Access
The Interurban Trolley Access provides paratransit service for passengers whose disabilities prevent them from using the fixed-route bus system. This service operates in Elkhart and Goshen with a fleet of accessible minivans equipped with ramps. For travel extending into Mishawaka and South Bend, coordinated transfers to the Transpo Access program are also available.
Service Area
The Interurban Trolley Access service area is defined as the 1.5-mile corridor surrounding its fixed routes, with one exception. The portion of the Route 30 South Bend/Mishawaka/Elkhart line between Twin Branch Park and Downtown South Bend is excluded, as this area receives its ADA paratransit coverage from South Bend Transpo’s Access service.
To determine if a specific address is within the service area, please enter it into the search bar on the interactive map.
Accessibility
The Interurban Trolley Access service is provided using a fleet of accessible, low-floor minivans equipped with side-entry ramps for easy boarding. For passenger safety, all wheelchairs are secured with a comprehensive six-point system: the wheelchair is secured at four points, while the passenger is secured with both a shoulder belt and a lap belt. Each minivan can accommodate one passenger using a wheelchair and has additional seating for other riders.
To request a reasonable accommodation or file an ADA complaint, click here.
Key ADA Service Policies & Information
To ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers, please familiarize yourself with the following policies regarding our service.
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For your safety, all passengers are required to wear a seatbelt per Indiana state law. Passengers traveling with a young child must provide their own appropriate car seat or booster seat. In compliance with safety regulations, service may be refused if a child is not properly secured.
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Passengers who require the use of portable medical equipment, such as respirators, concentrators, or personal oxygen, are welcome on board. The equipment must be safely secured and remain under the passenger's control at all times throughout the trip. For safety reasons, a maximum of one oxygen tank is permitted per rider at a time.
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Our vans are designed to accommodate a variety of passengers and mobility devices safely. A typical trip can accommodate a maximum of three adult passengers. Standard configurations include space for one passenger in a wheelchair and another passenger with a collapsible walker, or up to two passengers with walkers.
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Our drivers are trained to assist passengers using manual wheelchairs and can help them over a single curb or step. However, for safety and liability reasons, drivers are not permitted to lift or assist with moving electric wheelchairs or mobility scooters under any circumstances.
Eligibility
While all Interurban Trolley buses are ramp-equipped and fully accessible, passengers with a disability that prevents them from using the fixed-route service may be eligible for our ADA Paratransit service, known as Interurban Trolley Access.
To determine eligibility, individuals are required to complete an application explaining the reasons they are unable to utilize the fixed-route bus. This process must be completed and approved prior to using the service, and there is no fee to apply.
How to Apply for ADA Paratransit Service
To ensure the quickest processing time, we strongly recommend using our online application.
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This is the fastest and easiest way to submit your application. The secure online form is available in both English and Spanish.
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If you are unable to use the online application, you can download, print, and submit a PDF application.
Step 1: Download the Application
Step 2: Submit Your Completed Application
Once you have filled out the application, please submit it using one of the methods below:
Email:macogdir@macog.com
Mail:
MACOG
Attention: Interurban Trolley Access
227 W. Jefferson Blvd.
1120 County-City Building
South Bend, IN 46601Fax: 574-239-4072
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Physician Verification: As part of the application, you may be required to verify your disability from a healthcare or Social Service professional.
Questions? If you have questions about the application process or need assistance, please call us at 574-674-8894.
Fares & Passes
Interurban Trolley Access fare is $2.00 for each one-way trip within the designated corridor. Trips must begin and end within the ADA Corridor to be eligible for the service.
Payment Options
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Exact Change
Regular Single Ride - $2
First Passenger - Free
Each Additional Passenger - $0.40
Each Additional Child - $0.20
The driver cannot make changes. If you don’t have exact change, your ride may be refused, and your trip will be considered a denied trip.
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After your eligibility has been approved, riders can use the Interurban Trolley Access Rider App to schedule and pay for trips. The Rider App allows you to pay for your trips via credit or debit card.
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The Interurban Trolley Access also offers 10-Ride Punch Cards to make it more convenient for riders who do not regularly carry cash. The 10-Ride Punch Cards are non-transferable and non-refundable.
Punch Cards can be purchased in the following ways:
Online: Just like other Trolley Passes, the 10-Ride Punch Cards can be purchased online using a major credit card via PayPal.
In-Person: The 10-Ride Punch Cards can be purchased at several Martin’s Supermarket locations in Elkhart and Goshen.
Phone: Please contact the Michiana Area Council of Governments (MACOG) at 574-674-8894 to purchase 10-Ride Punch Cards in bulk by check.
Important Purchase Information
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Purchases are processed through PayPal. Payments accepted include all major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express), as well as your PayPal account. Charges made online will appear as PAYPALMACOG” on your billing statement.
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MACOG will mail all passes via USPS or UPS. Please allow up to 5-7 business days for the shipment of passes ordered online. Express shipping is not available. MACOG is not responsible for lost or damaged mail. The purchaser assumes all risks and liabilities for online purchases. MACOG ships to all 50 states in the United States with the following rates:
1-20 items / $1.00
21-50 items / $1.25
51 items or more / $1.50
Rider’s Guide
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The Interurban Trolley Access operates the same hours as the Interurban Trolley:
Monday–Friday | 5:00 am to 8:00 pm
Saturday | 5:30 am to 7:30 pm
Pickup times cannot be made earlier than 5:00 am or later than 7:30 pm, Monday through Friday, and 6:30 pm on Saturday.
The Interurban Trolley Access does not operate on Sundays and major holidays, including:
New Year’s Day
Memorial Day
Independence Day
Labor Day
Thanksgiving
Christmas Day
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Scheduling a Trip
Once you are approved for the service, you have two convenient ways to schedule your trips. All trips must be scheduled at least one business day in advance.
1. Use the Interurban Trolley Access Rider App (New!)
The easiest and most convenient way to book your ride is with our new mobile app. You can manage your trips 24/7 right from your smartphone.
To book a trip using the app, simply enter:
Your pick-up and drop-off locations (origin and destination)
Your desired departure or arrival time
Information about any additional passengers traveling with you
You will need to remember to schedule your return trip.
(Please note: The same advance scheduling deadlines apply when using the app.)
2. Call the Dispatching Office
You can also schedule trips by calling our office directly at 574-674-2345.
Our staff is available to schedule your trips between 8:30 am and 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday.
When calling, please be ready to provide:
Your full name, address, and telephone number
The complete name and address for both your pick-up and drop-off locations
Important Scheduling Deadlines
All trips, whether booked by app or by phone, must be scheduled by 4:00 pm at least one business day in advance.
For Weekend & Monday Trips: Trips for a Saturday or the following Monday must be scheduled no later than 4:00 pm on the preceding Friday.
For Holiday Trips: Any trip for the day after a holiday must be scheduled by 4:00 pm on the last business day before the holiday.
Trip Cancellations & No-Show Policy
If you need to cancel a scheduled trip, please do so at least one hour before your scheduled pick-up time. Cancellations made less than one hour in advance, or failing to be present for a pick-up, will be recorded as a "No-Show."
Please be aware that a pattern of recurring No-Shows may result in a temporary suspension of service from the Interurban Trolley Access program.
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To ensure your ride is safe and comfortable, here is an overview of what to expect when you travel with Interurban Trolley Access.
1. The Pick-Up
Be Ready Early: Please be ready and watch for the vehicle at least 30 minutes before your scheduled pick-up time.
Pick-Up Window: Because this is a shared-ride service designed to accommodate multiple passengers, the vehicle may arrive anywhere from 30 minutes before to 30 minutes after your requested time.
Driver Arrival: You will receive a call or text message when our driver arrives. For your safety and to ensure the driver can leave promptly for their next pick-up, they can only wait for a maximum of 5 minutes.
2. Boarding the Van
Fare and ID: When you board, please have your Photo ID and your exact fare ready for the driver. We accept cash (exact change only) or pre-purchased 10-Ride Punch Cards.
Receipts: If you need a receipt for your trip, please request one from the driver at the time of payment.
3. During the Ride
Door-to-Door Service: Our service operates door-to-door. Upon request, the driver will assist you from the van to the outermost exterior door of your destination (or from the door to the van at pick-up). In public buildings, this assistance extends up to two sets of doors.
Fixed Destination: The driver can only take you to the destination that was scheduled in advance. Changes to your destination cannot be made during the trip.
4. The Drop-Off
Assistance: The driver will provide the same door-to-door assistance to help you get from the van to the outermost door of your destination.
Personal Belongings: Before exiting, please make sure you have all your personal items with you. You can ask the driver for assistance with your bags if needed.
Key Rider Policies
To ensure fair and efficient service for all passengers, please be aware of the following policies:
On-Time Arrival: A vehicle is considered "on-time" if it arrives within the window of 30 minutes before to 30 minutes after your scheduled pick-up time.
5-Minute Wait Limit: Once a driver has announced their arrival, they can only wait up to 5 minutes. If you are not ready to leave within this time, your trip will be canceled and recorded as a No-Show.
Driver Assistance Limits: For safety, drivers must always remain within sight of their vehicle at all times.
They may assist passengers with a manual wheelchair over one curb or step.
They are not permitted to assist with moving electric wheelchairs or scooters.
Package Policy: Drivers can assist you with carrying up to two small bags or packages. The combined weight should not exceed 20 pounds, and the driver must be able to carry them in a single trip.
Fixed Destinations: All trips must be taken precisely as scheduled. Drivers are not permitted to make any changes to your pick-up or drop-off location.
Multiple Stops & Wait Times: Our service is point-to-point, and drivers are unable to wait for passengers at their destinations. If you need to make multiple stops, each leg of your journey is considered a separate one-way trip. A new fare ($2.00) must be paid for each trip, and each individual stop must be scheduled in advance according to our booking deadlines.
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If you have already been approved for Paratransit service by another operator in the United States, your Paratransit card from that agency will be accepted on a short-term visitor's basis on Interurban Trolley Access Service. Please contact MACOG at 574-674-8894 in advance of your trip for further information.