How to apply for Senior half fare, dial-a-ride and ADA paratransit (GBT, Norwalk Transit, HART, CTtransit) — Fairfield
Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) and regional transit districts
Who it's for
People 65 and older, and people with a qualifying disability, can ride for a reduced fare at any time on CTtransit and the other state-funded bus systems. Show your Medicare card to the driver when you board; local bus systems must accept it for a half fare. You can also apply for a CTDOT Reduced Fare Transit Photo ID card. Senior reduced fares also apply to one-way Metro-North New Haven Line and Danbury and New Canaan Branch train tickets. Bus systems in Fairfield County: Greater Bridgeport Transit (GBT) gives half fare to riders 65 and older who show a Medicare card or a Connecticut Elderly or Disabled card (203-333-3031). GBT Access is the ADA paratransit service for riders who cannot use the city bus, mostly in Bridgeport and parts of Fairfield, Stratford and Trumbull; call 203-366-7070 ext. 131. Norwalk Transit District (Wheels buses) gives riders 65 and older 50% off and runs ADA paratransit in Norwalk, Stamford and Westport and near CTtransit bus routes in Greenwich and Darien (203-299-5180), plus a Westport Elderly & Disabled service (203-852-0000). In the Danbury area, HARTransit's SweetHART program gives seniors 65 and older half fare on CityBus and door-to-door Dial-a-Ride in Danbury, Bethel, Brookfield, New Fairfield, Newtown and Ridgefield, and SweetHART ADA paratransit in Danbury, Bethel and Brookfield (203-744-4070). You must apply first for GBT Access, Norwalk Transit door-to-door service and SweetHART. In Shelton, Valley Transit District provides ADA paratransit Monday through Saturday (203-735-6408).
Each transit district sets its own service area, hours and paratransit eligibility; ADA paratransit is only for people whose disability prevents them from using the regular bus.
People who qualify for one senior program often qualify for others. See everything you may qualify for — free, no SSN, about five minutes.
Find my benefitsWhat you'll need
- Medicare card or CTDOT Reduced Fare Transit Photo ID to ride at half fare
- For SweetHART: application plus a copy of an ID with your name and date of birth
- For ADA paratransit: an application and an eligibility assessment
Where to apply
Apply online: official application
By phone: 1-203-366-7070 ext. 131
What to say when you call
"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Senior half fare, dial-a-ride and ADA paratransit (GBT, Norwalk Transit, HART, CTtransit) — Fairfield. I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need medicare card or CTDOT Reduced Fare Transit Photo ID to ride at half fare, for SweetHART: application plus a copy of an ID with your name and date of birth, for ADA paratransit: an application and an eligibility assessment — is anything else required? What is the best next step?"
Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.
Renewals
none
Not sure if you qualify? Run a free check first.
Find my benefitsNot legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.