East Hartford to Adopt Ticket System for ADA Paratransit Services

Effective July 1, the Town will implement a ticket system for all Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) inter-town paratransit provided by the Greater Hartford Transit District. Since first implemented in 2004, use of the program has grown significantly from $60,000 to nearly $400,000 annually. Ridership has grown from 31,000 rides in 2004 to 118,000 rides in 2015.

The town is taking actions to reduce the strain on the budget and implement a reasonable cost sharing system while preserving subsidized, low cost rides for those who need them most. The town’s Dial-A-Ride system for transporting residents within East Hartford is unaffected, and will remain free.

The ticket system will reduce the cost per ride from 3 dollars per that the Town is currently subsidizing to $2.40 per ride. Residents with approved ADA ID will be able to purchase a book of 10 tickets for $10 (or $1 per ride). The Town will pay a cost subsidy of $14 dollars per book for the first 12 books (120 rides) per fiscal year for each resident rider. Residents with ADA approval can purchase these discounted books at Senior Services, Social Services, Parks and Recreation, or by   mail. Additional books beyond the 120 ride subsidy can be purchased for $24 from CT Transit or at the service counter of any Stop-and-Shop.

These changes will reduce the unsustainable costs of this program, while maintaining a subsidized, low cost service for the residents who need it most.