How to apply for RTS (Regional Transit System) — FREE Fare for Riders 65+ + ADA Paratransit (RTS Plus) in Florida
Regional Transit System (RTS) — public transit system operated by the City of Gainesville; serves Alachua County with fixed-route bus + UF campus circulators; FREE fare for riders age 65+ with RTS photo ID card; ADA paratransit is the RTS Plus service at $3/trip, with ADA certification through the Center for Independent Living (352-378-7474); RTS Admin Building at 34 SE 13th Road, Gainesville
Who it's for
RTS (Regional Transit System) is Alachua County's public transit system, operated by the City of Gainesville. RTS operates extensive fixed-route bus service across Gainesville, the University of Florida campus, and surrounding Alachua County communities. DISTINCTIVE: RTS offers a 'Age-Based Fare Free Transit Program' allowing riders 65 and older to ride RTS FREE — no fare at all, just an RTS photo ID card. Riders apply for the ID card (available as a digital card online or a physical card at RTS headquarters at 34 SE 13th Road in Gainesville). Beginning March 31, 2025, every passenger must either pay the fare or show a valid pass, so the 65+ free fare requires the RTS pass for boarding (no longer just verbal age verification). RTS also operates complementary door-to-door ADA paratransit service in lift-equipped vehicles for riders who are ADA-paratransit-certified and unable to use fixed-route service — paratransit rides are $3 per trip. Paratransit is the RTS Plus service; ADA certification is handled by the Center for Independent Living (ADA paratransit coordinator: 352-378-7474), and rides are booked by calling (352) 393-RIDE (7433). RTS general customer service: 352-334-2600.
The 65+ FREE fare program is genuinely free — no cost at all for the bus rides, only the one-time process of obtaining the RTS photo ID card. This is among the most generous senior transit benefits modeled in the FL catalog. Beginning March 31, 2025, all passengers must either pay the fare or show a valid pass — so 65+ riders need the RTS pass; verbal age verification is not enough. Apply for the digital card online at go-rts.com or visit the RTS Admin Building for a physical card. The age threshold is 65 (not the Florida-standard 60 used by most TD programs), so seniors aged 60-64 don't get free RTS fare but may qualify for RTS Plus ADA paratransit if a disability prevents use of fixed-route service (certification through the Center for Independent Living). ADA paratransit at $3/trip requires individual eligibility screening and advance reservation. Combined coverage: RTS fixed-route + UF campus circulators provide robust transit in the urban core; rural Alachua County (High Springs, Newberry, Hawthorne, Waldo) has thinner fixed-route coverage so seniors there should pursue paratransit.
People who qualify for one senior program often qualify for others. See everything you may qualify for — free, no SSN, about five minutes.
Discover my benefitsWhat you'll need
- State-issued photo ID showing age 65+ (Florida driver's license or Florida ID)
- Completed RTS photo ID card application (online for digital card OR in-person at the RTS Admin Building, 34 SE 13th Road, Gainesville)
- For ADA paratransit: ADA eligibility screening through the Center for Independent Living (352-378-7474) + $3/trip fare
- Advance reservation for paratransit (typically 24+ hours)
Where to apply
Apply online: official application
By phone: 352-334-2600
What to say when you call
"Hello, I'm calling to ask about RTS (Regional Transit System) — FREE Fare for Riders 65+ + ADA Paratransit (RTS Plus). 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 state-issued photo ID showing age 65+ (Florida driver's license or Florida ID), completed RTS photo ID card application (online for digital card OR in-person at the RTS Admin Building, 34 SE 13th Road, Gainesville), for ADA paratransit: ADA eligibility screening through the Center for Independent Living (352-378-7474) + $3/trip fare — 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
RTS photo ID is ongoing (periodic renewal); paratransit eligibility periodic re-certification; rides scheduled per trip with advance booking for paratransit
Not sure if you qualify? Run a free check first.
Discover my benefitsNot legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.