Can an attendant come along?

When examining eligibility requests, the Eligibility Committee determines whether applicants require an attendant when travelling.

An attendant must be 14 years of age or older and must be capable of assisting the passenger at pick-up, during the trip and at drop-off. An attendant must get on and off the bus at the same stops as the passenger being accompanied.

Types of accompaniment

• Mandatory accompaniment
  This is granted if the passenger requires medical assistance or has behavioural disorders. The passenger's attendant travels for free. Children under six years old must always be accompanied by an attendant aged 14 or over. Children travel free, but attendants must pay their own fare.
  
  
• Optional accompaniment
  The Eligibility Committee grants the right to optional accompaniment to all passengers with a motor or organic disability. However, accompaniment is allowed only as long as there is available space in the vehicle. Furthermore, optional attendants who are authorized to travel with the passenger must always pay their own fare.
  
  
• Unauthorized accompaniment
  Accompaniment is not authorized if the Eligibility Committee feels that an attendant could compensate for the passenger's disability and make it possible for the passenger to take regular public transit. Similarly, accompaniment is prohibited if the passenger uses a scooter during travel.
  
  
• Accompaniment for parental duties
  Passengers granted eligibility for paratransit services may travel with any children under 14 years of age to allow them to carry out their parental duties.
  
  
• Special provisions
  At pick-up time, even if there is available space in the vehicle, the driver cannot accept an attendant without the authorization of the STO's dispatcher if it was not indicated on the trip sheet. Passengers must always advise the STO if they will be accompanied when they make a reservation. Any person not listed can be refused permission to board a vehicle.
  
  

Policy on access for animals

The only animals allowed on vehicles are guide dogs and assistance dogs. However, passengers must send a statement to the STO in advance confirming that the dog has been trained at a recognized facility, in Quebec or elsewhere, to fulfill the functions of a guide dog or assistance dog for a disabled person and that the training included a component dealing with transportation situations. The dog's master must maintain control over the dog at all times to ensure it behaves properly.