LIFT Frequently Asked Questions

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1. When and where does NCTD's ADA Paratransit service operate?
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   LIFT operates during the same days and hours that the fixed-route system operates. NCTD BREEZE buses serve the cities of Carlsbad, Del Mar, Encinitas, Escondido, Oceanside, Solana Beach, San Marcos, Vista, Camp Pendleton, the unincorporated communities of Fallbrook, Ramona, and other portions of Northern San Diego County. LIFT serves the same areas that the BREEZE fixed route buses serve.
   
   You can also transfer to San Diego and Orange County's paratransit services.
   
   LIFT vehicle may also service you from home provided it is within 3/4 of a mile from one of our fixed routes.
   
   Click here to download NCTD ADA Service Area Map.
   
   


2. What does "curb-to-curb" service mean?
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   "Curb-to-curb" service means we ask you to be at the curb, ready to board the LIFT vehicle. LIFT is not able to service passengers who need assistance beyond the curb, unless they have an attendant to assist them. Responsibility for a passenger who can not be left unattended is on the caregiver, social worker or care center.
   


3. What if I need Personal Care Attendant (PCA)?
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   If you will require the assistance of a personal care attendant (PCA) to travel, please indicate this on your ADA Paratransit application. According to the ADA, a PCA is defined as someone designated or employed specifically to help the eligible individual meet his or her needs. If that need is verified, our certification letter will specify that a PCA may travel with you free of charge. If you do not meet the criteria for a PCA, you may opt to take a paying companion with you; such reservations are on a space available basis.
   


4. When may I expect LIFT?
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   LIFT vehicles will arrive any time within a 20-minute "ready-time" window. Drivers are required to wait five minutes after this ready time window has begun. For example, if your reservation is between 9 am and 9:20 am, and the vehicle arrives before the "ready time" has started, the driver will wait until 5 minutes after the ready time has started. When they arrive within the 20-minute window, or if LIFT is late, drivers will wait 5 minutes for you to board the vehicle.


5. Will the driver come to my door?
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   No. You must be out at the curb waiting for the LIFT bus at the start of the "ready time."
   


6. What if I'm late or miss my pick-up?
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   If you do not arrive within the 5-minute wait time, the driver will mark you as a "No-Show" and will depart the location. LIFT is not required to call you when the vehicle arrives or before it leaves your location.
   
   NOTE: Passengers with a "late cancellation" and/or a "no-show" will still be charged for the scheduled trip. $4 is due at the time of the next pick-up. A "late cancellation" is when a person calls to cancel a scheduled trip less than one hour before that scheduled trip. A "no-show" is when a person makes a reservation and then is not ready at the scheduled place and time.
   


7. May I connect from bus to LIFT?
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   Yes you can, but only if you are ADA Certified passenger. With your Paratransit Reduced Fare I.D. Card you can ride on BREEZE busses or SPRINTER trains for free, but you will have to pay your regular LIFT fee.


8. What if I transfer from LIFT to the COASTER?
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   When you board LIFT, ask the driver for a transfer for the COASTER. Retain the transfer. With it, you will not need to pay an additional fare to ride the COASTER.
   


9. May I utilize NCTD's other services?
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   Yes. When you have been certified to ride NCTD's ADA Paratransit, bring: 1) your letter and 2) an ID that has your picture and name on it to Customer Service at 810 Mission Ave. in Oceanside. We will take your photo and issue you an NCTD Paratransit Reduced Fare I.D. Card. This card allows you to board BREEZE busses and SPRINTER trains for free.
   
   If you are certified as needing a Personal Care Attendant, your new card will state "PCA-Yes." This allows your PCA to ride with you at no additional charge on LIFT, BREEZE and SPRINTER.
   

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