Access-A-Ride Application Process

About Access A Ride

Access-A-Ride (AAR) is a city of Lethbridge service for people who are unable to use the regular public transit service with safety and dignity. AAR is a shared-ride public transportation service that operates within the City of Lethbridge, it is not a direct ride service. Service is provided on an "accessible door to door" basis, providing a safe and secure trip from origin to destination.

Booking and scheduling decisions are made to optimize our services for as many customers as we possibly service. The costs of our services are slightly offset by fares collected from our clients, the remaining operating deficit is funded by the City of Lethbridge.

Who is Lifemark?

Lifemark is the City of Lethbridge Transit’s chosen service provider who is responsible for:

1. Receiving and reviewing all Access-A-Ride applications; including the accompanying medical information from a Physician, Occupational Therapist and/or Physical Therapist
2. Booking a functional/cognitive assessment with a qualified Occupational Therapist and/or Kinesilogist to assist in the decision making process
3. Make a recommendation regarding eligibility to the City of Lethbridge Transit Access-A-Ride program

Lifemark is one of Canada’s largest Canadian-owned health management companies and has experience in providing these types of services to other municipalities across Canada. Their mission is to deliver the highest standard in medical, rehabilitative, disability/claim management, education and wellness services.

Lifemark is a leader in the employer services health care field across Canada. In Alberta, they have over 30 clinics and several specializing in Employer Services. The majority of their clinics are authorized WCB service providers, preferred providers for insurance companies, and provide medical and rehabilitation services to the general population through Alberta Health Services.

What can you expect of Lifemark?

• Confirmation of receipt of your application within 1 business day
• Contact to schedule an assessment within 2 to 3 business days
• Scheduling of the assessment within 14 business days of referral

Application & Eligibility

Eligible clients must register before they can begin booking trips on ACCESS-A-Ride. The registration is in two parts:

1. An application form must be completed
2. A medical assessment must be completed by a qualified health practitioner.

There is no registration fee, but you must meet the eligibility requirements and you are responsible for any charges incurred at your healthcare practitioners office if they do charge to fill out your registration form.

See Application form download menu item on the left. Please:

1. Download the fillable PDF file to your computer.
2. Ensure the form is filled out legibly, completed in full and signed by a qualified health care practitioner.
3. Scan and upload the documents into the Secure Document Upload located here. The documentation will go directly to Lifemark Health and this upload is a secure web based portal that meets Privacy and Health Information Regulations for the electronic transfer of medical data.

If you do not wish to upload the application form and medical documentation you can:

1. Drop Off the Forms In Person to Lifemark Reception OR
2. Mail to:
   Lifemark Physiotherapy Mayor Magrath
   #103, 1410 May Magrath Drive South
   Lethbridge, AB
   T1K 2R3

What can you expect of City of Lethbridge Transit Access-A-Ride?

Notification of Eligibility Status within 10 to 15 business days following the completion of the assessment by Lifemark Health as follows:

• Unconditional
• Conditional (State Condition)
  • During winter months when snow and ice would impact balance and mobility
  • Should receive service then be reassessed at 3 months
  • Should receive service then be reassessed at 6 months
  • Should receive service then be reassessed at 1 year
  • Other. Specify condition and duration:
    • Temporary (State Duration):
    • In-Eligible for Access-A-Ride

Once a decision is made, a letter will be mailed to the applicant. If approved, a registration number will be issued and included in the letter. If declined, the reasons outlining the decision will be provided in the letter.

If your registration is denied by ACCESS-A-Ride, you may appeal this decision Lifemark Health by putting your request in writing uploading your request through the Lifemark Application Portal. Please ensure to include additional medical to support your appeal. Lifemark will acknowledge receipt of appeal within 1 business day and review your request within 5 business days. Lifemark will issue a letter to the City of Lethbridge Access-A-Ride Transit. City of Lethbridge will advise you of the appeal decision. If you wish to appeal again, your appeal will be reviewed by the Administrative Transit Appeal Panel. To request a formal review, please send a letter to the:

Chairman of the Accessible Advocacy Committee
619 - 4 Ave N
Lethbridge, AB T1H 0K4

How long is the Access-A-Ride Assessment at Lifemark?

• The assessment will take up to 1 hour
• You can bring an aide / attendant with you. They may be asked to participate in part of the assessment or they may be asked to wait in the waiting room
• Appointments wll be scheduled Monday to Friday between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm; excluding statutory holidays

What if I need to reschedule my Access-A-Ride Assessment at Lifemark?

Please email accessaride@lifemark.ca and a Client Services Coordinator will contact you via phone or email to reschedule.

Application Form