How to apply for CitiBus (Watertown City Transit) + Jefferson County Transit + Fort Drum Transit (Jefferson County) in New York

Who it's for

CitiBus (Watertown City Transit) + Jefferson County Transit + Fort Drum Transit covers Jefferson County. CitiBus half fare for riders age 65+ (and Medicare cardholders of any age) with a CitiBus Half-Fare ID; seniors start by contacting Jefferson County Office for the Aging at 315-785-3191. ADA paratransit available where fixed-route exists. Apply at the county transit office or via the operator. Phone: 315-785-7772.

What you'll need

• Proof of Jefferson County residency
• For half fare: CitiBus Half-Fare ID (proof of age 65+) or Medicare card with photo ID
• For paratransit: ADA-eligibility certification

Where to apply

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about CitiBus (Watertown City Transit) + Jefferson County Transit + Fort Drum Transit (Jefferson County). 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 Jefferson County residency, for half fare: CitiBus Half-Fare ID (proof of age 65+) or Medicare card with photo ID, for paratransit: ADA-eligibility certification — 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.

Step by step

1. Gather your documents before you start. For the CitiBus half-fare, you will need proof of age 65+ (or your Medicare card) plus a photo ID. For paratransit, you will also need ADA-eligibility certification. All applicants need proof of Jefferson County residency.
2. Contact the Jefferson County Office for the Aging at 315-785-3191 to get started. Staff can guide seniors through the right program — CitiBus fixed-route, Jefferson County rural demand-response, or ADA paratransit.
3. Apply for your benefit by phone at 315-785-7772 or online through the transit operator's application portal.
4. If applying for the CitiBus half-fare, obtain your CitiBus Half-Fare ID. Present your proof of age 65+ (or Medicare card) and photo ID when requested.
5. If applying for ADA paratransit, submit your ADA-eligibility certification as part of the application process.

What to expect: After submitting your application, the transit office will review your documents and determine eligibility. Processing times vary, so ask the agency for an estimate when you apply. Once approved for the CitiBus half-fare, you will receive a CitiBus Half-Fare ID to use when boarding. Half-fare eligibility is ongoing, but ADA paratransit certification requires periodic re-certification — the agency will notify you when renewal is due. Keep your contact information current with the office so you do not miss any renewal notices. Note that this program covers CitiBus (Watertown City Transit) in Jefferson County, New York.

Renewals

ongoing; paratransit re-cert periodically