A variety of transportation options for older adults are available in Beaver County, including the Reduced Fare Program, MATP (Medical Assistance Transportation Program) and the Free Senior Transit Program.
Beaver County Transit Authority (BCTA)
200 West Washington St.
Rochester, PA 15074
(724) 728-8600
BCTA.com
BCTA Shared
BCTA Shared (formerly DART) service is a door-to-door advanced reservation, shared-ride system of the Beaver County Transit Authority (BCTA). It is operated in both urban and rural areas of Beaver County. Service is available to persons who do not live within 1/4-3/4 mile of regular BCTA fixed route buses, and to persons with specialized transportation needs.
Reduced Fare Program
Customers having a disability that meets the definition established by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) can ride BCTA fixed route services at half fare, rounded to the lower nickel! This program is also in effect all day, every day.
To become eligible, a customer must fill out a brief application and have their disability verified in writing by their doctor or other designated medical service provider. The completed application is then presented at the Rochester Transportation Center, where the customer receives a reduced fare identification card. This identification card can be displayed to the driver upon boarding to take advantage of this program.
As with the free senior transit program, this card can also be used to receive reduced fare transportation on BCTA’s Shared system, and is valid on all transit systems in Pennsylvania, so it can be used when visiting Pittsburgh or traveling across the state.
Customers with temporary disabilities can still be eligible for this program; however, they will be issued an identification card that expires on a predetermined date.
Free Senior Transit Program
Persons aged 65 and older can ride free on BCTA fixed route services all day, every day. To become eligible, a customer must present proof of age and fill out a brief application at the Rochester Transportation Center. Once eligibility is established, the customer receives a free senior transit identification card that can be displayed to the driver upon boarding to take advantage of this program.
This card can also be used to receive reduced fare transportation on BCTA’s BCTA Shared system, and is valid on all transit systems in Pennsylvania, so it can be used when visiting Pittsburgh or traveling across the state.
BCTA offers a wide range of accommodations to make travel more convenient, safe and comfortable for seniors with limited mobility and riders with disabilities, including:
- Lift-equipped vehicles
- Kneeling and low-floor vehicles
- Passenger assistance
- Designated seats for seniors and the mobility-impaired
- Armband program for the visually impaired
- Stop announcements
- Telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD)
- Materials in alternative formats
Medical Assistance Transportation Program (MATP)
MATP provides non-emergency medical transportation to residents of Beaver County who hold a valid Pennsylvania Medical Assistance (MA) card. In Beaver County, the Beaver County Transit Authority administers the MATP Program. The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services funds
the program.
This program offers transportation or mileage reimbursement that helps riders access medical care and other services from Medical Assistance providers. MATP is required to provide riders with the least costly and most appropriate transportation service available to meet their needs.
MATP services can be used for medical appointments and most other services paid for by Medical Assistance—such as tests, therapies, pharmacy trips to pick up prescriptions, mental health treatment, drug and alcohol counseling and trips to medical equipment suppliers.
MATP cannot be used for emergency or ambulance transportation, non-medical trips like shopping and social activities, or to obtain medical care not covered by Medical Assistance.
Who is eligible for MATP?
Beaver County residents holding a valid Pennsylvania Medical Assistance (MA) card may be eligible for MATP services.
What transportation services does MATP provide?
Depending on your origin and destination, your specific needs, and the costs involved, MATP can provide transportation in one of the following ways:
- Public fixed route bus
- Shared-ride, lift-equipped vehicles
- Mileage reimbursement
AARP Driver Safety Program
(888) 227-7669
aarp.org
The AARP Driver Safety Program is the the nation’s first and largest classroom refresher course for drivers ages 50 and older. The eight-hour course is designed to help update driving skills and knowledge of the rules of the road, learn about normal age-related physical changes and how they impact driving, and obtain an insurance discount. To learn more and to locate classes in your area, visit the above website and type “Driver Safety Program” in the search box.
A Guide to Talking With Older Drivers
The Pennsylvania Department of Motor Vehicles has a very useful booklet called Helping Older Drivers Stay Safe: A Guide for Family and Friends that helps family members and friends know when and how to get involved in an older person’s decision on whether to continue or modify their driving. The booklet can be downloaded online. Go to dmv.pa.gov/Driver-Services/Mature-Drivers/Pages/default.aspx.
American Kidney Fund
(800) 638-8299
kidneyfund.org
As part of AKF‘s Safety Net Grant Program, grants are offered to needy dialysis and kidney transplant patients for treatment-specific (reimbursed) expenses such as transportation to reach dialysis, over-the-counter medicines, copayments, and other needs. Grants are limited to travel necessitated by death or serious illness in the family or for the purpose of kidney transplant workup only. Safety Net Grant accepts only online applications from its website, above.
Mobility Works
(877) 275-4907
mobilityworks.com
Rents and sells new and used handicap vans with wheelchair ramps or lifts designed to accommodate special needs. Visit this website for a list of national owner-operated dealerships that participate in this network.
Handicap Parking
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
1101 South Front St.
Harrisburg, PA 17104
(800) 932-4600
dmv.pa.gov
Special parking placards and license plates are available for those with disabilities. To apply for a placard and/or license plate, the forms must be filled out by a physician and notarized. There is no fee for the placard. However, there is a $11 charge for the special license plate. Forms can be obtained by calling PennDOT’s customer call center or can be downloaded from the website.
Retired Status Motor Vehicle Registration
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
1101 South Front St.
Harrisburg, PA 17104
(800) 932-4600
dmv.pa.gov
Eligible applicants, regardless of age, must be retired and receiving Social Security, SSI payments, retirement benefits or other pensions and annuities. The total income from all sources named above must not exceed $19,200. To be eligible for the retired status processing fee, the vehicle must be titled and registered in the person’s name that meets the above qualifications. If the vehicle is registered jointly to two people, at least one of the registrants must meet the requirements above. Only one vehicle per person may be registered for the $10 processing fee. Forms are available at notaries, tag agencies and dealerships, by calling PennDOT’s customer call center or online.
Seniors For Safe Driving
(724) 283-0245 or (800) 559-4880
seniorsforsafedriving.com
This driver improvement program is designed especially for seniors. It allows drivers a chance to refresh their driving techniques, develop positive driving attitudes and regain lost confidence. There is no written exam or behind-the-wheel test. A nominal tuition fee is charged. Call for class locations, dates and times. You can also register for a class online at the above website.
Pennsylvania Yellow Dot Program
penndot.gov/TravelinPA/Pages/Yellow-Dot.aspx
Yellow Dot assists those who have been in a traffic accident and aren’t able to communicate their emergency care needs by themselves. Participants complete a personal information form, which includes their name and photo, contact information, emergency contact information, medical history and medications, allergies and their doctors’ names. The form is kept in the person’s glove compartment. A yellow dot is placed in the vehicle’s rear window to alert first responders to check the glove compartment for vital information to ensure the individuals receive the medical attention they need. The program is a cooperative effort among the Pennsylvania Departments of Transportation, Health and Aging, Pennsylvania State Police, Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, first responders and local law enforcement.