Your Chariot Awaits

On both sunny and rainy days, the Goshen/Chester Dial-a-Bus is seen traveling all throughout town. From doctors’ offices to small businesses to local restaurants, there are few limits to where the bus will go.

The Goshen/Chester Dial-a-Bus has been around since the 1980s and has always been popular among residents. Other towns have similar services that they provide for their residents all with varying guidelines for destinations.

According to information provided by the Goshen Town Clerk’s Office, the Dial-a-Bus had more than 4,400 passengers in 2022 alone. The bus is in service for roughly 208 days per year. That means that the bus has an average of 21 rides per day. Its convenience and ease have especially appealed to senior citizens living in both Goshen and Chester alike. Being more affordable than a gallon of gas and more environmentally friendly than owning a car, the Dial-a-Bus is advantageous to just about everyone.

While the winter holidays are a busy time full of shopping, the cold weather tends to keep people inside of their homes and not on the bus. Some though, choose to brave the cold to squeeze in some holiday shopping. During the warmer seasons, the bus is usually lively and full of people. Spring and summer especially bring in many riders on their way to various social events and gatherings around Goshen and Chester.

Residents can ride the Dial-a-Bus on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 8 AM to 5 PM. The bus office is open Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 12 PM for residents to call in their ride requests. They recommend calling in a few days in advance to ensure a seat, given its popular nature.

Fees

The one-way fare for a ride on the Dial-a-Bus is $4.00 for the public. If you are a senior citizen (at least age 60) or disabled, the fare is $2.00.

Making a Reservation

Reservations can be called into the office at 845-294-8920 any time between 8 AM and 12 PM Monday through Friday. Appointments are taken on a first-call, first-serve basis. There are no permanent appointments. Reservations are required to ride the bus and can be placed up to a week ahead of time. Please do not call in reservations over the weekend.

Getting Ready for your Ride

The town wants you to have a positive experience with the Dial-a-Bus so please be ready to board the bus when it arrives. Please be ready 15 minutes ahead of your appointment time. All rides have a 15 minute pick up window so please be patient if our drivers are not arriving to you immediately since accidents, traffic, weather, and other situations can cause drivers to run late. Have your money ready to hnd to the driver upon boarding the bus. Exact change is appreciated. Bills over $5.00 are discouraged (the driver may not have change for you) and panniers (per ride) are not accepted. Please wait for the bus in an area where you can see the bus and where the driver can see you. Dial-a-Bus is a shared ride so you may have to ride on the bus awhile to enable the driver to transport other passengers.

Delays & Closings

If the weather is bad, the bus will be off the road. On snowy days, please call the Dial-a-Bus phone number. Listen to the message to hear if there has been a cancellation or a delay.

Additional Information

If you are unable to keep your reservation, call the Office as soon as possible, preferably the before which allows them to schedule other riders. The Office understands that occasionally circumstances arise that require you to cancel your ride the same day but please call at least 2 hours prior to your scheduled pick up time to ensure that the driver receives the message. Any changes to your ride must be done through the Office and can only be accommodated if it does NOT interfere with the driver’s schedule or route.

Do’s and Don’ts

• Do call for a ride at least 3-4 days ahead. Reservations can be made up to 1 week ahead.
• Do tell the dispatcher if you need a wheelchair lift.
• Do be ready 15 minutes before your appointment time.
• Do pay the driver upon boarding the bus.
• Do stay seated while the bus is moving.
• Do wear your seat belt; all children must wear a seat belt or be in a child safety seat.
• Do speak to other passengers in a soft voice — loud voices may take the driver’s attention off the road.
• Don’t eat or drink while riding the bus.
• Don’t smoke on the bus.
• Don’t stand while the bus is moving.
• Don’t bring aboard more packages than you can handle. For the safety of everyone on board, there is a limit of four (4) packages per rider, which need to be secured with the rider, either at your feet or on your lap. No bags can be left in the aisle or at the back of the bus. Shopping carts are not allowed on the bus since they cannot be secured and can become a hazard.

Please address any service complaints, including those related to the ADA, to the Dial-a-Bus office at: 41 Webster Avenue, Goshen NY, 10924 or emailed to goshenhighway@frontiernet.net.

Requests for reasonable modifications of service should be directed to the Dial-a-Bus office at 845-294-8920 Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 12 PM.