What to Look for When Hiring a Wheelchair Transportation Company

When hiring a wheelchair transportation company, several key factors can help ensure safety, reliability, and overall quality of service. Here are some important considerations:

Safety and Reliability

1. Licensing and Accreditation:

   • Ensure the company is properly licensed and accredited by relevant authorities.

   • Alternative Transportation Systems vets its chair car, black car and shuttle drivers at the highest levels. Alternative Transportation Systems drivers are subject to CORI and SORI background checks, driving record checks, DOT physicals, defensive driving training, wheelchair transportation training, randomized drug testing and extensive on-boarding training.

2. Vehicle Condition:

   • Vehicles should be well-maintained, clean, and equipped with appropriate safety features such as wheelchair lifts or ramps, securement systems, and seat belts.

   • Alternative Transportation Systems has its own team of ACE-Certified Master mechanics. Since Alternative Transportation Systems does not outsource the cleaning, upkeep or maintain of its chair card, black car, or shuttle vehicles we can adhere to a strict and timely vehicle maintenance schedule. This ensure that every Alternative Transportation Systems vehicle on the road is safe for your ride.

3. Insurance Coverage:

   • The company should have comprehensive insurance coverage that includes liability insurance to protect passengers in case of an accident.

   • Alternative Transportation Systems is fully ensured should an accident occur.

Quality of Service

1. Punctuality and Reliability:

   • Look for reviews or testimonials regarding the company's timeliness and reliability.

   • Ensure they have a track record of punctual service.

   • Alternative Transportation Systems maintains its agency contracts based on our punctuality record. We aim to provide you with punctual service despite traffic, patient delays and weather. Alternative Transportation Systems will do everything in its power to get you to your destination in a timely manner.

2. Customer Service:

   • Evaluate their customer service responsiveness and professionalism.

   • Check if they offer 24/7 customer support.

   • Our customer service team is ready for your call at all hours. Outside of regular business hours, Alternative Transportation Systems has an after-hours on-call service operated by full-time, local members of our company.

3. Accessibility and Comfort:

   • Ensure the vehicles are comfortable and accessible for individuals with various disabilities.

   • Look for features such as climate control and comfortable seating.

   • Alternative Transportation Systems drivers are instructed to accommodate any single passenger requests for heating, cooling, and music preferences.

Additional Considerations

1. Cost and Payment Options:

   • Compare pricing with other companies to ensure reasonable rates.

   • Check for flexible payment options, including insurance billing if applicable.

   • Many of Alternative Transportation Systems services are billed through agency you may already be a part of. This means, we may be able to provide you with transportation at no cost to you. Private pay ride are also available. Please call us directly at (781) 316-0400 to discuss which payment type you qualify for.

2. Service Area and Availability:

   • Ensure the company operates within the required geographic area.

   • Check for availability during the needed times, including weekends and holidays if necessary.

   • Alternative Transportation Systems services all of New England, every day of the year.

3. Reputation and Reviews:

• Look for reviews and ratings online on platforms like Google, Yelp, or industry-specific websites.

• Seek recommendations from healthcare providers, support groups, or other individuals who have used the service.

• Alternative Transportation Systems prides itself in being a reputable solution for New England residents with mobility challenges. TD Bank honored Alternative Transportation Systems with a tribute to the service we provide to individuals in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, Vermont, and Rhode Island. Click here to see TD’s Recognition of Alternative Transportation Systems.

1. Special Services:

• Check if they offer additional services such as door-to-door assistance, emergency transportation, or accompaniment to medical appointments.

• Alternative Transportation Systems offers door-to-door, lobby-to-lobby or room-to-room services, depending on a passengers’s individual needs and preferences. Other wheelchair transportation companies many only offer curb-to-curb services.

• ATS only provides non-emergency medical transportation. We do not provide passengers with stretchers or wheelchairs.

By carefully evaluating the above factors, you can make an informed decision and choose a wheelchair transportation company that is safe, reliable and meets your specific needs. We hope to have the honor of serving you through Alternative Transportation Systems.