Access ‘Cuse

Purpose of Access ‘Cuse

The Access ‘Cuse transportation service is a point to point transit service designed to assist individuals with chronic health, sensory and permanent mobility disabilities navigate the University campus.  Access ‘Cuse is an additional service provided by the University to work in tandem with other transportation options but has proscribed parameters of service.  Therefore, there are specific limitations on this service. Eligibility for this service is determined by The Center for Disability Resources (CDR) for students and Office of Diversity and Inclusion for faculty and staff. The accessible transportation coordinator will work with eligible individuals to create a schedule.  This will require riders to be flexible in scheduled pick-up and drop-off times.  No student or employee is guaranteed transportation at any time.

Access ‘Cuse honors Syracuse University’s Code of Student Conduct policy and the Syracuse University Code of Ethics. These policies are an integral part of all forms of support offered through the university and students, faculty and staff agree to become familiar with and committed to these documents. Students, faculty, and staff will agree to conduct themselves courteously and appropriately in accordance with these policies, including interactions with all Access ‘Cuse staff.

Driver Responsibilities

  • Drivers are expected to arrive within a 15-minute “pick-up window”. This window begins from the assigned pick-up time until 15 minutes past the scheduled time. This “window” is to account for traffic and other unavoidable delays.
  • Drivers are required to wait 5 minutes during the “pick-up window”. If a rider is not there, the driver will list them as a “no-show”.
  • If the driver is late, they will give dispatch a revised pick-up time to give to the rider when they call.
  • If needed, drivers will assist passengers by guiding them to the vehicle, fastening seat belts and securing wheelchairs.

Rider Responsibilities

  • Riders are expected to be at the designated pick-up point at the scheduled time. Every effort is made to ensure riders are picked up as close to the designated time as possible, but delays do occur. Riders need to wait at the pick-up location for the full 15-minute “pick-up window.”
  • If a driver does not arrive during the pick-up window, the rider should contact the dispatcher at 315.463.7504 for a revised pick-up.
  • At least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled pick-up time, riders are expected to cancel any ride they no longer need. Failure to do so will result in recording a no-show for that ride.
  • Riders must use seat belts at all times.
  • Riders using Access ‘Cuse on an as-needed basis, may be subject to longer wait times than scheduled riders.

No Show Policies

Things to know:

  • No shows will not count against riders from the beginning of the semester until the Academic/Financial drop deadline
  • No shows will reset at the 1st of each month
  • All suspensions will stop at the end of the month it began in
  • Riders can appeal suspension of service

Riders will be designated as a no-show when:

  • The driver has arrived and waited at least 5 minutes during the 15 minute “pick-up window”
  • The driver can’t reasonably locate the rider at the designated pick-up location
  • Failure to cancel a scheduled pick up at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled pick-up time

No show penalties are as follows:

  • First Occurrence: Accessible Transportation Program Administrator will contact the rider to explain the policy.
  • Second Occurrence: Administrator will send the rider a warning letter.
  • Third Occurrence: Rider will be removed from the schedule. They will be required to call for rides for the remainder of the month.
  • Fourth Occurrence: Rider will be suspended from service for the remainder of the month.

Appeal process

Following a third infraction, riders have the ability to appeal their suspension of service

Initiate Appeal: Submit an email to accesspark@syr.edu, detailing any extenuating circumstances that led to your suspension of service. The, Accessible Transportation Program Administrator along with the Director, will discuss the issues and supporting information until a decision is reached on the issue(s). A formal letter will be sent to you informing you of the decision.

Timeline: This process can take 3 to 5 business days, but may take longer depending on the availability of pertinent information.

Hours of Operation:

Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. any time class is in session. Please note that hours will be reduced during school breaks.   In addition, the service will not run during snow emergencies/travel bans.  Please contact the Accessible Transportation Program Administrator at accesspark@syr.edu  with any questions.

Scope of Coverage:

Transportation is limited to campus and the perimeter as defined by the existing bus coverage provided by the University.

If you have any feedback regarding Access ‘Cuse, please fill out the Accessible Transportation form.