESIDE OUTSIDE OF A 10-MILE RADIOUS OF THE SWSRA OFFICE. These additional fees must be paid at the time of registration, and must be indicated on the seasonal registration form.
NOTE: THERE WILL NOT BE ANY DOOR-TO-DOOR PICK-UPS FOR FRIDAY NIGHT TRIPS. THERE WILL ONLY BE HOME DROP-OFFS AVAILABLE FOR OUR FRIDAY TRIPS.
SWSRA has implemented these transportation procedures to ensure participants ride safely in our vehicles:
- All passengers must be sitting in seats or wheelchairs with belts securely fastened. The driver will not proceed until all seat belts are fastened.
- All wheelchairs must have brakes that are in good working order and can stop the chair from moving.
- The SWSRA drivers will not be able to leave the vehicles to assist participants to and from their homes.
- SWSRA staff is responsible for determining whether or not a participant can be transported safely. If it is determined that it would be dangerous to transport an individual, the driver may refuse to transport that person.
- Persons riding in Amigo-type wheelchairs must transfer into a van seat and must use a seat belt.
- Persons unable to be in a house alone should have someone meet the van at the designated time of return. SWSRA cannot wait more than 10 minutes due to the demanding van schedule.
- SWSRA reserves the right to refuse to transport individuals. Please realize that these policies have been developed to ensure the safety of everyone riding in SWSRA vehicles. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.
- When transportation is included in special events, the use of vans or buses may change as necessary to accommodate group sizes and needs.
- Some events will have centralized pick-up and drop-off locations.
A Gentle Reminder
SWSRA asks that participants arrive no earlier than 15 minutes prior to the start of a program or slated pick-up time, and be picked up promptly at the end of the program or slated drop-off time. Being early or late for pick-up, drop-off, starting and ending times of programs is detrimental to the quality and success of our activities and the safety of our participants. Please see our late pick-up policy on the previous page.
Car Seats
In January of 2004, the changes to the Illinois Vehicle Code Child Protection Act went into effect. All children up through 7 years old are required to be in a car seat or booster seat. Section 25/4 places the responsibility for providing the seats with the parents. Therefore, if a car seat is required due to a child’s age, SWSRA requests that parents provide the seat and assist with securing the seat in the van or bus. Please indicate on the registration form if a car seat will be used.
Late Pick Up Fee
Please pick-up participants at the designated times. If parents/guardians are not on time for a participant pick-up/drop-off, a $5 fee will be assessed after 15 minutes late and every 15 minutes thereafter. Thank you for your cooperation.
Program Cancellation due to Severe Weather Guidelines
In the event of severe weather, SWSRA may be forced to cancel programs. The following guidelines will be used to determine cancellation.
Programs with TRANSPORTATION:
- Temperature range of –10 degrees or/in combination with a wind chill or –20 degrees or less.
- All programs (including indoors): Snowstorm situations with driving restrictions (winter storm or blizzard warning in which authorities have advised not going out unless necessary) and emergency accident plans (state and local police) are in effect.
Van Rules
The following rules have been set for the safety of all participants that ride on the van. In order to continue to receive the privilege of riding the van, these rules must ALWAYS be adhered to:
- Remain seated and belted in until you stop.
- Keep arms and hands inside the windows of the van at all times.
- No changing of seats.
- No fighting.
- No yelling.
- Use appropriate language.
- Keep hands and feet to yourself.
Depending upon the severity of the infraction, if any of the above rules are not followed, one of the following consequences will take place.
- Verbal warning from van driver.
- Verbal warning from staff.
- One day suspension from the van.
- Expulsion from the van.
*** DESTROYING OR MARKING ANYTHING ON THE VAN WILL RESULT IN IMMEDIATE DISMISSAL!***
If a participant is dismissed or expulsed from the van due to behavior there will be no refund given. If any van property is destroyed or marked by a participant, it will be the responsibility of the parent/guardian to replace it.