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
200 West Washington St.
Rochester, PA 15074
(724) 728-8600
BCTA.com
DART
Demand and Response Transit (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 DART 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 DART system, and is valid on all transit systems in Pennsylvania, so it can be used when visiting Pittsburgh or traveling across the state.
Accessibility
For our valued customers with disabilities, as well as seniors with limited mobility, BCTA offers a wide range of accommodations to make travel more convenient, safe and comfortable. The following is an overview of these accommodations.
- 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 special program offers transportation or mileage reimbursement to help clients access medical care or other services from Medical Assistance providers. We are required to provide you with the least-costly, most appropriate transportation service available that will meet your needs.
MATP services can be used for medical appointments or most other services paid for by Medical Assistance. These other medical services include therapies, tests, dental visits, trips to the pharmacy to pick up prescriptions, mental health treatment, drug and alcohol addiction treatment, and trips to medical equipment suppliers.
A client cannot use MATP:
- for emergency or ambulance transportation.
- for non-medical trips such as shopping and social activities.
- to obtain medical care that is 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.
American Kidney Fund
(800) 638-8299
kidneyfund.org
Offered to needy dialysis and kidney transplant patients nationwide. Grants are provided for treatment-specific expenses such as transportation.
Access-Able Travel Source
access-able.com
This website provides information and resources for travelers with disabilities, the mature travel. Disability magazines, access guides, wheelchair travel, scooter rental, accessible transportation, world destinations, lists of travel professionals, links and tips for the traveler with disabilities.
Mobility Works
(877) 275-4915
mobilityworks.com
Rents and sells both full-size and lowered floor minivans through a national owner-operated dealer network.
Handicap Parking
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
1101 South Front St.
Harrisburg, PA 17104
(800) 932-4600
dmv.state.pa.us
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 Registration Motor Vehicle Registration
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
1101 South Front St.
Harrisburg, PA 17113
(800) 932-4600
dmv.state.pa.us
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.