Benefits · Transportation

How to apply for BARTA (Berks Area Regional Transportation Authority, part of South Central Transit Authority SCTA) (Berks County)

Berks County / regional transit operator — BARTA (Berks Area Regional Transportation Authority) operates fixed-route bus across Reading metro + Berks County. Part of South Central Transit Authority (SCTA) since 2018 merger with Red Rose Transit Authority (Lancaster) — SCTA now spans Berks + Lancaster. PA Senior Free Transit Program FREE for age 65+ on fixed-route. Shared Ride for medical and essential trips.

Who it's for

BARTA (Berks Area Regional Transportation Authority, part of South Central Transit Authority SCTA) covers Berks County. BARTA (Berks Area Regional Transportation Authority) operates fixed-route bus across Reading metro + Berks County. Part of South Central Transit Authority (SCTA) since 2018 merger with Red Rose Transit Authority (Lancaster) — SCTA now spans Berks + Lancaster. PA Senior Free Transit Program FREE for age 65+ on fixed-route. Shared Ride for medical and essential trips.. PA Senior Shared Ride program — funded by PA Lottery, age 65+ pays $1-3 per essential trip. Apply for senior fare through the local transit authority or Berks AAA at 610-478-6500.

Berks: PA Senior Free Transit + Senior Shared Ride. BARTA part of SCTA (Berks+Lancaster); STS Schuylkill-only.

What you'll need

Proof of Berks County / PA residency
Proof of age 65+ (PA Senior Citizen Transit ID OR PennDOT ID)
For paratransit: ADA-eligibility certification

Where to apply

Apply online: official application

By phone: 610-921-0601

Renewals

Senior ID is permanent

Official source →Last verified · June 10, 2026

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Not legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.