COLES COUNTY TRANSPORTATION SERVICES

The Coles County Council on Aging's Dial-A-Ride Public Transportation program provides safe, affordable, door-to-door transportation for older adults, individuals with disabilities and the general public throughout Coles County and surrounding areas. Whether you're traveling to a medical appointment, work, school, the grocery store or simply visiting friends, we're here to help you stay connected. 

Our convenient door-to-door service makes getting where you need to go simple and stress-free.

• Pickup at your home or specified location 
• Drop-off at the entrance of your destination 
• Assistance entering and exiting the vehicle 
• Drivers can assist with packages 

• Up to 5 packages (maximum 10 lbs. each) at no charge 
• Additional packages: $1 each, payable to the driver

 Charleston:   

Monday:                                 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.             Wal-Mart

Wednesday:                         11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.              Ruler Foods

Thursday:                              12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.               County Market

Mattoon:    

Tuesday:                                  11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.            County Market/My Store

Wednesday & Thursday:   10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.           Wal-Mart        

Friday:                                       12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.            Cross County  Mall

Monday though Friday: Pick Up/Drop Off at Neal Hall

Pick Up/Drop Off Times: 8:00 a.m.    9:00 a.m    12:00 p.m.   5:00 p.m.

 Dial-A-Ride offers limited transportation to select neighboring communities for qualifying appointments.

Wednesday & Thursday
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Monday
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Wednesday
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Important Information

• Appointments should be scheduled between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM. 
• Drivers cannot wait during appointments. 
• Riders may need to be ready earlier than the standard 45 minutes.
• Dispatch will confirm all pickup times.

 Please have the following information ready:

• Full name 
• Phone number 
• Pickup address 
• Appointment date and time 
• Destination address 
• One-way or round-trip request 
• Preferred payment method 
• Date of birth 
• Mobility or accessibility needs

 Reservations are recommended and may be made up to two weeks in advance.

Reservation Hours
Monday–Friday
6:30 AM – 6:00 PM

To Schedule a Ride

• (217) 639-5169 
• 1-800-500-5505 

Please Note

• Same-day ride requests may be accommodated when possible but are not guaranteed. 
• Drivers are unable to accept reservations. 
• First-time riders must register by phone before scheduling transportation.

 Your safety is our priority.

• ADA-accessible vehicles 
• Wheelchair lifts and secure tie-down systems 
• Seatbelts required for all passengers 
• Oxygen and respiratory equipment permitted when properly secured 

• Personal Care Attendants ride free 
• Companions are welcome and pay the standard fare (seat reservation required) 
• Children under age 5 ride free 
• Children under 40 lbs. or 40 inches must ride in an approved child safety seat provided by the passenger 
• Children ages 6–10: $1 each way 
• Children under 10 must ride with an adult

Certified service animals are welcome aboard.

• Service animals must remain on the floor. 
• Pets and emotional support companions are not permitted. 
• Animals must remain under the passenger's control at all times.

 To provide a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone:

• Treat drivers and fellow passengers with courtesy and respect. 
• Abusive or threatening behavior will not be tolerated. 
• Please review our Passenger Guidelines and Inappropriate Behavior Policy for complete details.

Please allow adequate time when boarding or exiting the vehicle, especially if mobility devices or additional assistance are needed. 

If your plans change, please let us know as soon as possible.

• Cancel rides at least one hour before your scheduled pickup. 
• A voicemail system is available before and after office hours.

 Passengers who miss 10% of scheduled trips within a 90-day period may receive a 30-day suspension from service.

Exceptions may be made for circumstances beyond the rider's control, including:

• Medical emergencies 
• Scheduling errors 
• Driver delays 
• Other unforeseen situations

Regular transportation passes are available.

Veterans may qualify for discounted passes. Please contact our office for details.

• Exact change is appreciated. 
• Cash accepted. 
• Checks and credit/debit cards are not accepted onboard.

 Dial-A-Ride supports accessible communication for all riders.

Illinois Relay Service for the Hearing Impaired

• Dial 711 (TTY) or 1-800-526-0844 
• Available 24 hours a day at no charge. 

Upon request, service information is available in:

• Large Print 
• Braille 
• Spanish 
• USB digital format