SPECIALIZED TRANSPORTATION
Berks County Seniors have several riding options with BARTA depending on individual needs.
PA Senior Citizens Free Ride Program Effective August 1, 2007, if you are 65 years of age or older, you may ride free on the BARTA Fixed Route bus system ALL DAY / EVERY DAY! To participate in the program, register with BARTA to obtain a Commonwealth of Pennsylvania ID Card. You can stop by the Special Services Office - 1700 N 11th St in Reading (between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday) and fill out an application and receive your card immediately. You can also stop by the BARTA TRANSPORTATION CENTER - 8th & Cherry Streets in Reading (between 9:00 AM and 5:30 PM, Monday through Saturday). Please remember that you MUST provide proof of age in order to receive your card.
The following documents may be used as proof of age: Birth Certificate, Baptismal Certificate, Naturalization Papers, Passport, Statement from Social Security Administration, Armed Forces Discharge/Separation Papers, Pennsylvania Identification Card, Photo Motor Vehicle Operator's License, Resident Alien Card or Veteran's Universal Access Identification Card.
Your free bus transportation is provided under the Pennsylvania Lottery's Free Transit Program for Senior Citizens. By riding the transit system, you will also help to insure the program's continued existence.
Half Fare Program for Persons with Disabilities If you are physically challenged, you may be entitled to a Reduced-Fare Transit Identification Card. A Medicare card is sufficient proof of disability for persons under the age on 65. Simply bring your Medicare card to BARTA's Special Services Office - 1700 N 11th St in Reading (between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday), show the staff member your Medicare card, fill out the application, and you will receive a Reduced Fare Transit Identification Card immediately. If you do not possess a Medicare card, you may request to have an application mailed to you. A doctor will need to sign the application to verify your disability. Once this is done, you may either mail the completed application to BARTA or return it in person and a Reduced Fare Transit Identification Card will be issued to you. This card will allow you to ride for half fare on the BARTA Fixed Route bus system ALL DAY / EVERY DAY!.
Call-a-Lift Program In order to make arrangements to ride on one of BARTA's wheelchair accessible transit coaches, you are asked to call BARTA at 610-921-0601 24 hours in advance of the need for service. This allows BARTA to make sure that an accessible bus is operating on the route you would like to take.
Tell the Dispatcher:
1. Where you will be boarding.
2. Where you will be traveling to and if you will need to transfer buses.
3. At what time you will be boarding, both to and from your destination.
The Dispatcher will be happy to assist you in finding the routes and schedule information you need to complete your trip.
Special Services The BARTA Special Services Division provides door-to-door transportation. An application must be completed prior to using the service. Two working days notice is required to schedule most appointments. Individuals who qualify for transportation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are entitled to next day service.
Office Hours: The BARTA Special Services office is open from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Appointments are taken during this time. ADA eligible individuals needing to make a next day ADA eligible appointment may call 610-921-2361 between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM on Saturday, Sunday and Holidays and leave a message. The messages are checked at 4:30 PM, so be certain to call before that time.
Service Hours: Service is available between the hours of 5:00 AM and 10:30 PM, Monday through Saturday for ADA eligible individuals.
Service hours for Non-ADA eligible individuals are from 8:00AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday only.
Fares: The price of an individual's fare varies. This is due to different programs that may assist an individual in paying a portion of their fare. Please contact the Special Services Office to inquire about the cost for your ride.