SunDial Paratransit Service
For the safety of our employees and passengers, customers experiencing symptoms of illness should NOT use SunDial to travel to healthcare appointments. If you are ill, please contact your healthcare provider to arrange alternative transportation that does not involve public transit.
What is SunDial?
SunDial is a shared, origin-to-destination paratransit service designed for individuals whose disabilities functionally prevent them from independently using the SunBus fixed-route system. Eligibility is determined based on how a disability impacts a person’s ability to safely and independently use the fixed-route service.
All SunLine buses are equipped with ADA-accessible features, including:
- Low-floor buses
- Lifts/ramps
- Audio announcements
- Designated priority seating areas for people with disabilities
- Enhanced signage
- Kneeling buses
- Handrails
Concerns such as diagnosis, age, distance to a bus stop, lack of bus service, overcrowded buses, inability to drive, personal finances, inconvenience, and/or discomfort are not the sole basis for determining eligibility for SunDial service.
Eligibility may be granted either permanently or on a temporary basis, depending on the individual’s functional abilities and travel limitations.
SunDial is provided in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and is an origin-to-destination, shared ride, advanced reservation public transit service.
Service Boundaries:
- SunDial operates within ¾ of a mile on either side of a SunBus local fixed route.
- Service is available only during the same times, days, and frequency as the local fixed-route service.
- SunDial does not serve areas covered by SunLine’s 10 Commuter Link (service from Indio to San Bernardino).
SunDial Ride Guidelines
- The SunDial Operator will pick you up at the curb of a public street, where it is safe to do so, near your designated location.
- Door-to-door service is available for riders requiring additional assistance and must be requested when making a reservation.
- Operators will wait no more than five minutes at the pickup location.
- Private driveways cannot be entered by SunDial operators.
- Rides are shared with other passengers; expect additional pickups and drop-offs during your trip.
- Cancellations must be made at least two hours before the scheduled pickup time to avoid penalties.
- Failure to cancel or be present at the pickup location will be considered a no-show, which may result in service suspension.
- SunLine reserves the right to suspend service for any passenger.
Fare Information
Below are two versions of the SunDial Application, a printable PDF version and a Web Version that can be completed directly online (please fill out one of the versions only):
(PDF Print Version)
(Web Version)
Who Can Ride SunDial?
Eligibility Criteria: Individuals with physical, cognitive, emotional, or visual disabilities preventing them from using the SunBus fixed-route services may qualify for SunDial.
To Ride SunDial:
- Passengers must complete an eligibility process and obtain a SunDial Paratransit ID Card.
- Visitors to the Coachella Valley may receive a temporary 21-day pass by providing disability certification from another transit agency in advance.
Replacement Card Information:
To request a replacement, call Customer Service at 760-343-3451.
Important Note:
Notify us immediately if your address changes. Updates may take 7–14 days to process. Also, inform us if your disability changes or if you no longer need the SunDial Paratransit Service. For assistance, call Customer Service at 760-343-3451, Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
For Your Safety
Federal and state laws require all SunDial clients to use seatbelt and shoulder harness devices while being transported on all vehicles . The operator will ensure that all passengers are secured prior to transporting and will assist with securing and removing of these devices . Please pay exact fare . The operator does not carry change and no refunds will be issued . For more information call, 760-343-3451
Companions & Personal Care Attendants (PCA)
- Travel on SunDial is subject to space availability; inform the Reservationist if more than one person is traveling.
- Clients may bring one (1) companion and one (1) Personal Care Attendant (PCA).
- PCAs ride free of charge if pre-approved in the ADA certification process.
- Companions must pay the applicable fare.
- Additional companions may ride if space permits.
- Children under 5 that are traveling as a SunDial client must be accompanied by an adult.
- Children under 4 ride free when traveling with an eligible client.
- Parents/companions are responsible for securing children in child safety seats as required by California law.
- SunDial does not provide child safety seats.
Service Animals and Pets
- Service animals are permitted; always inform the Reservationist when booking your ride.
- Non-service animals must be in a secured cage or container and must not pose a safety risk.
Reservation Policy
To book a ride, call SunDial Reservations at 760-343-4231
- Hours: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., seven days a week
Be prepared to provide:
- Client’s Full name (first and last name)
- Client’s SunDial Paratransit ID Card number
- Client’s Home address & phone number
- Client’s exact pickup & drop-off locations
- Client’s requested pickup time
- Client’s mobility device type (if applicable)
- Number of companions/PCA traveling with the SunDial client
Important:
- Once reservation has been made, request a confirmation number and the Reservationist’s name.
- Do not hang up if placed on hold—calls are answered in the order received.
For more information, view SunDial Paratransit FAQs here or call 760-343-3451.