Specialized Services
VanGO offers a number of specialized transportation services for persons unable to access or utilize the fixed-route public bus system.
Department of Social Services Demand Response
Through a partnership with the Charles County Department of Social Services (DSS), VanGO offers a separate Demand Response (DR) service for DSS clients, only. Customers are referred by their caseworker at DSS and are provided Demand Response transportation to school and work-related activities, only.
An application is completed by the DSS caseworker on behalf of the client by contacting the Department of Community Services, Transportation Division. Department of Community Services staff then schedule the trips with the VanGO office.
VanGO provides the scheduled trips until further notice from DSS.
Days, Hours, and Fares
DSS DR operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. DSS pays the fare for clients so there is no charge to the customer.
Be-ready times are confirmed when day-before reminder calls are placed by VanGO staff.
Passenger Assistance
VanGO DSS DR service is a door-to-door service that provides passenger assistance from the customer's door to the vehicle and vice versa. That includes assistance boarding and disembarking vehicles. VanGO drivers may also provide assistance with packages upon request when such packages weight no more than 5 pounds total. Drivers must be able to carry packages in one trip.
Safety
All passengers must wear safety belts when aboard VanGO vans and all children under 4 years of age, or weighing less than 40 pounds, must use a child safety seat, which must be provided by the passenger.
Other Resources
The Charles County Department of Social Services offers assistance to low-income individuals with educational and job training programs, cash assistance, food stamps, and child-care subsidies. They can be reached by phone at 301-392-6400.