Benefits · Transportation
How to apply for Key West Transit + Lower Keys Shuttle — Free Senior Fares + Paratransit (Monroe County)
Key West Transit (KWT) + Lower Keys Shuttle (LKS) — operated by the City of Key West for public transportation within the City of Key West and along U.S. 1 through the Lower Keys to Marathon; senior fare program for ages 60+ with City ID; supplemented by Monroe County paratransit
Who it's for
Key West Transit (KWT) is the public transportation system serving the City of Key West, operated by the City of Key West. The Lower Keys Shuttle (LKS) — also operated by the City of Key West — extends bus service along U.S. 1 between Key West and Marathon, covering the Lower Keys and Middle Keys. Seniors age 60+ who live in the City of Key West ride the CITY routes FOR FREE with a Key West senior ID — this is the most generous senior transit benefit modeled in the FL catalog. Note: the City-resident free fare does NOT apply to Lower Keys Shuttle. However, on the SECOND SATURDAY of each month, seniors ride FREE on BOTH the City routes AND the Lower Keys Shuttle — a distinctive monthly benefit. Standard fare options include One Day, 7 Day, and 31 Day Passes, Reduced Fares for seniors, Stored Value Passes that don't expire, and a 1 Day Super Pass (combines KWT + LKS). A Reduced Fare ID Card is available for $5. For non-City-of-Key-West residents in unincorporated Monroe County or in Marathon/Upper Keys, separate paratransit and transportation options are coordinated through Monroe County Social Services. The Keys' linear geography (U.S. 1 connects every island over ~110 miles) means transit is the only practical public mobility option for seniors who can no longer drive.
The Key West Transit / Lower Keys Shuttle senior benefit structure has TWO tiers: (1) Key West CITY residents age 60+ ride City routes FREE all the time; (2) ALL seniors age 60+ in Monroe County (regardless of residency) ride free on BOTH KWT and LKS on the 2nd Saturday of each month. The free-City-routes benefit is the most generous senior transit benefit modeled in the FL catalog — peer counties' senior fares are reduced (typically 50% off), not free. Seniors who live in the Middle Keys (Marathon) or Upper Keys (Tavernier, Key Largo) outside Key West city limits do NOT qualify for free City fares but still get reduced fares plus the 2nd-Saturday benefit. The Keys' unique linear geography over ~110 miles of U.S. 1 means LKS is the only public transit connection between communities — privately operated jitneys and shuttles fill gaps for non-LKS-route trips. For paratransit beyond fixed-route service, Monroe County Social Services coordinates separately.
What you'll need
- For free City-of-Key-West senior fare: proof of age 60+ AND proof of City of Key West residency (Florida driver's license with City address, or Key West city ID)
- For Reduced Fare ID Card ($5): proof of age 60+ (Florida driver's license, Florida ID, Medicare card, or birth certificate)
- For 2nd-Saturday free fares: proof of age 60+ (no City residency required for this benefit)
- For County paratransit: separate enrollment via Monroe County Social Services (1100 Simonton St Suite 1-190, Key West)
- Advance reservation for paratransit
Where to apply
Apply online: official application
By phone: 305-809-3910
Renewals
ongoing; senior ID renewal periodic
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Find my benefitsNot legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.