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Skip Navigation LinksSimcoe County > Departments > Transit > Accessible Transit

Accessible Transit

​​​​​​​​​​​​​LINX PLUS+

​Our LINX PLUS+ specialized transit is a pre-arranged door-to-door public service and/or service to and from conventional transit (LINX) for registered users. Eligibility for this service is considered on a case-by-case basis and is not based on a particular disability. 

LINX PLUS+ is available on an unconditional (permanent), temporary or conditional basis, depending on the registered user's eligibility. Registered clients may use the service for medical appointments, school, shopping, visiting family or friends, social outings and more within the defined transit service area.

LINX PLUS+ service currently operates within 1 kilometer​​​ of our existing routes;

  • Route 1 (Penetanguishene to Barrie)
  • Route 2 (Wasaga Beach to Barrie)
  • Route 3 (Orillia to Barrie)
  • Route 4 (Wasaga Beach to Collingwood)
  • Route 5 (Alliston to Bradford GO Station​)
  • Route 6 (Midland to Orillia)

The LINX PLUS+ transit service operates Monday to Friday starting at 5:30 a.m. with the last pick-up at 7:00 p.m.  There is no service on Saturdays, Sundays or Statutory Holidays.

How to use Specialized Transit​

Fare Structure

​LINX PLUS+ offers the same fare structure as Linx the conventional Transit Services. Pay with exact cash or a LINX Card. For detailed information on our fares and payment options, please visit our Fares page.​

Reservations, Confirmation & Cancellation

LINX PLUS+ is a shared ride system and operates with a 30-minute scheduling window (15 minutes before and up to 15 minutes after the scheduled pick up time). For example, if you have a booked trip for a 10 a.m. pickup, the Specialized Transit operator will be scheduled to arrive between 9:45 a.m. and 10:15 a.m.

LINX PLUS+ is a shared ride system and you can expect to be on our vehicles up to 80 minutes before you arrive to your destination, so please book accordingly. 

Trips can be booked up to ​​7 days in advanced, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday through Service Simcoe at 1-800-263-3199.  Trip bookings will be done in the order the requests are received. Be prepared to provide the following information:
  1. Your Client Identification Number and Name 
  2. Date you need transportation
  3. Time of your pickup
  4. Address of pickup and accessible entrance (specific location required)
  5. Address of destination and accessible entrance (specific location required)
  6. Is anyone accompanying you?
  7. Whether you will be using a wheelchair or other mobility device
  8. Pickup time for your return trip
  9. Contact information for trip confirmation later in the day (phone number or email).​

How to Cancel a Trip

If a cancellation needs to be made a minimum of 3 hours' notice is required to avoid extra charges. If you need to cancel your trip, contact Simcoe County Customer Service at 1-800-263-3199. To cancel a trip when Customer Service is closed, leave a message on the Linx+ cancellation voice mailbox. Please call as soon as possible so that we may accommodate others. Provide your name, client ID and trip booking information.

Cancellation Policy
We understand that sometimes plans change, however, please cancel your trip as soon as possible should you no longer require LINX Plus+ specialized transit service. Your cancellation and consideration will allow us to accommodate other passengers. A same day cancellation up to 30 minutes before your scheduled pick-up time is considered a late cancellation and is subject to a $3.00 extra fee the next time the service is used. A LINX Smartcard cannot be used to pay the no show/late cancellation fee. The No Show fee and policies apply.

No Show Policy

The No Show policy applies to passengers who fail to appear at the pick-up location within 5 minutes of the arrival of the vehicle. When a No Show occurs, Specialized Transit will automatically cancel the remainder of trips for that day unless we hear from you. If a return trip is needed, we will do our best to re-schedule your trip, however, there may be a lengthy delay, or you may be responsible for arranging alternate transportation. No shows are subject to a $5.00 added fee. The no show fare must be paid the next time the service is used. A LINX Smartcard cannot be used to pay the no show/late cancellation fee.

A maximum of four No Shows and/or late cancellations in one calendar month or refusal to pay no show/late cancellation fee will result in a five-day suspension of service.

Companions

If a companion (voluntary spouse, partner, friend or family) will be accompanying you, tell customer service when you make your trip reservation as we must reserve them a seat as well. A companion is required to pay their own fare when traveling with you. Companions may travel permitted that space is available and it does not result in other eligible passengers with disabilities being denied service.

Attendants
If you require extra assistance, you must make the necessary arrangements with your Health Care Professional to have an attendant with you to ensure your safety. An Attendant is a mandatory support person who assists with communication, mobility, personal care, medical and behavioural needs of the eligible passenger. If it is determined that you require an Attendant, the Attendant must accompany you on all trips. One Attendant is permitted to travel with you at no cost and must be 12 years of age or older, and capable of meeting your travel needs. A registered client cannot act as an Attendant for another registered client. 

Wheelchairs/Scooters

Our LINX PLUS+ vehicles are able to accommodate wheelchairs and scooters that are no larger than 42 inches in length and 30 inches in width.

Our ramps can accommodate a maximum of 600 lbs. The combined weight of the passenger and assistive device must not exceed 600 lbs. It is important to ensure that your wheelchair/scooter is clean and in good repair (i.e., tires, foot pedals, seatbelt, brakes). If your wheelchair or scooter is deemed unsafe your trip will be refused. When boarding and disembarking, passengers using power wheelchairs must position their wheelchairs on the lift with largest wheels toward the bus. Passengers who use a scooter must be able to transfer to a seat. Passengers are responsible for the safe maneuvering of their assistive device.

Operator Responsibilities

  1. ​Operators will make their presence known; escort you to and from the bus and to the closest accessible exterior door.
  2. Operators will safely operate the ramp and/or lift but are not required to push, pull or maneuver assistive devices.
  3. Operators will secure assistive devices and all belts but will not load and unload passengers.
  4. Operators will not go up or down flights of stairs, carry parcels, personal effects or lift heavy articles.
  5. Operators will only wait up to 5 minutes once they have arrived.
  6. Operators will not report to reception, specific stations or other medical locations to locate a passenger.
  7. Operators will not unlock doors, enter private homes or wait for someone to arrive to open the door.

Passenger Responsibilities

  1. ​Please be ready at the door 15 minutes before your scheduled pick-up time. You are expected to board the vehicle as soon as it arrives.
  2. Remain seated while the vehicle is in motion.
  3. Please have your exact cash fare or LINX Card with appropriate ID ready for the Operator when boarding. 
  4. If you are not able to make your trip time or you must cancel, please do so as early as possible. This will avoid no show/late cancellation fee charges and allow others to use the time.
  5. If you are more than five minutes late, the bus will proceed to the next scheduled ride and the No Show Policy will take effect.​
  6. If it is determined that you must travel with an Attendant, you must provide your own Attendant for all trips. One Attendant is permitted to travel at no cost.
  7. Expect to share your ride with others and expect a longer ride (up to 60 minutes) than if travelling by taxi or car.
  8. Inform medical professionals that you are using the service, so that they may assist by keeping you on time. If you are running late please call and cancel or reschedule to avoid a late cancellation or no show fee. 
  9. Please be considerate and courteous of the Operator and other passengers at all times. 
  10. Profanity or abusive language/conduct will not be tolerated on LINX PLUS+, when communicating with Customer Service or Transit Staff. Failure to comply may result in a suspension of service.​
  11. You may use the service for any trip purpose. At times, demand may exceed capacity, so we may not be able to accommodate you every time you request a ride. Remember to book early (up to 7 days in advance).
  12. Please have a clear accessible path to your door (ex. snow & ice in Winter months). Inaccessible paths will result in a refusal of trip.
  13. Ensure you keep all personal and health information up to date, including your phone number and address.
  14. Please keep parcels and personal belongings to a safe, manageable amount and maximum of two (2).
  15. A passenger riding any LINX PLUS+ vehicle may not be allowed on a vehicle if their body odour or physical hygiene will disturb the reasonable comfort or public health of other passengers or Transit Staff. Odours​ may include but are not limited to scents related to unlaundered clothing, lack of bathing, uncontrolled bowels, animal related odours, and excessive perfumes. A passenger will be given notice and an opportunity to correct the odour or hygiene problem prior to suspension resulting in discontinued riding privileges for certain set periods of time. Passengers with mobility devices must maintain such devices in a state of cleanliness. Failure to comply may result in written notice and temporary suspension of service. No show fee may apply.​

​​

Applying for LINX Plus+​

Who is Eligible for Linx PLUS+?

​Eligibility criteria for the LINX PLUS+ specialized transit service is based on the principles of fairness, equality and equity. The County of Simcoe does not discriminate on the basis of age, income, or ability. Residents will be assessed on case-by-case basis. Visitors to Simcoe County who are active registrants of another accessible public transit service may also qualify for LINX PLUS+ transit service. Once registered with the LINX PLUS+ transit service, riders can use our accessible service for medical and social appointments, within a defined transit service area. LINX PLUS+ is not an attendant care service. Passengers whose medical conditions require specific transportation (i.e. extreme fragility requiring transportation below regular speeds or inability to remain on the vehicle for up to 80 minutes) need to contact a non-emergency medical carrier for transportation.  

As you contemplate eligibility for LINX PLUS+, please consider you may be able to use the LINX conventional accessible fixed-route system. LINX accessible features include pre-boarding electronic announcement, on-board next stop announcement call/display system, handrails, loading ramps and priority seating with space for two wheelchairs.

Support Persons

The support person pass is designed for people who require assistance using transit to get to their destination. The program allows a customer's support person to travel for free on Simcoe County LINX Transit conventional or specialized services.
 
Any customer who requires support can apply for a Support Person card. This card identifies a person who needs assistance while travelling on LINX Transit due to a disability.
 
There is no fee for your first card, or if you need to replace a damaged card.
 
For more information on Support Person Passes, click here​​.

How do I Apply for Specialized Transit?

To apply for LINX Plus+ specialized transit, download the Application Form​ After completing all 4 pages return it to the below address. Once received, the application will be reviewed within 7 calendar days and notification of eligibility will be sent to you. Please note that an incomplete application cannot be processed and will result in delays.

County of Simcoe
Attn. Transit Department
1110 Highway 26, Midhurst, Ontario, L9X 1N6