Dial-a-Ride: How to Ride
Welcome
Ben Franklin Transit (BFT) has proudly offered Dial-A-Ride (DAR) paratransit service throughout the Tri-Cities community for over 40 years. Dial-A-Ride drivers provide door-to-door transportation to clientele whose disabilities prevent them from utilizing the regular fixed-route bus system.
To see if you or a loved one qualifies, please complete and submit an application to BFT Dial-A-Ride staff, who will evaluate it using criteria established by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) within 21 calendar days of receipt. Once your application has been evaluated, you will receive a decision letter via U.S. mail. If an application is not processed within 21 days, presumptive eligibility is granted on the 22nd day until and unless the application is denied in writing. If your application is denied, the letter will contain information about how to appeal the decision.
Book Your Ride!
Please have the following details available for your reservation:
- Your Client ID #
- Pick-up/drop-off addresses
- Pick-up, drop-off, or appointment times
- Return ride pick-up time
Pick-ups are scheduled based on distance.
Take Your Trip
Be ready for your ride at the beginning of your pick-up window.
- Have all personal items ready
- Wait for your ride or van near your door or common area
- Your ride could be a Dial-A-Ride bus or an Overflow ADA Partner Agency vehicle
- Have your fare ready
If your ride is no longer needed, call to cancel as soon as possible. BFT cannot automatically cancel return trips if the pick-up trip is missed.
Your Return Trip
Be ready for your return ride at your pick-up time
- Have all personal items ready
- Please be aware of our carry-on item policy
- Wait for your bus at the common area on the ground level
- Have your fare ready
If your ride is no longer needed, call in to cancel.
No-Show Policy
What is a no-show?
A no-show is a trip that has not been canceled one hour before the scheduled pick-up time or canceled at the door.
What is a late cancellation?
A ride that is canceled within an hour of your pick-up time
Please review our no-show and late cancellation policies on our website.
Passenger Carry-On Items Policy
You may bring aboard:
- Up to four bags or packages per trip
- Each bag or package may weigh no more than 10 lbs.
- Oversized items, such as large bags of pet food, home appliances, or furniture, are not permitted on the bus.
Dial-A-Ride Training Opportunities
2026
Mid-Columbia Meals on Wheels x Ben Franklin Transit Dial-A-Ride Training
Prosser Community Center
Mid-Columbia Meals on Wheels x Ben Franklin Transit Dial-A-Ride Training
Maria Modrell of Ben Franklin Transit is coming to visit Mid-Columbia Meals on Wheels locations to help answer questions about Dial-A-RideA demand-responsive system providing door- to-door transportation to patrons who request service by telephone, either on an ad hoc or subscription basis. More or assist in the new Book BFT mobile app.
- Cafe on Fowler | 1834 Fowler Street, Richland, WA 99352 | October 15, 11AM – 1PM
- Parkside Dining Center | 253 W. Margaret St., Pasco, WA 99301 | October 20, 11AM – 1PM
- Keewaydin Community Center | 500 S Auburn St, Kennewick, WA 99336 | October 22, 11AM – 1PM
- Prosser Community Center | 1231 Dudley Ave, Prosser, WA 99350 | October 28, 11AM – 1PM
October 28 | 11am – 1pm
Prosser Community Center
1231 Dudley Avenue
Prosser, WA 99350
Maria Modrell of Ben Franklin Transit is coming to visit Mid-Columbia Meals on Wheels locations to help answer questions about Dial-A-RideA demand-responsive system providing door- to-door transportation to patrons who request service by telephone, either on an ad hoc or subscription basis. More or assist in the new Book BFT mobile app.
- Cafe on Fowler | 1834 Fowler Street, Richland, WA 99352 | October 15, 11AM – 1PM
- Parkside Dining Center | 253 W. Margaret St., Pasco, WA 99301 | October 20, 11AM – 1PM
- Keewaydin Community Center | 500 S Auburn St, Kennewick, WA 99336 | October 22, 11AM – 1PM
- Prosser Community Center | 1231 Dudley Ave, Prosser, WA 99350 | October 28, 11AM – 1PM