douglas county transportation

The Douglas County Dial-A-Ride Public Transportation program provides affordable, door-to-door transportation designed to help residents stay connected to healthcare, employment, education, shopping, and everyday destinations. Whether you need transportation across town or to neighboring communities, our drivers are committed to providing safe, dependable service with a personal touch. 

Our drivers provide convenient transportation from your home (or requested pickup location) directly to the entrance of your destination.

• Door-to-door transportation service 
• Assistance entering and exiting the vehicle 
• Help with packages when boarding and unloading 
• Friendly, trained drivers committed to your safety

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

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

Monday & Friday
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Tuesday
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

• 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.

 Reservations may be made up to two weeks in advance.

Monday–Friday

6:30 AM – 6:00 PM

Phone: (217) 639-5169

Toll-Free: 1-800-500-5505

• Same-day requests may be accommodated when scheduling allows but are not guaranteed. 
• Drivers cannot accept reservations. 
• All trip requests must be scheduled through the Dispatch Office. 
• First-time riders must register by phone before scheduling transportation.

Please have the following information available when scheduling your ride:

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

 Your safety is our highest priority.

Our vehicles are equipped to accommodate riders with mobility needs.

Features include:

• ADA-accessible vehicles 
• Wheelchair lifts and secure tie-down systems 
• Seatbelts for every passenger 
• Oxygen and respiratory equipment permitted when safely secured

 Passengers may bring:

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

 Passengers are welcome to travel with caregivers or companions.

• Personal Care Attendants ride free 
• Companions pay the standard fare 
• Children age 5 and younger ride free 
• Children under 40 pounds or 40 inches must ride in an approved child safety seat provided by the accompanying adult 
• Children ages 6–10: $1 each way 
• Children under age 10 must be accompanied by 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 ensure a safe and respectful ride for everyone:

• Treat drivers and fellow passengers with courtesy. 
• Verbal or physical abuse will not be tolerated. 
• Please review our complete Passenger Guidelines and Inappropriate Behavior Policy for additional information.

Drivers provide reasonable time for passengers to safely board and exit the vehicle, including securing wheelchairs and other mobility devices. 

 If your plans change, please notify our office as soon as possible.

• Cancel rides at least one hour before your scheduled pickup. 
• Voicemail is available before and after normal business 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 transportation passes. Contact our office for eligibility requirements and pricing.

• Exact change is appreciated. 
• Cash accepted. 
• Checks and credit/debit cards are not accepted onboard. 
• Payment is due at the time of service.

 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