The Florida Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged is a state-wide program that coordinates transportation services for individuals facing transportation challenges due to age, income, or disability.
And some Florida counties are renewing their commitment to help the disadvantaged.In Bay County, County Commissioners approve of extending their agreement with Liberty Partners of Tallahassee client, Uber.
In the agreement, people who are transportation-disadvantaged will be provided discounted rides in Bay County. The cost of the program for Bay County is $750,000.
Taxpayers aren’t paying 100% of the bill. County officials say riders who are eligible for the program will have to pay $1.50 per trip. The county says there are some stipulations. For example, if you are 60 years old and up and fall below the federal poverty line and you can show you have other form of transportation, then you can apply.
The available rides only happen between 6 am to 8pm, Monday – Saturday.
Other programs are offered throughout the state like the Medicaid Non-Emergency Medical Transportation. This provides free rides for eligible Medicaid recipients to and from medical appointments.
Theres the Community Transportation Coordinators (CTCs): Each Florida county has a CTC designated by the Florida Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged to coordinate and/or provide transportation services for the transportation disadvantaged within their service area. You can contact your county’s CTC to determine eligibility and inquire about available services.
Other groups are also lending a hand with providing local transportation.
Many local agencies and non-profit organizations offer specialized transportation services for individuals with disabilities, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. Examples include:
In Hillsborough County, there are door-to-door transportation service for people with disabilities and the elderly. And in Brevard County, the Space Coast Area Transit gives paratransit services for those over 60 or with disabilities.
