Some Capital MetroAccess policies will be changing effective Nov. 1, 2009. The changes will address some customer concerns and also help the program operate more efficiently. The policy changes were adopted by the Capital Metro Board of Directors on Sept. 28.

Below is a summary of the changes:

• No-Show Policy. In addition to the $1.40 penalty charge for each no-show over four within a month, customers with four or more no-shows will be suspended from the service for four days.

• Advance Reservation Policy. Customers may schedule trips up to six days in advance.

• Pickup Window Policy. The pickup window will be expanded by 15 minutes. Customers will need to be ready to ride up to 15 minutes before and 15 minutes after the scheduled time of the ride.

• Operating Hours. The hours of the MetroAccess call center are changing to provide additional call agents during the busiest periods. The new hours are Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and on weekends, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

In conjunction with these changes, Capital Metro will be rolling out some new features in the near future. New online reservation and cancellation tools will allow customers to schedule and cancel trips 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Additionally, customers will be able to sign up to receive trip itineraries via email the day before their travel.