How to apply for Senior and disability transportation (River Valley Transit) — Middlesex

Who it's for

Connecticut has no county government, so transit service depends on the town. River Valley Transit (RVT, the Estuary Transit District, formed in 2022 from Middletown Area Transit and 9 Town Transit) runs buses and Dial-A-Ride. Dial-A-Ride is a curb-to-curb shared ride open to the general public with no application, in Chester, Clinton, Deep River, Durham, Essex, East Haddam, East Hampton, Haddam, Killingworth, Middlefield, Middletown, Portland, Old Saybrook and Westbrook (plus Lyme and Old Lyme), Monday through Friday 6:30 AM to 4:30 PM; call 860-510-0429. The Dial-A-Ride fare is $3.50 one way; seniors 60+ who live in those towns can pre-register to ride for a $1.75 donation (subject to funding). On RVT buses the regular fare is $1.75 and the senior/disabled fare is $0.85 for people 65 or older or with a disability who show a Medicare card or a statewide reduced fare ID. RVT ADA Paratransit ($3.50 a ride) serves people whose disability keeps them from using the bus, within 3/4 mile of bus routes; apply at ctada.com or call 860-510-0429 ext. 104. RVT's Taxi Voucher Program matches what seniors 60+ and people with disabilities pay for taxi rides 100%, up to $5,000 a year. Cromwell is not on the RVT Dial-A-Ride list; the Greater Hartford Transit District's ADA Paratransit covers parts of Cromwell and Middletown within 3/4 mile of fixed bus routes (call 860-247-5329).

What you'll need

• None to ride Dial-A-Ride; ADA paratransit needs an approved application

Where to apply

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Senior and disability transportation (River Valley Transit) — Middlesex. 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 none to ride Dial-A-Ride; ADA paratransit needs an approved application — 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