Specialized Services

VanGO offers a number of specialized transportation services for persons unable to access or utilize the fixed-route public bus system.

Demand Response

A door to door service for seniors 60 and older, and disabled persons not on the VanGO public transit route or unable to use the route due to a mental or physical impairment which prevents them. Service is only to destinations within Charles County, and to make the service available to as many people as possible, individuals are limited to 12 one way trips per month

Eligibility for the program is determined through an application process. All applications must be completed and submitted to the Charles County Department of Community Services, Transportation Division. Applications can be obtained online (click here) and then mailed or delivered to the Charles County Department of Community Services. Persons wishing to have an application mailed to them can contact the Transportation office by e-mail or by phone at 301-934-9305 or 301-870-3388.

All applications received are reviewed each Thursday morning by the Specialized Service Review Committee.

Applicants will receive a written determination of eligibility within two weeks of submitting a completed application. VanGO reserves the right to extend the review time limit in unusual cases.

Individuals found to be ineligible for service may appeal the decision as described in their notification letter.

Demand Response is a shared ride program. VanGO will make every effort to get passengers to their destinations in a reasonable amount of travel time but reserves the right to schedule multiple customers for pickups to multiple destinations.

Days, Hours, and Fares

Demand Response service operates within Charles County Monday through Friday from 8:00am-5:00pm and costs $1.50 each way. Personal Care Attendants, when certified in advance by VanGO, ride for free.

Pick-up times are actually considered "be-ready" times since they are within a one hour window that is scheduled when reservations are made. Appointment times are considered when "be-ready" times are established so that customers arrive to their appointments on time.

Passenger Assistance

VanGO Demand Response service is a door-to-door system that provides passenger assistance from the customer's door to the vehicle and vice versa. This includes assistance boarding and disembarking vehicles. VanGO drivers may also provide assistance with packages upon request but packages cannot weight more than five pounds total and must be able to be carried in one trip by the driver.

Safety

All passengers must wear safety belts when aboard VanGO vans and sedans and all children age 4 years and younger, 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 Community Services, Aging & Community Centers Division, provides many other programs and services for Charles County senior citizens.