Charter & Special Event Services – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Charter and special event services may be available — but only under specific circumstances. We follow strict federal rules and work with private companies to ensure fairness. Our goal is to provide clear, consistent, and transparent service to all.

Can I request a bus for a private group or special event?

In some cases, yes. While our primary mission is to provide public transit, we may be able to provide transportation for certain types of charter or special event requests — depending on federal rules and LTD’s capacity to provide this service.

What is a charter service?

Charter service is when a transit vehicle is reserved for a private group or event — like transporting a school group, senior center, or attendees to a festival — outside of our regular routes and schedules.

Why can’t you always offer this kind of service?

We follow rules from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) that limit when publicly funded buses can be used for private or special trips. These rules help ensure that public transit doesn’t compete unfairly with private charter companies.

What types of events or groups might qualify?

• The service is requested by a qualified nonprofit or human services agency (e.g., for seniors, low-income riders, or people with disabilities).
• There are no available private companies able to provide the service.
• The service is for official government business, or a major public event of regional or national importance (with advance federal approval).

Each request is reviewed individually based on federal guidelines.

How do I submit a request?

To request a charter or special event service:

1. Complete our Charter Request Form (available online or at our offices).
2. Submit the form at least 45 days before your event.
3. We will notify local private charter providers to see if they can accommodate the request.
4. If no providers are available — and the request qualifies — we may be able to help.

What happens after I submit my request?

Here’s what we do:

1. Review your request and determine if it meets federal rules.
2. Evaluate LTD’s capacity to provide the requested service.
3. Notify registered private charter companies and wait for their response.
4. If no private company offers the service, and the request qualifies, we may provide it.
5. We’ll contact you to confirm whether we can assist — and outline any costs or requirements.

How much will it cost?

If your request is approved, we will provide a cost estimate based on the service needed. Charter services are not subsidized — costs are calculated based on the current cost per service hour.

What if a private company wants to offer the service instead?

If a private company steps forward and agrees to provide the trip, we are not allowed to offer the service ourselves. The FTA requires us to give private providers the first opportunity.

Where can I get more help or information?

You can reach our Charter Services team by email at LTD@LTD.org or by calling 541-687-5555.

For questions about federal rules, contact the FTA Charter Service Ombudsman:
? ombudsman.charterservice@dot.gov

Where can I find the Charter Request Form?

Click here to download the form and follow the instructions on the form to submit your request.