Vandal Access

Advanced authorization is required prior to using the Vandal Access shuttle. Whether a mobility impairment is permanent or temporary, Vandal Access is here to get people where they need to go on campus.

The approval process for Vandal Access differs depending on whether or not an individual has a valid University of Idaho Disability parking permit.

1. If you DO have a valid University of Idaho Disability parking permit, complete the brief Vandal Access rider form. PTS staff will contact you to confirm your ride schedule.
2. If you do NOT have a valid University of Idaho Disability parking permit, you will need to complete one of the following options to gain authorization to use the Vandal Access service:
   • Submit a doctor’s note on office stationery (paper or electronic) indicating the duration that transportation services will be necessary, and stating that the individual meets the definition of a "person with a disability," as defined by Idaho Code § 49-117(7)(b), which states: "Person with a disability" means: (i) A person who is unable to walk two hundred (200) feet or more unassisted by another person; (ii) A person who is unable to walk two hundred (200) feet or more without the aid of a walker, cane, crutches, braces, prosthetic device or a wheelchair; or (iii) A person who is unable to walk two hundred (200) feet or more without great difficulty or discomfort due to the following impairments: neurological, orthopedic, respiratory, cardiac, arthritic disorder, blindness, or the loss of function or absence of a limb.
   • For pregnancy-related mobility assistance, submit a doctor’s note on office stationery (paper or electronic) indicating the duration that transportation services will be necessary, and stating that the individual requires mobility assistance during pregnancy.
   • Have the Center for Disability Access and Resources (CDAR) (for students) or Human Resources (for faculty or staff) submit documentation on your behalf as part of an accommodation.

Questions? We're here to help! Email vandal-access@uidaho.edu or call Vandal Access at 208-874-7746.

Most rides will be pre-scheduled based on class or employment information provided to us on the Vandal Access rider form.

In the case of an unexpected need, give us two hours' notice so we can more effectively accommodate your request along with the day’s pre-scheduled rides.

Ride requests received after 5 p.m. will be processed the next business day.

The ADA accessible Vandal Access service operates during fall and spring academic sessions only, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Vandal Access services are provided on-campus. Riders cannot be picked up or dropped off at any other off-campus location. The driver will work with riders to identify nearest possible pickup/drop off locations for specific facilities.

In the case of unforeseen events such as mechanical failures or severe weather/road conditions, all rides may need to be cancelled or rescheduled for a later time. Parking and Transportation Services will make every attempt to notify riders in advance should this occur.

Documentation

• Within five days of utilizing van services, riders must submit documentation (in the form of a doctor's note on doctor's office letterhead) indicating the duration that transportation services will be necessary and stating that the individual either meets the definition of a "person with a disability," as defined by Idaho Code § 49-117(7)(b) (see below), or that the individual requires mobility assistance during pregnancy.
  • "Person with a disability" means: (i) A person who is unable to walk two hundred (200) feet or more unassisted by another person; (ii)  A person who is unable to walk two hundred (200) feet or more without the aid of a walker, cane, crutches, braces, prosthetic device or a wheelchair; or (iii) A person who is unable to walk two hundred (200) feet or more without great difficulty or discomfort due to the following impairments: neurological, orthopedic, respiratory, cardiac, arthritic disorder, blindness, or the loss of function or absence of a limb.
• If a personal care assistant (PCA) or a service animal will be accompanying the rider, this information needs to be included on the driver form so that the driver is notified of this in advance.
• Disability Support Services or Human Resources may submit documentation to Parking and Transportation Services (in lieu of the doctor's note) when a request for accommodations is processed and transportation assistance is part of the accommodation.
• Individuals who have obtained a University of Idaho Disability parking permit do not need to submit additional documentation to be authorized to ride the Vandal Access Van; authorization to ride the van will cease at the time of Disability permit expiration if permit is temporary.
• If proper documentation is not submitted to the Parking and Transportation office within 5 days of utilizing van services, transportation services will cease until documentation is provided.

Rider Responsibilities

• Riders must be on time for rides. The driver will not call upon arrival and will have a narrow window to service riders. Riders will be marked as a no-show upon being five minutes late for the ride pickup. If a rider is marked as a no-show, all subsequent rides will be cancelled for that day unless the rider notifies the driver by calling 208-874-7746. Calling after a no-show will not remove the no-show from the rider's record.
  • After two no-shows in a semester, a rider will receive written notice to meet with the Parking and Transportation Services Field Operations Manager to provide a plan to remedy no-shows.
  • Three or more no-shows in one semester may result in suspension of service for 30 days (see “Loss of Ridership Privilege”).
• If a rider is unable to make a scheduled ride (or no longer needs it), the driver should be contacted at 208-874-7746 at least 30-minutes prior to the ride appointment in order to avoid a no-show. Excessive cancellations (more than five cancellations within 30 days) may result in suspension of services for 30 days (see "Loss of Ridership Privilege").
• No open containers of food or drink will be allowed on the van.
• No pets allowed. Only service animals will be allowed on the van.

Loss of Ridership Privilege

• PTS reserves the right to refuse service to anyone under the following circumstances:
  • Three or more no-shows in one semester.
  • Five or more cancellations in 30 days.
  • Three or more unscheduled rides with less than two hours'’ notice in any 30-day period.
  • Anyone who engages in violent, seriously disruptive, or illegal conduct, or represents a direct threat to the health or safety of others.
• PTS will not deny service to an individual solely because the individual's disability results in appearance or involuntary behavior that may offend, annoy, or inconvenience other persons.
• In the event of suspension or revocation of ridership privilege, PTS will:
  • Provide the individual with notice, in writing, that the U of I intends to suspend service.  The notice will contain the reason for the proposed suspension and the proposed duration.

Appeals

• For both suspension of service and denial of eligibility, appeals must be submitted within 30 days of the decision to vandal-access@uidaho.edu.
  • Once an appeal is received, the appellant will be given the opportunity to present information and arguments.
• Appeals will be adjudicated by the AVP of Facilities.
• PTS will provide the individual with written notification of the appeal decision and the reasons for the decision.