Transportation Options for Older Adults and Disabled Riders
Within Montgomery County, there are several options for receiving transportation services. Two of the major services provided to older persons and the disabled are TransNet and SEPTA ParaTransit. A brief description of these two transportation services are listed below:
The Shared Ride Prgoram is a reduced fare transportation program. Rides are provided in sedans and vans operated by the various participating carriers throughout Montgomery County. The fare is based on zones and a rider must be willing to share the trip with other passengers.
Who is eligible for the Shared Ride Program?
Persons age 65 or older are entitled to receive these trips and pay only 15% of the reduced shared ride fares. There is also a limited program available for persons who are between the ages of 60 and 64 and reside within the county. Persons age 60-64 may receive eight local, one-way trips per month at 25% of the fare.
How do I register for the program?
If you feel you may be elgiible for the Shared Ride Program, you may call TransNet at (215) 542-RIDE (7433) or any senior center or office of Aging and Adult Services to obtain a registration form. You must mail the registration form to TransNet along with proof of age. You may send a copy of a birth or baptismal record, driver's license, PACE card or statement of age verification from the Social Security Administration as proof of age. (Do NOT send a copy of your Medicare card as proof of your age.) Once the registration is received and processed, you will receive personalized coupons which must be given to the drive each time you use the Shared Ride Program.
How do I arrange for my rides?
When you receive your coupons in the mail, you will be given the phone number for the carrier in your area. You must call that number 24 hours in advance to schedule each ride. If you will require special provisions, such as an escort or a wheelchair, please mark your registration card with an "E" for Escort or "W" for Wheelchair when you send your registration. You will then be given additional information to assist you.
(Part of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) Network)
What is SEPTA's ParaTransit Services?
ParaTransit is a door-to-door, ride-sharing transportation service provided to riders over age 65 who have pre-registered through SEPTA ParaTransit. This ADA service allows individuals who are unable to use fixed-route transportation due to their disability an option to receive transportation, with limited driver assistance, on a space available basis within suburban areas.
How Do I Register for the Program?
Contact SEPTA's Customized Community Transportation Department (CCTD) at 1234 Market Street, 4th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19107-3780 or phone the CCTD ParaTransit Customer Service Hotline at (215) 580-7145 or (215) 580-7712 (TTD). You may call to receive information and registration material in the mail, which will then need to be completed and submitted with proof of age to SEPTA prior to arranging for a ride through this program.
