Accessible Transit

ATS Eligibility & Registration

What is ATS?

Accessible Transportation Services (ATS) determines eligibility and registers passengers for door-to-door, shared ride transit service provided by the contractor (DARTS). ATS also provides ongoing customer care.

ATS is open between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday.

ATS is available to people with physical or functional limitations or health conditions that are unable to use the regular HSR bus. Eligibility for ATS is considered on a case-by-case basis. It is not based on a particular disability or income level.

These services are available through ATS:

Eligible persons can access an accessible, shared-ride service provided through a third-party contractor (DARTS). The service provides door-to-door transportation from one accessible building entrance to another accessible building entrance.

Drivers will assist passengers in and out of vehicles and assist passengers between the vehicle ad the exterior set of accessible doors at the place of trip origin and trip destination.
At other than private residences, the drive will also assist passengers to and from a lobby or designated waiting area that is reasonably close to the outer accessible entrance door.
Please note, for some private properties (e.g., malls), service is provided to designated entrances for safety and to avoid busy roadways.

The Taxi Scrip Program is offered in conjunction with DARTS service, providing subsidized taxi fares to eligible City of Hamilton residents only.

How to apply for service

How to Appeal your Eligibility

Application Form

Please ensure the most up-to-date form is being used. Outdated forms may not be accepted. It will take up to fourteen (14) calendar days to determine eligibility for service.

1. Print off the applicable ATS application:

2. Review all sections of the ATS application to ensure you have fully completed them:

Part 1A to 1G (pages 1 to 5) - to be completed by applicant.
Part 2A and 2B (pages 6 to 8) - must be completed by one of the following Health Care Professionals: Physician, Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nurse (RN), Chiropractor, Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist, or regulated/licensed MSW (Master of Social Work).
Part 3 (page 9) - optional, if authorization is needed to share information with other transit properties.

3. Submit your application by mail, fax or email.

You may have to go for a third party functional assessment to determine eligibility.
ATS will tell you if you are eligible as per the eligibility criteria.
Incomplete applications will be returned to you, or you may be contacted by ATS for further information.

Categories of Eligibility

Unconditional eligibility, a passenger is:

not able to use HSR transportation
can use DARTS for all trips

Conditional eligibility, a passenger is:

able to use HSR buses under certain conditions
Seasonal eligibility: can use DARTS from November 1 to April 30
Trip by trip eligibility: can use DARTS to approved locations only

Temporary eligibility, a passenger is:

Not able to use HSR buses at the current time because of a condition that is expected to improve
Can use DARTS temporarily for all trips

ATS provides specialized transportation for people with disabilities or health conditions who can’t use the HSR. Eligibility for ATS is based on each person’s functional ability to use the HSR. If you disagree with an eligibility decision, then you have the right to appeal the decision. An independent Eligibility Appeal Panel reviews decisions that are appealed.

If you decide to appeal an eligibility decision, please call ATS at 905-529-1212. The ATS Supervisor will be notified of your appeal request. They will provide you with an ATS Eligibility Appeal form. If you complete and submit an appeal form, then the ATS Supervisor will contact you soon after. With your appeal form, you can also submit additional relevant information from your healthcare provider. When you appeal, if you have not had an assessment, then you can ask ATS to arrange for a third-party assessor who may be able to supply additional relevant information to be used as part of your appeal.

If you choose not to provide additional relevant information, then the Eligibility Appeal Panel will only review the existing ATS records about your eligibility for service.

The Eligibility Appeal Panel is made up of three (3) members:

a member of the City’s Advisory Committee for Persons with Disabilities (ACPD);
an Orientation and Mobility Specialist or Occupational Therapist; and
a staff member of the City’s Talent and Diversity section.

You will be invited to attend your appeal hearing. You do not have to attend the hearing. If you do choose to attend, you will need to arrange your own transportation to the appeal hearing.

The panel will review your application information and any other information you provide. The panel will decide if you are eligible for ATS. The panel’s decision is final.

ATS will let you know of the panel’s final decision. You should be sent the decision within 30 calendar days of ATS receiving your completed appeal form. If the final decision is not made within 30 calendar days, ATS will provide temporary eligibility until the final appeal decision is made.

If your transportation needs change or you have new information about your disability or health condition you may submit a new ATS Application Form.

ATS Eligibility Appeal Form(PDF, 683.38 KB)

Associated Documents