Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, anyone and everyone can ride a Dial-A-Ride or a Thunder Bay Transportation Authority bus. Thunder Bay Transportation Authority and Dial-A-Ride Transportation are public transportation providers with an “open door” policy.

Dial-A-Ride is a curb-to-curb transportation service. It will pick you up any place in the City of Alpena or in the commercial and residential areas adjacent to the City of Alpena. Be sure to watch for the bus as you must be ready to go when you call for the trip. The bus only waits 3 minutes once it reaches its pickup location.

You can call the Dial-A-Rider dispatchers at (989) 356-4596. Please be prepared to provide the riders’ first and last names, the pick-up address, and were you would like to go. Please let the dispatcher know if you have an appointment. In order to ensure that you arrive to your appointment on time, please call at least 1 hour prior to the appointment. When the dispatcher asks your appointment time, allow a 15-minute window. For example, if your appointment is for 2:15pm, tell the dispatcher that you need to arrive at 2:00pm for your appointment.
You can also schedule a “standing order” for service at the same time on several days of the week, a weekly trip (i.e. every Wednesday for school) and for long periods of time.

You can call the TBTA schedulers at (989) 354-2487. Please be prepared to provide the riders’ first and last names, the pick-up address, and where you would like to go. Due to the distances involved, it is best to try and match your departure and return times to the schedule of the bus(es) that serve your area for the most cost-effective transportation. The schedulers will assist with matching the departure and return times to the bus schedule. It is best to let the scheduler know if you have an appointment time. In order to ensure that you are not late for your appointment, when the scheduler asks your appointment time, allow a 15-minute window. For example, if your appointment is for 2:15pm, tell the scheduler that you need to arrive at 2:00pm for your appointment.
You can also schedule a “standing order” for service at the same time on several days of the week, a weekly trip (i.e. every Wednesday for school) and for long periods of time.

For city residents, regular fare is $1.50 and reduced fare is $0.75. Reduced fair is for senior citizens (60 years of age or older), or those with disabilities. Paperwork for reduced fare can be found here (link), on all buses and in our office.
Riders who are 90 years of age or older may ride for free!

A “No Show” is when a rider no longer needs a ride that is scheduled, the details of the trip have changed and the rider does not call and notify the office by the time the bus arrives, or if the rider does not come out to the bus during the 3 minute wait period. The scheduled rider will be charged for the bus arrival at a later time.

The dispatcher/scheduler needs to know the rider(s) name to properly enter required information into the computer for booking purposes. Personal information is not shared with anyone.

Yes, we have seat belts installed in all the buses. Riders are not required to wear their seat belt, but it is strongly recommended.

Yes, the lift is available to all passengers upon request regardless if the rider has a mobility device or a disability.

Yes, our drivers are instructed to assist any passengers who need assistance within reason. Please remember, however, that our drivers are NOT allowed to leave the bus.

You may bring groceries onto the bus. Please let the dispatcher/scheduler know how many groceries you have with you so we can make sure we send a bus with enough room to accommodate both you and your groceries. Drivers may provide assistance, if requested, on/off the bus but will not carry groceries past the sidewalk or up to your home.

The driver contacts the main office, who will contact 911 when necessary. The driver may set warning devices, help any injured parties and investigate the accident. The driver will wait for the police and/or ambulance if contacted.

Dial-A-Rider is partially funded through the City of Alpena taxes therefore it can only serve the City of Alpena and the residential and commercial areas surrounding the city limits. Trips outside these areas are served through TBTA. Dial-A-Ride Transportation and TBTA are all one company and coordinate their services to provide more options to residents.

You can purchase coupon booklets that include 20 coupons + 1 free coupon.
There area a couple ways you can purchase coupon booklets. We offer a courtesy stop at our office to purchase coupon booklets on the way to your destination. In order to prevent delays, please let the dispatcher/scheduler know you would like a courtesy stop to purchase coupons when booking your trip.
We accept several methods of payment including cash, check, Visa, MasterCard and Discover.