How to apply for EMTA (Erie Metropolitan Transit Authority — 'the e') (Erie County) in Pennsylvania

Erie County / regional transit operator — Erie Metropolitan Transit Authority (EMTA, branded 'the e') operates fixed-route bus across Erie metro + commuter routes to Millcreek + Harborcreek + Lake City + LECOM campus. PA Senior Free Transit Program FREE for age 65+ on fixed-route. LIFT paratransit for ADA-eligible. NOTE: This Erie EMTA is DISTINCT from Endless Mountain Transit Authority (also EMTA) in Bradford/Tioga PA — different transit authorities, different domains (ride-the-e.com vs. gobesttransit.com).

Who it's for

EMTA (Erie Metropolitan Transit Authority — 'the e') covers Erie County. Erie Metropolitan Transit Authority (EMTA, branded 'the e') operates fixed-route bus across Erie metro + commuter routes to Millcreek + Harborcreek + Lake City + LECOM campus. PA Senior Free Transit Program FREE for age 65+ on fixed-route. LIFT paratransit for ADA-eligible. NOTE: This Erie EMTA is DISTINCT from Endless Mountain Transit Authority (also EMTA) in Bradford/Tioga PA — different transit authorities, different domains (ride-the-e.com vs. gobesttransit.com). PA Senior Shared Ride program — seniors 65+ pay 15% of the fare and the Pennsylvania Lottery Fund pays the other 85%, in every county of the state. Apply for senior fare through the local transit authority or Erie AAA at 814-459-4581.

Erie: PA Senior Free Transit + Senior Shared Ride. Erie has 'the e' (EMTA, ride-the-e.com — DISTINCT from Endless Mountain Transit Authority).

People who qualify for one senior program often qualify for others. See everything you may qualify for — free, no SSN, about five minutes.

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What you'll need

  • Proof of Erie 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: 814-452-3515

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about EMTA (Erie Metropolitan Transit Authority — 'the e') (Erie 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 Erie County / PA residency, proof of age 65+ (PA Senior Citizen Transit ID OR PennDOT 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.

Renewals

Senior ID is permanent

Official source →Last verified · October 11, 2026

Not sure if you qualify? Run a free check first.

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