Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Dial-A-Ride cost?

Dial-A-Ride cost is $3.00 per ride within the Dial-A-Ride service area regular fare rate. If a ride request is received within 2 hours, the cost is $3.75. Please note, effective January 2, 2025: ALL Dial-A-Ride trips must provide 24 hour notice.  Exceptions may be made for unexpected medical trips, and any calls received within 2 hours will remain subject to the $3.75 price. This price is for a one-way ride. If we provided the ride to you, we will provide your return ride for the $3.00 fare without the 2 hour wait. For more information on Fares, including for passes, rates for children, please see our Fares page. 

How do I request a Dial-A-Ride?

Easy! Simply call the Hornell Area Transit office (607)324-7910 and our dispatcher will take your request. We are not able to respond or honor requests made via Facebook, Facebook messenger, email or on our voicemail. You should call the office to make your request. This will ensure the request was received and any information you may need is provided.

I've made my request, now what do I do?

Hornell Area Transit Dial-A-Ride is a curb-to-curb service. Once your request is made, you should be prepared to get to the curb of your location for pick-up at least 5 minutes before your scheduled pick-up.  Please remember, this is a public transportation service and while we take pride in our timely service, variances in arrival can happen. Please plan to be ready for your pick-up prior to the scheduled pick-up time and recognize our bus can arrive up to 5 minutes after your scheduled time. Please be sure to plan accordingly for any time-sensitive event.

Why are you requiring 24 hour notice for ride reservations?

Having 24 hour notice will better enable us to improve efficiency for pick ups. Previously, when providing same day pick ups, we are dispatching trips to the best of our ability, but having 24 hour notice will allow us to better group pick ups and trips. Currently, particularly in the afternoon, our schedule gets full and we are unable to accommodate trips for some riders. Scheduling in advance will improve our ability to schedule so that we have fewer trips we are unable to accommodate. Finally, in reviewing with other transit agencies across the state, most have a 24 hour reservation for their trip. Updating this practice will better align our practices with transit agencies across the state. Many riders have already begun providing 24 hours (or more) notice for their rides, and we greatly appreciate this. We believe this practice will create a better experience for everyone when riding with Hornell Area Transit.

I need a ride to an appointment.  Is that different than a shopping trip?

All rides are treated equally and there is no discrimination based on the type or need of service. We do recommend for any time sensitive appointment, you allow plenty of time to get to your destination. For example, there may be another pick-up between you and your destination. We recommend a pick-up of at least 30 minutes prior to your appointment.

I use a wheelchair or walker. Am I able to use your bus?

Yes! ALL of our buses have a lift to allow access for those with a mobility impairment. Please let the dispatcher know you will require a lift and see our Rider Guide for more information regarding lift capacities. Please remember our bus provides a curb-to-curb service. We will assist you in utilizing the lift, but we cannot assist you getting from the curb of your location to your residence or your destination.

Can you transport my pet? What is your policy regarding service animals?

We can provide transportation to an animal, however your pet must be in a carrier or on a leash. Hornell Area Transit does comply with all regulations of the American with Disabilities Act, and therefore will permit service animals to accompany individuals with disabilities. 

A service animal is: "Any guide dog, signal dog, or other animal individually trained to work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability, including but not limited to, guiding individuals with impaired vision, alerting individuals with impaired hearing to intruders or sounds, providing minimal protection or rescue work, pulling a wheelchair, or fetching dropped items".

An emotional support animal is NOT considered a service animal. If you have further questions, you can call the office.

Dial-A-Ride

Dial-A-Ride service is a curb-to-curb  transport service offered through Hornell Area Transit. The Dial-A-Ride service is offered between the hours of 9am-4pm Monday-Friday, excluding holidays (New Years, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas). Riders must call 24 hours in advance to request a Dial-A-Ride. Exceptions may be made for unexpected medical trips.  Please note:  All Dial-A-Ride requests are subject to availability.

Please note the following:

• Our bus operators are not allowed to give change. Please be sure to have exact change to pay your fare for each trip.
• If you ride often, save money by purchasing Dial-A-Ride ticket packs. Please note: Passes for other routes can NOT be used for a Dial-A-Ride.
• We do not accept credit cards.

I need support getting from my house or my destination and I have an aide helping me. Is there an added cost for my aide to ride with me?

No. An aide supporting you for your ride is able to ride at no extra cost.



I live on a steep hill and it gets slippery in the winter. Can you still pick me up?

Please note ALL of our rides must be safe for our driver to stop and you to board our bus. If you request a ride where a stop is not safe or an event (weather, construction, etc) creates unsafe conditions, our bus will NOT be able to pick you up at this location. It may be best to work with your dispatcher to find a more suitable location for your pick-up or recognize the ride may not be able to occur.