How to apply for Franklin County Transit — Big Bend Transit + Arc on the Gulf + ECCC Senior Transportation

Who it's for

Franklin County has the same layered three-source transit ecosystem as its coastal Panhandle neighbor Gulf County. (1) Big Bend Transit operates regional paratransit serving Franklin AND Gulf Counties — providing TD-program paratransit for individuals with disabilities, Medicaid non-emergency medical transportation, and general public transportation for medical appointments, work, and grocery store trips. (2) Arc on the Gulf is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit offering Rides for Public to any resident of Franklin or Gulf County — phone 850-229-6550. (3) Elder Care Community Council (ECCC) of Franklin County provides supplemental senior transportation coordinated with its hot lunch program at Holy Family Senior Center. Franklin County does NOT operate a fixed-route bus system — all options are demand-response paratransit. Eligibility for the TD-program-funded pathway uses the Florida TD framework: age 60+ OR documented disability OR low-income transportation-disadvantaged status. Trip purposes include non-emergency medical (commonly to George E. Weems Memorial Hospital in Apalachicola), shopping, work, and other daily needs. Advance reservations are required for all services. Distinctive geography: Franklin spans Apalachicola, Eastpoint, St. George Island, and Carrabelle — coastal communities with longer cross-county trip distances than typical small FL counties.

What you'll need

• Proof of age 60+ OR documented disability OR low-income TD eligibility (Medicare card, Florida ID, physician note, income documentation)
• Proof of Franklin County residency (utility bill, lease, or government correspondence)
• For TD-program paratransit (Big Bend Transit): completed TD eligibility application
• For Arc on the Gulf: registration with the nonprofit
• Advance reservation (typically 24-48 hours)

Where to apply

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Franklin County Transit — Big Bend Transit + Arc on the Gulf + ECCC Senior Transportation. 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 proof of age 60+ OR documented disability OR low-income TD eligibility (Medicare card, Florida ID, physician note, income documentation), proof of Franklin County residency (utility bill, lease, or government correspondence), for TD-program paratransit (Big Bend Transit): completed TD eligibility 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

periodic re-registration; rides scheduled per trip with advance booking