Public Transit Services
TO SCHEDULE A RIDE CONTACT: Dial-a-Ride at (256) 314-0047 or toll free (833) 314-0047
NACOLG’s Public Transit program operates Dial-a-Ride demand responsive service through which passengers schedule rides in advance and are transported from their origin to their destination for a fee. This service is available in the Shoals Area within ten miles of the city limits of Florence, Muscle Shoals, Tuscumbia, Sheffield, Russellville, Hamilton, and Haleyville.
Service is provided throughout the rural areas of Lauderdale, Colbert, Franklin, and Marion counties based on a variable rate when vehicles and drivers are available. In addition, NACOLG Transit provides transportation to public and private non-profit social service agencies under fee for services contracts. Current contracts include the Area Agency on Aging, The YMCA of the Shoals, The ARC of the Shoals, Riverbend, Capstone Health Group and Northwest Shoals Community College.
Department Contacts:
David Clemons - Transit Program and Operations Manager
dclemons@nacolg.org
256-314-0047
Public Transit Frequently Asked Questions
What is NACOLG Dial-a-Ride?
NACOLG Dial-a-Ride is a demand-responsive public transportation service. Riders schedule trips in advance and are transported from their pickup location to their destination for a fee.
Who can use NACOLG Public Transit?
NACOLG Dial-a-Ride is available to the general public. You do not have to be an older adult, have a disability or participate in another NACOLG program to request a ride.
All trips are subject to the service area, scheduling requirements and vehicle availability.
What areas does NACOLG Dial-a-Ride serve?
Dial-a-Ride service is available within 10 miles of the city limits of:
Florence
Muscle Shoals
Sheffield
Tuscumbia
Russellville
Hamilton
Haleyville
Service may also be available in rural areas of Lauderdale, Colbert, Franklin and Marion counties at a variable rate when vehicles and drivers are available.
Does NACOLG Transit serve Winston County?
NACOLG operates Dial-a-Ride service from Haleyville and lists Winston County within its broader transit service area. Call the scheduling office to confirm whether a particular address or destination is eligible.
What are the hours for Dial-a-Ride service?
The current Dial-a-Ride User Guide lists service hours as 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Scheduling representatives are available from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Hours may change on holidays or because of operating conditions.
How do I schedule a ride?
Call Dial-a-Ride at:
Local: 256-314-0047
Toll-free: 833-314-0047
You may also use the NACOLG online booking form.
How far in advance should I schedule transportation?
Rides may be requested up to two weeks in advance. Reservations should be made as early as possible because vehicles and preferred times may not always be available.
The current user guide allows requests as late as 3:00 p.m. on the business day before the requested trip, but waiting that long may reduce the chance of receiving the times you need.
Should I schedule my return trip at the same time?
Yes. Schedule both your outgoing and return trips when making the reservation. Tell the dispatcher your appointment time and the earliest time you expect to be ready for your return ride.
What information do I need when booking a ride?
Be prepared to provide:
Your name
Telephone number
Pickup address
Destination name and address
Requested travel date
Appointment time, if applicable
Requested return time
Number of people traveling
Whether you use a wheelchair or mobility device
Whether you need another accommodation
Whether a personal care attendant will accompany you
How much does Dial-a-Ride cost?
The current user guide lists these one-way fares for the urban and designated rural systems:
Up to 1.5 miles outside city limits: $3
More than 1.5 miles and up to 5 miles outside city limits: $6
From 6 to 10 miles outside city limits: $9
More than 10 miles outside city limits: $9 plus $2 for each additional mile, subject to availability
Fares may depend on the origin, destination and service area. Confirm the current fare when scheduling.
How do I pay my fare?
Pay the driver when entering the vehicle. Exact change is required because drivers cannot make change.
Is Dial-a-Ride a private taxi service?
No. Dial-a-Ride is shared public transportation. Other passengers may be picked up or dropped off during your trip, and riders cannot request a particular driver or vehicle.
Allow additional travel time when scheduling appointments.
Will the driver come inside my home?
No. Dial-a-Ride provides origin-to-destination service. Drivers cannot enter a home or other private property to help a passenger reach the vehicle.
Drivers can provide normal assistance with boarding and exiting the vehicle. Riders who need additional personal assistance should arrange for someone to accompany them.
Are NACOLG Transit vehicles wheelchair accessible?
Yes. NACOLG Transit provides ADA-accessible vehicles. Tell the dispatcher when scheduling if you use a wheelchair, need a lift or require another accessibility accommodation.
Can I request a reasonable modification?
Yes. Riders with disabilities may request reasonable changes to policies or procedures when needed to access the service.
Contact Dial-a-Ride at 256-314-0047 or 833-314-0047 and explain what you need. Requests should be made in advance whenever possible.
Can a personal care attendant ride with me?
Yes. One personal care attendant may accompany an eligible rider without paying a fare. Tell the dispatcher when booking so a seat can be reserved.
Can a friend or family member ride with me?
Yes. A traveling companion may ride for the regular fare when using the same pickup location and destination. Reserve a seat for every passenger when scheduling.
Are children allowed to ride?
Yes. Children age seven and older pay the regular fare. Children age six and younger ride free when accompanied by a paying adult.
The rider is responsible for providing any required child safety seat.
Are service animals allowed?
Yes. Trained service animals may accompany riders with disabilities. The animal must remain under the handler’s control.
Pets and other animals are not permitted.
Can I bring groceries or other packages?
Yes, but passengers are limited to packages they can carry and hold safely. Packages cannot be placed in aisles or on the vehicle floor, and drivers are not responsible for carrying items to or from the vehicle.
When should I be ready for pickup?
Be ready at least 15 minutes before your scheduled pickup. The vehicle may arrive within a 30-minute window—up to 15 minutes before or 15 minutes after the scheduled time.
The driver generally waits only five minutes before continuing to the next pickup.
How do I cancel a scheduled ride?
Call 256-314-0047 or 833-314-0047 as soon as possible.
To avoid a late cancellation being treated as a no-show, cancel by 3:00 p.m. on the business day before the scheduled ride whenever possible.
What should I do if my vehicle has not arrived?
If the vehicle has not arrived within 10 minutes after the end of your scheduled pickup time, call Dial-a-Ride at 256-314-0047 or 833-314-0047.
Does NACOLG provide transportation for community organizations?
Yes. NACOLG Transit provides transportation to qualifying public and private nonprofit social-service agencies through fee-for-service contracts.
Organizations should contact the Transit Program and Operations Manager to discuss availability and requirements.
How do I file a transit complaint?
Complaint procedures for general concerns, ADA issues and Title VI matters are available on the NACOLG Public Transit page.
Contact NACOLG Transit promptly for instructions because complaint deadlines may apply.