HandyDART
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What is HandyDART
HandyDART is TransLink's trusted door-to-door, shared-ride service for people who are unable to navigate conventional public transit without assistance. For more information about HandyDART, read the contents on this page or download the HandyDART Rider's Guide.
Since its start in 1980, HandyDART has been providing custom, dedicated transit service for people in Metro Vancouver who are unable to navigate conventional public transit without assistance for part or all of their trip due to disability. Today, HandyDART is one of TransLink’s most valued services with over 30,000 customers. As the region continues to grow, demand for HandyDART services is growing with it. In 2024 alone, we welcomed five per cent more customers.
8.8/10
Second highest customer satisfaction score ever recorded (2024)
1,200,000
Trips delivered (2024)
With plans to HandyDART trips by 60 per cent to meet growing demand and extend service hours, HandyDART remains a cornerstone of inclusive transit—and will only become more vital in the years ahead.
For more information on HandyDART’s performance, please see our Transit Service Performance Review and Customer Service Performance Report.
We remain committed to improving HandyDART service for customers.
With Metro Vancouver’s population growing significantly in recent years, further enhancements to HandyDART service will be critical as demand is expected to increase in the years ahead.
TransLink is fully committed to offering safe, reliable, and accessible HandyDART service, and we are constantly looking for opportunities to improve service. As part of those efforts, we are currently undertaking a review of how we deliver HandyDART service.
This review will build a holistic recommendation that will help deliver a modernized HandyDART service and identify opportunities for how we can continue to deliver great service while ensuring it’s providing the best value for customers and for the public. For more information, please visit the HandyDART Modernization webpage.
Registering for HandyDART and HandyCard
If you have a physical, sensory, or cognitive disability and cannot use conventional public transit for all trips without assistance, you may be eligible to use HandyDART. Please refer to the application form for detailed eligibility criteria.
HandyCard
HandyDART users may also be eligible for HandyCard, which is a photo-identity card for customers who need assistance to use the conventional system.
Cardholders are entitled to Concession fares and their attendant travels for free when traveling on buses, SkyTrain, SeaBus, and West Coast Express. HandyCard fares are valid only on conventional transit and cannot be used on HandyDART.
Application Forms
If you’re a resident of Metro Vancouver, please complete the HandyDART and HandyCard Application Form. We will process your HandyDART application within 10 days of confirming receipt. Please allow 4 to 6 weeks processing time for HandyCard applications.
Visiting Vancouver? If you’re planning to visit Metro Vancouver and wish to use the paratransit system while you’re here, please complete the HandyDART Visitor Application Form.
If you require assistance to fill out the application, including if you require a printed copy, please contact the Access Transit Customer Care by calling 604.953.3680.
Paying for HandyDART
HandyDART costs the same as bus, SeaBus, and SkyTrain, making it easier to use all services across the system.
Adult HandyDART Fares
(Customers aged 19-64)
Cash: $3.35
Monthly Pass (Compass Card): $111.60
Stored Value (Compass Card): $2.70
Concession HandyDART Fares
(Customers aged 13-18 and 65+)
Cash: $2.25
Monthly Pass (Compass Card): $63.80
Stored Value (Compass Card): $2.25
All HandyDART trips are a 1-Zone fare. For more information about pricing and fares, please see the Pricing and Fare Zones page.
Ways to Pay
There are a variety of ways to pay for HandyDART services. Accepted payment methods include:
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Adult or Concession Compass Cards. Cards can be loaded with stored value, DayPasses, or Monthly Passes.
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Learn more about using a Compass Card by reading the Compass on HandyDART Brochure. For additional support you can call Compass Customer Service at 604.398.2042 (7 days a week from 6:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.) or visit the TransLink Customer Service Centre at Waterfront Station (Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.).
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Contactless payment (e.g., Interac Debit or credit card)
*Charges Adult cash fare only -
Mobile wallet (e.g., Apple Pay or Google Pay) (charges Adult cash fare only)
*Charges Adult cash fare only -
Exact Cash (Please note that drivers don’t carry change)
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FareSaver Tickets
Please note the sale of FareSavers ended on November 15, 2021. Previously purchased FareSavers will be accepted as fare payment indefinitely.
Children 12 and under who are registered HandyDART customers or children who are accompanied by a registered HandyDART customer can travel for free on HandyDART without requiring a fare product or identification.
Booking and Preparing for Your Ride
HandyDART customers can book trips as you need them on a case-by-case basis, or you can book subscription trips for repeating journeys to and from the same locations at the same times on a daily or weekly basis. To book or cancel a trip on HandyDART, call 604.575.6600 (local) or 1.844.475.6600 (toll-free).
You can book your trip as far as seven days in advance and up until 4 p.m. the day before your trip. Keep in mind that HandyDART experiences rush hour demand just like any other mode of transportation — the earlier you can book a rush hour trip, the better.
Going to the airport? HandyDART offers door-to-door service to and from the Vancouver International Airport (YVR). Plan your trip by reviewing our HandyDART Pick-up/Drop-off Map.
Taxi Services
Taxis are arranged, at no additional cost, if a HandyDART shuttle is unavailable due to high periods of demand, traffic delays, or other circumstances. The use of taxi services is a critical part of HandyDART service delivery, ensuring customers can get to their destination when they need to get there.
Some customers are unable to use taxis due to medical or mobility requirements. Our team works with HandyDART customers and their caregivers to find the vehicle option that best suits their needs. Customers can call HandyDART at 604-575-6600 or toll-free 1-844-475-6600 to speak with a team member about updating their user profile.
All HandyDART taxi drivers are required to maintain the same standard of care as HandyDART shuttle operators.
HandyDART taxi drivers are required to complete mandatory training before they start providing service as well as participate in an annual refresh program. The program ensures ongoing compliance and service quality, covering service standards, passenger safety, door-to-door assistance, caregiver transfers, securing mobility aids, client care, and overall customer experience.
Drivers who fail to meet standards, or who are subject to verified complaints or service-related concerns, are restricted from providing HandyDART trips until they have successfully completed the necessary training, re-training, and competency re-assessment.
Customers who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
For customers who are deaf or hard of hearing and are unable to use a TeleTypeWriter, it is necessary to speak to a HandyDART booking agent in real time.
Public third-party communication services like Telus Relay Services and Canada VRS are available free of charge to assist you in speaking with HandyDART call centre agents.
Alternatively, you may delegate a representative to book rides on your behalf.
If you require additional assistance, you may send your inquiry via mail to:
Transdev Customer Service,
17535 55B Avenue
Surrey, BC
V3S 5V2
Preparing for Your Trip
The day before your trip you will receive an automated phone call to remind you of your upcoming trip. On the day of, you will receive a phone call shortly before your ride arrives. To help get you to your destination on time, please be ready 15 minutes before your scheduled pickup time.
Sometimes there can be unexpected delays, if your driver hasn't arrived 15 minutes after your scheduled time, please call us at 604.575.6600 (local) or 1.844.475.6600 and press the number three for "Where's My Ride" information.
We offer door-to-door service. For your safety, your HandyDART driver will escort you from the door at the start of your trip to the door at your destination. Please note, your HandyDART driver cannot take you past the front door of a building. If you need extra assistance beyond the accessible outside door, we encourage you to travel with an attendant.
Cancelling Your Trip
We understand that plans change, and you may need to cancel your trip.
To give other riders the opportunity to book a trip, we require a minimum of two hours’ notice if you need to cancel. Please let us know you won’t need your scheduled ride as soon as possible by calling the HandyDART Automated Trip Review & Cancellation Service at 604.575.6600 (local) or 1.844.475.6600 (toll-free).
More information about how to cancel your trip is available in the HandyDART Automated Trip Review & Cancellation Service brochure.
Learn more about cancelling your trips by reviewing HandyDART’s Cancellation Policy.
Additional Guidelines
Mobility Aids
Your mobility aid must be clean, in good working order, and adhere to the following dimension* and weight restrictions:
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Length: 122 cm (48 in.)
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Width: 94 cm (37 in.)
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Weight: 250 kg (550 lbs.)**
If the customer can safely ride up the lift independently, the combined weight of the customer and the mobility device must not exceed 360 kg (800 lbs).
Anyone with a mobility device exceeding these measurements may be refused transportation for the safety of customer and operator. If you have any concerns about your mobility device meeting these standards, please check with HandyDART Customer Service at 604.575.6600, option 5, prior to booking your trip.
Please note that we cannot accommodate lightweight transport wheelchairs as they cannot be properly and safely secured on HandyDART.
Transfer Chairs
Transfer chairs are designed for transferring people short distances over smooth surfaces, and mainly indoors. The main difference between a standard wheelchair and a transfer chair is that standard wheelchairs are designed with large wheels so that the user can self-propel, while transfer chairs have small wheels and are designed to be pushed from behind by someone else.
HandyDART does not allow customers to be seated on the transfer chair while on the HandyDART lift, vehicle, or to and from the vehicles. The construction of the transfer chair and wheel size do not allow for safe transportation while traveling with HandyDART. However, customers are able to request that their transfer chair accompany them on their journey. The transfer chair will be loaded separately and secured safely.
Animals on HandyDART
Guide and Service dogs certified by the British Columbia Guide and Service Dog Act are allowed on HandyDART vehicles at all times. They must be under the control of the handler. Please ensure you let us know if you are bringing your service animal with you upon booking your trip. Kindly note that you may be asked to produce your Guide or Service Dog Certificate.
Please keep in mind that pets are never allowed on HandyDART vehicles.
Inclement Weather
In situations where weather poses a safety concern (e.g., heavy snowfall), HandyDART may reduce the level of service delivery to Essential Service Only — providing transportation only for those attending renal dialysis appointments or cancer treatment.
All other booked rides in the area affected by the severe weather conditions will be automatically cancelled when Essential Service Only levels are invoked.
When HandyDART determines that a service area will be Essential Service Only on a day where you have a scheduled ride, you will receive an automated phone call letting you know your ride has been cancelled.
In the event of anticipated severe weather conditions, you can determine if HandyDART is operating at Essential Service Only levels by calling 604.575.6600 or by visiting TransLink Alerts.
Have Questions?
Visit the HandyDART FAQ page for more details about this service.
Contact Us
General Inquiries
For general questions about HandyDART, HandyCard, or the Access Transit program, call us at 604.953.3680 (Access Transit Customer Care)
Operating Hours
Monday to Saturday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. excluding holidays
Book a Trip
To book a HandyDART trip or to inquire about your trip, call the HandyDART Customer Call Centre at 604.575.6600 (local; select option '1') or 1.844.475.6600 (toll-free)
Operating Hours
Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on weekends and statutory holidays 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Compass Card Inquiries
For Compass-related questions, call Compass Customer Service at 604.398.2042 (local) or 1.888.207.4055 (toll-free)
Operating Hours
7 days a week 6:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
