Frequently Asked Questions

What is paratransit or shared ride services?

The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that public transit be accessible to passengers with disabilities.  Paratransit often works in conjunction with fixed routes to make it possible for all passengers to use an area's public transportation system. Vans or mini-buses are typically used to provide shared-ride paratransit services. Some systems pick up passengers along a given route, while other systems offer on-demand call-up curb-to-curb service from any origin to any destination in a service area. Paratransit services are operated by public transit agencies, community groups or not-for-profit corporations, and for-profit private companies or operators.

What types of paratransit/shared ride services are available in Pennsylvania?

Public transportation agencies across the state offer paratransit services for persons with disabilities.  Contact a public transportation provider in your area to find more about their paratransit services.  In addition, persons with disabilities who do not have access to fixed-route/ADA-complementary paratransit service can use the PwD Program.

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What is the Shared Ride Program for Seniors and Persons with Disabilities?

For older Pennsylvanians, the Shared-Ride Program enables senior citizens 65 years of age and older to use shared-ride, demand-responsive (normally curb to curb) services and pay only a small portion of the regular shared-ride fare. Senior citizens or an approved third-party sponsor pay 15 percent of the fare and the Lottery Fund pays the remaining 85 percent on local shared-ride transportation service.  The Shared-Ride Program discount is available in every county of the Commonwealth during public transportation shared-ride service hours, which are determined locally.  Public shared ride service is available in every county of the commonwealth.

To qualify for the reduced fare, seniors must be at least 65 years of age and be able to supply one of the eligible proofs of age to the local Shared-Ride provider in their county.  Prior-day advance registration is required and service is open to the public.

What discount programs are available for persons with disabilities?

The Persons with Disabilities Half-Fare Program allows individuals with disabilities to ride for half-fare on fixed-route transit service during non-peak periods. Many public transportation providers also often discount programs for the disabled. Learn more.

Are there transportation discount programs available to assist low income families and individuals?

Pennsylvania offers the Welfare to Work (W2W) Program, a transportation assistance program that connects recipients of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and other low-income persons with access to jobs and to child-care services that are often located in suburban areas with minimal public transportation.