DOWNLOAD PDF: BABY ON BOARD INFO and AGENCY CONSENT FORM

BABY ON BOARD LIST OF PARTNER AGENCIES:

Heartbeat of Lima
421 S. Cable Rd.
Lima, Ohio 45805
419-222-7945

Lima Memorial Health System
1001 Bellefontaine Ave.
Lima, Ohio 45804
419-228-3335

Mercy Health St. Rita’s Medical Center
730 W. Market St.
Lima, Ohio 45801
419-227-3361

“BABY ON BOARD” PROGRAM DETAILS:

The “Baby on Board” program provides free monthly fixed route bus passes for pregnant women or mothers (or other custodial parent/caretaker) with a child under 2 years of age. Qualifying mothers will receive up to two free ACRTA bus passes per family per household. This program is not income-based. (“fixed route” = a predetermined location the bus will stop at a certain time/day)

How does it work?

• The mother will visit a partner agency to discuss the “Baby on Board” program.
• A list of partner agencies can be found at the top of this page.
• The agency employee will gather basic information from the mother, fill out the online form that will be submitted to ACRTA, and then give the mother one to two bus passes the day of the visit. The pass will activate upon its first use and will be stamped with the activation date on the bus.
• To obtain another pass, the mother must contact the caseworker to receive new pass(es). We recommend arranging for a new pass about one week before the previous pass will expired.
• Once the child turns 2 years old, the mother will no longer qualify for the program. In the event the mother becomes pregnant again, she is eligible for the program to restart.

Why ride the bus?

• Buses are safe and reliable. Infant car seats are not required on buses, so if a mother doesn’t have a car seat, a car, a driver’s license, etc., she may use the bus to get around for her daily needs. While infant seats are not required by law on a bus, if a mother has a seat/carrier available, it is always the safest practice.
• A way to ensure moms and babies get to and from doctors appointments and other places in order to live a healthier, safer and more convenient life so that mother and baby can thrive. Use the pass to go to doctor’s appointments, grocery stores, daycare, work, school, etc.
• All buses have stroller ramps and are wheelchair accessible. They are also all equipped with bike racks.

How do I learn to ride the bus and how will I know which bus to choose?

• Visit ACRTA’s website for information and to view routes and plan trips: www.acrta.com.
• There are 10 available daily fixed routes.
• Bus service is generally six days a week. There are limited fixed routes on Saturdays and no routes on Sundays or holidays. ACRTA does offer more transportation options like door-to-door service, but that would be for a fee and would need to be arranged over-the-phone at the ACRTA transfer center.
• Watch the “How to Ride” videos and see brochures in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole. Scan the QR code below and click the link that pops up. Videos can also be found at www.acrta.com.
• Free in-person multilingual bus training is available. Email mkinnear@lacrpc.com to schedule assistance.
• Download the “Allen County RTA App” to see bus routes and locations and the “Translation App” to help translate bus information over a phone call. Scan the QR codes below.

What will I receive today?

• One or two free monthly bus passes.
• “How to Ride” brochures – if needed.
• Bus route brochures/maps – if needed.