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Can a family member or other adult board a school vehicle at the bus stop or at school?
According to state law, school vehicle/bus drivers are prohibited from allowing any unauthorized person to ride on the bus while transporting pupils to and from school. For the safety and well-being of all students, parents/guardians should never board a bus with students on board, as it can be unsettling for bus riders and may startle the bus driver. In instances where authorized adults are assigned to monitor students during transportation, they are typically fingerprinted and approved employees of the district. These personnel are strategically placed near students who require the highest level of supervision.
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Can I drop off my child at school and get transportation back in the afternoon?
Yes, our drivers consistently report to the assigned school to ensure that no student is left behind. In the event we find your child at school, we will proceed with the route/run as usual.
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Can Sarah Car Care pick up my child in Baltimore City?Thank you for reaching out to Sarah Car Care. We are thrilled to hear that you have noticed our vehicles in your neighborhood and are interested in our services for your child.At this time, we are exclusively providing student transportation services directly through Baltimore City Public Schools. Unfortunately, we do not currently offer private transportation services that can be requested directly by parents. However, if your child qualifies for transportation through Baltimore City Public Schools and is assigned to our service, we would be more than happy to meet your needs.We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Should our business model change in the future to include direct transportation requests from parents, we will be sure to inform the community.Thank you again for considering Sarah Car Care. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us. We appreciate your understanding and hope to have the opportunity to serve you in the future.
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Can the driver provide additional assistance?
Yes, our drivers are happy to assist you with boarding and exiting the vehicle. However, they are not allowed to lift or carry customers. Upon request, drivers may escort you to and from the ground-level exterior door of the building, as long as the school vehicle remains within view and no children are left alone in the vehicle.
While drivers are not permitted to inquire about your disabilities or special needs, it's crucial not to rely on them to know the specific assistance you may require. Please communicate your needs clearly to ensure a safe and comfortable experience.
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How long will the school driver wait?
School drivers will wait until 5 minutes after the pick-up time even if they arrive early. We recommend students to be at the stop 10 minutes prior to their pickup time. There are many factors that may impact the time a driver arrives at a given stop. Daily traffic patterns and student loads are unpredictable and may cause a driver’s time to vary. These situations, plus differences in clock times, have proven over the years that arriving ten minutes early gives students an adequate window of time to ensure they catch the school vehicle.
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I got home late in the afternoon, and I cannot find my child. What do I do?
If there is no authorized individual present to receive your child from the school vehicle, your child will not be left with an unauthorized individual. The driver will attempt to contact the parents/guardian, and after multiple attempts, Dispatch will notify the school district. If other students are present in the vehicle, the driver will drop them off first and then make a second/final attempt to drop off the undeliverable student. If no one is available, Drop-Off Center protocol will be activated, and a note with the Drop-Off Center’s location and contact information will be placed at the door.
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I think my student may have left something on the school vehicle. What do I do?
To retrieve a lost item, you can contact Sarah Car Care at 1-888-311-8340 or email us at [email protected] and request that a staff member checks the assigned student’s vehicle. Please have your student’s school vehicle route number ready when reaching out to Sarah Car Care.
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My child wants to go to her friend’s house after school. If I call the school and let them know, can she go on the bus with her friend?
Regrettably, we are unable to accommodate school vehicle route/run changes for playdates or visits to a friend’s house. Any changes must be approved by the School District Transportation Department.
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What are the rules of the School Vehicle?
Boarding and riding the bus:
- Enter in an Orderly Manner: Board the bus in an organized and orderly manner, ensuring a smooth process for everyone.
- Remain Seated Until Destination: Take a seat promptly and remain seated until the bus reaches your designated destination.
- Maintain Conversational Volume: Engage in conversations at a normal volume to avoid distracting the driver.
- Clear Aisles and Emergency Exits: Keep the aisles and emergency exits free from any belongings for safety reasons.
- Respect Fellow Passengers: Show consideration for the rights and space of other passengers during the journey.
- No Drinking or Eating: Consumption of food and drinks is not permitted during the bus ride.
- Secure Sharp Objects: Carry pointed or sharp objects such as pens, pencils, or scissors in a case or container.
- Refrain from Throwing Objects: Do not throw any objects from the bus during the journey.
- Keep Limbs Inside Windows: Refrain from putting your head or hands out of the windows for safety purposes.
- Preserve Bus Equipment: Do not deface, damage, or tamper with any bus equipment, including emergency exits.
- Compliance with Driver Instructions: Obey the instructions provided by the bus driver at all times.
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What kind of vehicle will be transporting my child?
A school vehicle is defined as: A motor vehicle, except a motorcycle, designed for carrying no more than ten (10) passengers, including the driver, and used for the transportation of preprimary, primary, or secondary school students while registered by or under contract to the school district.
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Will my child have to cross the street to board the school vehicle?
Our safety protocol encourages children to wait on the side of the street where they reside for boarding. Our drivers make every effort to facilitate boarding on the door side. In cases where students need to cross the street, our drivers and/or attendants will stop traffic in all directions to ensure their safety.
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How do I book a ride?
Please complete the Request a Trip form and we will contact you with a custom quote. You may also call us at 215-939-5775 (Pennsylvania) or 410-237-7900 (Maryland) and we'll be happy to assist you.
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How do I contact Sarah Car Care?
You may call us at toll free at 1-888-311-8340 or directly at 215-939-5775 (Pennsylvania) or 410-237-7900 (Maryland) and we'll be happy to help you. You're also welcome to send us an email at [email protected].
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What is your email address?
Our email address is [email protected]. If you are seeking Human Resources' assistance, please email us at [email protected].
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What are your hours of operation?
Sarah Car Care is open Monday – Friday from 5am EST to 7pm EST. On Saturdays, we are open from 9am EST to 6pm EST and Sundays from 10am EST to 5pm EST.
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Where are you located?
Sarah Car Care is located at:
Pennsylvania
7147 Lynford Street
Philadelphia, PA 19149-1113
(215) 939-5775
Maryland
1001 Exeter Hall Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21218
(410) 237-7900
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Senior Citizen Discount
Sarah Car Care is pleased to offer a 15% Senior discount. Please contact us at 1-888-311-8340 and we will be happy to assist you.
Here are the details:
The rates for senior citizens, having proper identification, will be 15% of the shared ride rate rounded upward to the nearest nickel, provided that the carrier is under contract with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation under provisions of Section 704 of Act 36 of 1991 (The Lottery Fund Preservation Act).
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Deposits and Cancellations
Deposit:
All reservations require a deposit of not more than 20% of the quoted charter price.
Deposits are subject to forfeiture of not more than 50% of the deposit if the charter is cancelled by the customer more than 15 but less than 30 days prior to the date the transportation was to depart.
Deposits are subject to forfeiture of not more than the total amount of the deposit if the cancellation occurs within 15 days prior to the date the transportation was to depart.
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Do you charge a stairlift fee?
For trips that require the use of a stairlift, an additional charge of $150 will apply in addition to the Load/Base Rate and any other applicable charges mentioned above. This fee is necessary to cover the specialized equipment, setup, and assistance required to safely transport individuals using a stairlift.
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Do you have a bariatric service charge?
For trips that require the use of specialized equipment and/or extra staff to safely transport bariatric passengers, an additional charge of $200 will apply in addition to the Load/Base Rate and any other applicable charges mentioned above.
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Clean Up/Damage Fee
A cleaning fee of $150.00 will be charged to the client in the event of excessively soiled interiors, including spillage, smoking, gym-related mess, vomit, drops of coffee, grease from food, other drinks (excluding water), sand or dirt on floor mats, bodily fluids like vomit, paint, or extensive sticky or staining liquid messes (excluding water), gum, and other sticky materials.
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Lost & Found Return Fee
In the event of lost items being found and returned to the client, a lost and found charge of $20.00 will be applicable. This fee covers the administrative and handling costs associated with locating, storing, and returning lost belongings to their rightful owners.
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Can I pay cash?
Yes, you may pay in cash. We also accept major credit cards.
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Where are you located?
Our headquarters is located at 7147 Lynford Street in Philadelphia, PA 19149. We also offer student and public transportation services in Baltimore, MD. Our new Maryland office is located at 1001 Exeter Hall Ave. Baltimore, MD 21218
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Does your business hold the necessary licenses to offer transportation services in Pennsylvania?
Our firm operates under the Paratransit Authorization granted by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission. This allows us to function as a common carrier. If you have any specific questions or need further details about our services, please contact us at 215-939-5775.
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Does your business hold the necessary licenses to offer transportation services in Maryland?
Our firm is approved by the Maryland Public Service Commission to operate as a Charter/Contract Passenger Carrier by motor vehicles. If you have any specific questions or need further details, please contact us at 410-237-7900.
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Where can I access information about your licenses in Pennsylvania and Maryland?
You can access information about our licenses by visiting the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission's website, also known as 'PA PUC.'
You can access information about our licenses by visiting the Maryland Public Service Commission's website, also known as 'PSC.'
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How do I apply to become a Sarah Car Care driver?Thank you for expressing your interest in the Driver position with Sarah Car Care.PennsylvaniaPlease click this link to create an account; and to review and upload all the required documents on our application form. You may also call the Sarah Car Care Human Resources team at 215-939-5775 or toll-free at 1-888-311-8340.Maryland
Please email us at [email protected] or you may also call the Sarah Car Care Human Resources team at 410-237-7900 or toll-free at 1-888-311-8340.
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How do I apply to become a Sarah Car Care attendant?Thank you for expressing your interest in the Attendant position with Sarah Car Care.Please click this link to create an account and submit the required documents on our application form.
You may also email us at [email protected] or call the Sarah Car Care Human Resources team.Human Resources Team
Philadelphia (215) 939-5775
Baltimore (410) 237-7900
Toll-Free (888) 311-8340
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What are the requirements for being a driver or attendant at Sarah Car Care?
The requirements for being a driver or attendant are submission of the following:
Pennsylvania:
Driver's License
Social Security Card
FBI Record Clearance
Child Abuse Clearance
Criminal Background Check
Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse Certification
First Aid, CPR and AED Certifications
Defensive Driving Course (Required for Driver)
PASS Basics Course (Required for Driver)
Wheelchair Securement Certification
Conflict Resolution Certificate
Drug Test (Required for Driver)
Physical Health Exam
Master Transportation Services Agreement
Sarah Car Care Consent Forms
Services Description Sign-Off
Maryland:
Driver's License
Social Security Card
DOT Physical (Required for Driver)
Criminal Background Check
MDOT - Motor Vehicle Administration Record
10 Panel Drug Screen
First Aid, CPR and AED
Defensive Driving Course (Required for Driver)
PASS Basics Course (Required for Driver)
PUB 117 Training (Required for Driver)
Master Transportation Services Agreement
Sarah Car Care Consent Forms
Services Description Sign-Off
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What are the core job responsibilities for an Attendant?
- Supervise and ensure the safety of individuals under their care, which may include children, students, seniors, or other passengers.
- Assist with boarding and exiting vehicles, including helping those with special needs or disabilities. Including but not limited to assisting students cross the street, buckling in a child to the booster seat, or assisting with a seatbelt or vest.
- Maintain order and enforce rules to ensure a safe environment.
- Provide basic first aid and respond to emergencies when necessary.
- Assist with daily activities, which may include recreational programs, educational support, or transportation services.
- Conduct safety checks and inspections of equipment or vehicles.
- Communicate effectively with supervisors, parents, and individuals under their care.
- Professionally and appropriately report situations relating to a child’s behavior or other conditions that could impact a Paratransit Driver’s ability to safely operate the vehicle.
- Maintain cleanliness and orderliness of the assigned area or vehicle.
- Keep accurate records and complete necessary paperwork.
- Participate in required training programs and stay up to date with safety procedures.
- Other duties as assigned.
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What are the core job responsibilities for a Paratransit Driver?
- Operate paratransit vehicles safely and efficiently, adhering to all traffic laws and regulations.
- Provide individualized assistance/accommodation to children, students, seniors, and/or disabled passengers by utilizing wheelchair lifts, seats, and other special access necessary to ensure a safe, secure, and comfortable ride.
- Conduct pre-trip, during-trip, and post-trip vehicle inspections to ensure proper operating conditions.
- Maintain accurate records of mileage, client information, and driving activities.
- Communicate effectively with dispatchers, supervisors, and passengers.
- Follow established routes and schedules, using GPS equipment when necessary.
- Provide excellent customer service, demonstrating patience and understanding when interacting with passengers.
- Respond appropriately to emergencies, delays, and schedule changes.
- Maintain a clean and orderly vehicle interior.
- Complete required paperwork, including incident, accident, and mechanic concern reports when necessary.
- Practice defensive driving at all times and avoid vehicular and industrial accidents through safe driving and work habits.
- Perform all other duties as assigned.
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Will I be a Sarah Car Care employee or an independent contractor?
Drivers and Attendants are Independent Contractors and will receive a Form 1099 for tax purposes.
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Can drivers and attendants choose their route?
Maryland
No. Sarah Car Care will assign the route. Assigned routes in Baltimore may change frequently, therefore it's necessary for Sarah Car Care to assign the route.
Pennsylvania
Sarah Car Care provides routes. Drivers and attendants have the option to accept or decline the available route offered. If a route is declined, then you must wait for the next available route(s) to be offered.
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Are company cars provided or can we use our own car?
Maryland
Sarah Car Care only uses company-provided wheelchair-accessible vans. We currently have a fleet of 10 vans available across Baltimore and Howard County. We have 5 new wheelchair-accessible vans allocated for WMATA (Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority).
Pennsylvania
Yes, Drivers may use their own cars following approval from Sarah Car Care. Individuals providing services to Sarah Car Care may also be provided a company car instead of using their own vehicle.
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Can I switch from a 1099 to a W2?
No, all of our driver and attendant positions are independent contractor roles.
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Can drivers have family members as an attendant?
Yes, provided that the attendant has been approved by Sarah Car Care and passed the required training. Sarah Car Care may then give permission for him/her to work with you on the same route.
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Does Sarah Car Care provide benefits?
No, we do not offer any benefits.
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When will I start working?
Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee routes or shifts. Each driver and attendant will be on a waiting list. Sarah Car Care will contact you for your assignment. You have the option to accept or decline the route. If the route is declined, you will then have to wait for the next available route(s).
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How do I submit time off requests?
Maryland
Drivers and Attendants should submit an email request 3 days in advance of the requested date.
Pennsylvania
Drivers and Attendants should submit a request through our Sarah Car Care Jotform or through your assigned WhatsApp Route group. The request should be sent 3 days in advance of the requested date.
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Can I submit certificates from my previous job?
Yes, Sarah Car Care will accept certificates from your previous employer for review, however, most certificates must be dated within one year of your start date with Sarah Car Care. If a certificate was received more than one year ago, Sarah Car Care may request you to initiate requests for new certificates.
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One of your drivers almost hit me. I want to file a complaint.
We sincerely apologize that this happened. Please be assured that we take safety very seriously at Sarah Car Care. Please contact our Safety & Risk Management team at [email protected] or call us at (888) 311-8340.
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How do you respond to safety incidents involving your vehicles?
We have a thorough incident response protocol in place. Each incident is documented and reviewed/investigated; we take corrective actions to prevent future occurrences, and we ensure all parties are supported.
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How do you handle incidents involving passengers onboard?
We take incidents very seriously. Each situation is documented and investigated thoroughly. We prioritize the safety of all passengers and implement measures to prevent future occurrences.