Persons with Disabilities

In Pennsylvania, individuals with disabilities have access to a wide range of alternative transportation options, including shared-ride services, paratransit and discount programs.

All fixed-route public transportation systems statewide offer accessible transportation that meets federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements for persons who travel within ¾ mile of a fixed-route. Also, individuals with disabilities, presenting a Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Reduced Transit Fare Identification Card or a Medicare Card at the time of fare payment, ride for half-fare on fixed-route transit service during non-peak periods in certain counties.

Rural Transportation Program for Persons with Disabilities (PwD)

For persons with disabilities who live and/or travel outside the fixed-route system, Pennsylvania offers the Persons with Disabilities (PwD) Program, which provides service beyond the ADA requirements. Through this program, persons with disabilities who are age 18 through 64 may receive reduced rates on shared-ride, curb to curb, advance reservation transportation services. In 65 counties, persons with disabilities pay a portion of the regular fare and the PwD program pays the remainder of the fare (up to 85 percent) for trips which are not eligible for any other funding source.

The PwD Program is not available in Allegheny and Philadelphia counties, since extensive fixed-route service in those counties enables persons with disabilities to travel on ADA-complementary service.

Persons wishing to benefit from the PwD Program must provide proof of disability. Prior-day advance registration is required and service is open to the public.. To see which providers offer this service in your area, check the PennDOT Service Map.

Welfare to Work Program

Pennsylvania also 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.

To see which providers offer this program in your area, check the PennDOT Service Map.