Paratransit

Service is available anywhere in the City of Worcester; outside the City service is available within 3/4 of a mile surrounding WRTA bus routes. The WRTA provides paratransit service using accessible vehicles to individuals with disabilities who qualify for service under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). ADA eligible riders may request transportation for any trip purpose. Service operates during the same days and hours that bus service operates.

You must apply in person for ADA service and be determined as eligible under the guidelines of the Americans with Disabilities Act. To schedule an apointment or for more information on how to apply for ADA service, call 508-752-9283 or for TTY/TDD 508-792-3709.

Elder Medical Weekday Service: Elder Medical Service is available to Worcester elders, 60 and over, Monday through Friday, for medically related trips. Elder Weekday trips may not always be available due to funding constraints. [ Print Elder Medical Application ]

Elder Shopper: Elder Shopper service is for Worcester residents 60 years of age and older.  This service provides pre-scheduled transportation, based on residential zip codes, to various Worcester grocery stores.  The ride costs just $0.50 cents each way ($1.00 round trip). 

Helpers from the Seven Hills Foundation are on board to assist riders with groceries.  Remember to only purchase what you alone can carry and store safely, without blocking the bus aisle or taking any available seats.  Drivers and helpers do not accept tips.

Prior to using the service, you must first register, and can do so by calling 508-752-9283 or for TTY/TDD 508-792-3709.  Once you have registered, you are free to use the service as often as you wish and only need be at the designated pick up location at the designated time to access the service.

To register for these services or arrange trips, call the Paratransit Brokerage Services at 508-752-9283 or for TTY/TDD 508-792-3709.

Holiday Paratransit Premium Service: The WRTA now offers a Holiday Premium Paratransit Service on New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Trips are available for eligible Worcester paratransit riders only, and can be scheduled up to one week in advance (but no later than three days prior to the holiday). Service is available on a "first come - first served" basis, and the number of trips provided will be capped (no standing trips). The fare is $10 each way in Worcester, and $12 each way one town outside of Worcester. Hours of available service are between 9:30am and 7:30pm.

Click here to download a Holiday Premium Paratransit Service Fact Sheet.

WRTA Paratransit providers also serve elders and people with disabilities, regardless of age, in 35 communities including Worcester. ADA eligible riders have no limitations on their trip purposes and can travel whenever and wherever bus service operates. Non-ADA eligible riders can travel between 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, but service hours can vary slightly by community.

The following chart is a list of the WRTA providers that serve your community. Call them for more details and to register for service: