New Dispatch System

WOTA is getting a new dispatch system that should make scheduling easier for riders. This is a huge undertaking. We appreciate your patience with us as we are learning the system and training drivers and dispatchers alike. 

WOTA continues to work with local food banks Hospitality House, Open Door Outreach Center and Community Sharing to assist residents in our coverage areas. If you need transportation help, please contact your social worker at your food bank for more information.

Western Oakland Transportation Authority (WOTA) is a door-to-door, demand response public transportation service for resident 18 and older with priority given to seniors age 55+, disabled adults age 18+ and veterans of our service area. Regardless of your mobility, WOTA can take you where you need to go as all of our vehicles are lift-equipped.

WOTA is funded by the Oakland County Transit Millage passed by voters in November, 2022.

Oakland County Transit

Oakland County Transit

Residents wishing to schedule a ride can call WOTA at (248) 887-4979. All riders MUST complete WOTA registration forms. Visit the Application To Ride page for information. ALL riders must be registered, including all companions riders.

 

Announcements

Free Rides for Veterans!

In conjunction with Oakland County Veteran Services, WOTA is able to offer FREE rides in our service area to Veterans until August 31st.  This includes widows and dependents. If your ride takes you outside our service area, please call (248) 419-7984 to speak with a SMART customer service representative to arrange your FREE trip.

All riders must be registered and a copy of your DD Form 214 or driver's license with Veteran designation must be on file. Call our dispatch to schedule your appointments today.

We thank you for your service!

Sundays Hours for All!

Good news! Starting January 5th, WOTA will run Sundays for all communities.  You may schedule your Sunday trips right now for January.  Driving hours are 7:30 am to 3:30 pm. Rides are a first come, first serve basis. You may schedule up to 4 Sundays in advance but we ask that you cancel by Friday to avoid a no-show fee. We are excited to help you continue your journey on Sundays!

General Public

WOTA is now available to any adult resident of the communities we serve. That's right...any adult may schedule rides with WOTA. The cost is $4 per stop, appointments must be made 3 days in advance and you must be registered to ride.

Work, medical, shopping, whatever you need - WOTA can get you there! Register today to start riding.

Hours of Operation

Scheduling Hours:  8:00 am - 4:00 pm

Dispatcher: 7:00 am - 9:00 pm

 

Driving Hours:

Monday to Friday  6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Saturday    8:00 am - 4:00 pm

Sunday      7:30 am - 3:30 pm

 

WOTA Closures in 2025:

New Year's Day - January 1st

Presidents' Day - February 17th

Easter - April 20th

Memorial Day - May 26th

Independence Day - July 4th

Labor Day - September 1st

Veteran's Day - November 11th

Thanksgiving Day - November 27th

Christmas Eve Day - December 24th

Christmas Day - December 25th

New Year's Eve - December 31st

Please check here for closures or reduced services due to inclement weather, hazardous road and State of Emergency conditions. WOTA Closings can also be found on our Facebook page and by calling the office at (248) 887-4979.

WOTA does not automatically close when the area schools are closed.

 

Service Area

The service area includes over 500 square miles with the following boundaries:

NORTH - Northern Border of Highland & White Lake Townships, and Clarkston.

EAST - Pontiac, down to Orchard Lake Rd between 12 & 16 Mile and Hiller Rd to Telegraph between Pontiac Lake and Williams Lake Roads.

WEST - US 23 (Hartland) and Kensington Rd and the west edge of Milford Township.

SOUTH - Grand River Ave to 10 Mile & Haggerty.

Holly Area Residents:  Due to the rural nature of your area, WOTA will also take you into Fenton, Grand Blanc and some areas in Flint based on need in addition to the original travel area of WOTA. Please contact our dispatch for additional information.

To use the map, enter your destination or location in the "Search Map" bar to see if it falls in our defined territories.

WOTA is Here to get You There.

Eligibility Requirements

  1. Must be a resident of one of the following: Groveland, Highland, Holly, Rose, Waterford or White Lake Townships, Keego Harbor, Lake Angelus, Orchard Lake, Sylvan Lake, Village of Holly, or Walled Lake.
  2. Any adult 18 or older may ride WOTA. Senior adults, adults with disabilities, veteran or low income families qualify for a reduced fare. Companion riders must also be 18 but do not need to reside in the service area.
  3. Registration is required to use WOTA’s service and an application can be found on our Application to Ride tab. You must include proof of residency with your application and if you have a disability a professional verification form will also be required. For adults that do not qualify as senior, disabled or a veteran, you may qualify for a reduced fare if you are low income. If so, please complete this form.
    pdf
    Low Income Form 2023

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Cost

The Cost for Service

Adults 18+:  $4.00 per stop

Seniors and adults with disabilities:  $2.00 per stop.

Veterans (and family):  Free

Riders must have exact fare (our drivers do not carry change), check or pre-purchased punch card.  Punch cards are $20 for 10 one-way tickets plus, you receive 1 FREE ride!

Purchasing Punch Cards

Punch cards may be purchased by calling 248-887-4979, mailing a check to, or visiting the office at 250 W. Livingston Rd., Highland, MI 48357. Drivers also carry cards with them and accept check or exact cash amounts.

How to Reserve Your Spot

Hours for Scheduling a Ride:  Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

You must schedule rides at least 48 business hours in advance.

Voicemail is not available to schedule rides; you MUST speak to a Dispatcher.

When canceling, please call at least 2 hours in advance, or you will be charged $2.00 for a NO-SHOW. You can leave a message before or after hours.

For questions on the application process please call (248) 887-4979.

Work schedules can be sent in by email to: info@RideWOTA.org

Close-up of bus caution sign for railroad crossings.

PLEASE NOTE: WOTA WILL CLOSE OR REDUCE SERVICES TO MEDICAL AND WORK ONLY WHEN NECESSARY FOR INCLEMENT WEATHER OR DURING STATE OF EMERGENCY SAFETY CONDITIONS. PLEASE CHECK THE ANNOUNCEMENTS SECTION OR RECORDING FOR UPDATES

Board Meeting Schedule

Board meetings are monthly at our office or the Highland Township offices.

Check the About WOTA page for schedule updates and minutes.

All Board meetings are open to the public.

 

Office Address

WOTA Administrative Offices

250 W Livingston Road

Highland, MI 48357

(248) 887-4979

Admin Contacts

Kim Viener, Director
Amy Grzymkowski, Deputy Director
E-Mail: info@RideWOTA.org
Phone: (248) 887-4979

Ride with Pride

Ride with Pride is the 501(c)3 arm of WOTA.  Your donation to Ride with Pride may be tax deductible, please check with your tax specialist. Ride with Pride is committed to providing transportation to seniors and disabled adults in WOTA communities.

Check donations are accepted at the WOTA Offices or by our bus drivers.  Please make checks out to Ride With Pride.  A tax receipt will be mailed to you.

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