Need a ride or want to save on your transportation costs? CARTS is Chautauqua County’s public transportation system. CARTS is public transportation for everyone living, working, or visiting in Chautauqua County. Whether you want to go shopping, to a medical appointment, to work, to college, or to visit a friend, CARTS can get you there safely, comfortably, and economically. CARTS strives to provide the highest quality transportation services to all citizens and guests of Chautauqua County. There are several options when considering scheduling a ride with CARTS. CARTS Jamestown City Routes and CARTS Dunkirk City Routes are now equipped with Bike Racks. All buses are accessible to wheelchairs and other mobility aids, and every bus is equipped with a lift that can be utilized at no extra cost for those unable to climb bus stairs.

Children under 5 years of age travel at no charge when accompanied by an adult.

CARTS has twenty-five routes that travel throughout Chautauqua County offering three different types of service which are all handicap accessible.

1. The City Routes will pick up passengers along the route but cannot deviate off route. The bus must adhere to a predetermined daily schedule. This is our least expensive type of service. CARTS offers this service in the cities of Jamestown, Falconer, Celoron, Lakewood, and Dunkirk. This service runs Monday through Friday.

2. The Rural Route Service. These are routes that connect Jamestown and Dunkirk to the smaller towns and villages across the county. This service has scheduled stops but could possibly deviate off route. Delivering you to a location that is off the scheduled bus route is limited due to time and bus capacity. Please speak with the transportation specialist at CARTS in advance to see if a stop off the rural route is available in your area.

3. Dial-A-Ride or Demand Service. This service is for individuals who live within threequarters of a mile of the city routes and are unable to access them due to a disability.

This service provides curb-to-curb or door-to-door service and must be scheduled in advance. It is scheduled on a first come first serve basis as it has limited availability.

Areas and times of service are limited, so please call well in advance of your transportation date and assure availability. There are two levels of dial-a-ride service.

Curb to curb-if you can negotiate your mobility from the bus to your destination and door to door.

Door-to-door is a service available if you require assistance from the CARTS staff to assist you from the door of your home to the door of your destination or into a reception area as needed.

A few things to consider: drivers are not allowed to enter your home, help you with personal effects (keys, coats, etc.), or perform any other personal service, except that which is required to ensure your safety while on the bus. Drivers cannot move wheelchairs of any type over more than one consecutive step or curb. You can look at the most current CARTS book at https://chqgov.com/sites/default/files/document-files/2022-05/SCHEDULE%20BOOK.pdf

The ride fares are determined by the type of service used and the number of zones (townships) crossed during your trip. CARTS offers discounts on all fixed (city) and rural routes to seniors of at least 60 years of age and to those with qualifying disabilities. *Discounted Fare includes Senior Citizens (60+), Disabled Fare, and Student Discounts (K – College with ID) To receive the discount, you can register with NY Connects and showing ID. Escorts may ride at no charge if necessary to help a rider. Call the CARTS Office to get authorization. You can purchase one-way, round trip (unable to purchase a round trip on city buses), 10-trip, or monthly tickets. All tickets may be purchased from your bus driver at the time of service or in advance of your trip from your local CARTS Office. Our drivers do not make change, so please have the exact amount for cash fares.

CARTS accepts personal checks written for the exact amount. CARTS can be reached at North County at 716-366-4500 and South County at 716-665-6466 or toll-free at 800-388-6534. You can now schedule your rides online at https://chqgov.com/form/carts-transportation-requestfor CARTS also coordinates the OFA Volunteer Driver program that assists seniors who do not have transportation, to get to medical appointments inside or outside of Chautauqua County.

Please call well in advance of your transportation date need for information regarding availability for out-of-county appointments to give time to coordinate a volunteer driver is ready and available on that date.

To obtain more information about CART’s programs call NY Connects Helpline at (716) 753- 4582, 363-4582 or 661-7582 or e-mail us at CCNYC@chqgov.com NY Connects is the place to call to get the help you need. NY Connects assists people of all ages who have long-term needs and want to stay in the community. NY Connects offers information and assistance services. It is confidential and free and focused on the consumer’s needs and resources available to them. NY Connects is brought to you by the Chautauqua County Office for the Aging and the Chautauqua County Department of Social Services.