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ADA Paratransit Service

As of July 1, 2024, CCT Connect officially rebranded to SEPTA Access. Vehicles will still be branded as CCT Connect until further notice. 

Potential Strike Information

While SEPTA and TWU Local 234 continue contract negotiations, we want to keep our Access & Paratransit riders informed of how their service may be impacted in the event of a strike.

  • SEPTA Paratransit will continue to operate as normal
  • The Senior Fare card and Reduced Fare card processing center will be open at the Accessible Travel Center (1601 JFK, Room 109). Walk ins and appointments will be available at this location only
  • 1234 Market Concourse will be closed
  • Riders can continue to use their local legislation office for Senior Fare card applications and renewals
  • During a strike, all ADA assessments will be cancelled and rescheduled when service resumes

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), SEPTA provides service for people with disabilities who are functionally unable to use regular accessible fixed-route bus service for some or all their transportation needs.

Elmwood ADA

The ADA program service mirrors travel on the regular fixed-route bus and trolley systems. Eligible individuals use paratransit to go anywhere SEPTA buses run. There are no restrictions on trip purpose or frequency of travel.

For Philadelphia residents, ADA service runs 24 hours a day, 365 days per year.

For Philadelphia’s suburb counties, eligible residents may be picked up and dropped off within three quarters of a mile of any fixed route. ADA service runs during each bus’s operating hours. If a bus operates 24/7, then SEPTA Access service operates 24/7. If there is no evening or Sunday bus service, there is no evening or Sunday SEPTA Access service. Changes to bus routes may change the service area.

ADA Paratransit Registration

To begin ADA Paratransit Service registration, call SEPTA Access Customer Service. You must be pre-screened by a customer service representative. The representative will mail you an application or you can print an application (PDF).

Once you return your completed application, a representative will schedule your functional assessment.

The assessment evaluates your physical or cognitive functional abilities. There is also an interview about your disability. Licensed professionals administer the tests. The assessment should take no more than an hour, and SEPTA Access will provide free transportation to and from the assessment site.

Within 21 days of SEPTA Access receiving your application, you will receive an eligibility determination. If you are eligible, you will receive a new ID card.

Eligibility Appeals

Riders must meet the established criteria to register for SEPTA Access programs.

Applicants have the right to an administrative appeal if they do not agree with an eligibility determination. For details, see the SEPTA Access Policies.

Fare

Registered paratransit customers pay $5.75 for a one-way trip within the service region.

A registrant can pay using cash, travel wallet, or a Zone 2 or higher TrailPass. Find more information on SEPTA Access Fares.

If you believe you were charged in error, you may request a refund within 90 calendar days from the date of the trip. Review the terms and procedures PDF for submitting a refund request.

SEPTA Access Customer Service hours are 8 am – 5 pm Mondays – Fridays.

  • Customer Service: 215-580-7145
  • TDD/TTY: 215-580-7712

ADA Paratransit Brochures

ADA Paratransit Service, English (PDF)

ADA Paratransit Service, Español (PDF)

ADA Paratransit Service Large Print, Español (DOCX)

ADA Paratransit Application

ADA Paratransit Service Application, English (PDF)

ADA Paratransit Service Vision Disability Application, English (PDF)

FAQs for ADA Paratransit Service

Riders can register to bring one Personal Care Attendant for free. Guests pay the same fare as the ADA Paratransit customer in cash. Children of any age ride for the same fare as an adult guest.

No. Federal regulations allow authorities 21 days to process applications. The 21 days start as soon as a completed application is received. Make sure you fill out the form completely and sign it. You must also include the Functional Form completed by a health care professional. Incomplete applications are not accepted and will be returned.

You should receive a recertification notice in the mail approximately 60 days before your eligibility expires. If your condition has not changed since your last certification, you will be asked to update your contact information. Upon receipt of your notice, SEPTA Access will update your contact information and you will receive a new eligibility letter and instructions to schedule an appointment to receive your SEPTA Access Key card.

If your condition has changed since your last certification, upon receipt of the notice SEPTA Access will send you an application to complete so you and your healthcare professional can provide updated information on the change in your condition. Once SEPTA Access receives this information, you will be notified by an agent to schedule an in-person interview and/or assessment. Transportation to this appointment will be provided at no cost to you.

You should receive a recertification application in the mail about 60 days before your eligibility expires. If you need more than 60 days to get an appointment with the healthcare professional who completes your Functional Form, call SEPTA Access Customer Service to request an earlier application.

Make sure to keep your postal mailing address and other contact information current. Please return the application promptly. Faxed applications are not accepted.

Applicants will be contacted to schedule a functional assessment (transportation will be provided). You will receive an eligibility determination within 21 days of receipt of your completed application.

No. The SEPTA Access administrative offices are not open to the public. You must mail it. We cannot accept a fax because regulations require original signatures. There are no extensions of service beyond your eligibility expiration date. The recertification forms are mailed out 60 days in advance. As a reminder, your expiration date is printed on every SEPTA Access ID card.

Yes. You may be eligible for both programs.

SEPTA Access vehicles can pick you up and drop you off if you are able to get to and from a location within the SEPTA Access service area. You may use any SEPTA transit stop on the days and times that fixed route service goes to that stop.

Consider using a store or restaurant location where you can wait comfortably until the SEPTA Access vehicle arrives. When you call to reserve your trip, be sure to provide a phone number to contact you while you are away from home. Your home number will not be useful.

You may call SEPTA Access Customer Service and request help. A staff person will call you back and read the questions to you over the phone. They will fill out the form and mail it to you for a signature. Your healthcare professional will still need to fill out your Functional Form, which you will return with the application.

You will receive a recertification application in the mail about 60 days before your eligibility expires. If you need more than 60 days to get an appointment with the healthcare professional who completes your Functional Form, call SEPTA Access Customer Service to request an earlier application.

Make sure to keep your postal mailing address and other contact information current. Please return the application promptly. Faxed applications are not accepted.

Applicants will be contacted to schedule a functional assessment (transportation will be provided). You will receive an eligibility determination within 21 days of receipt of your completed application.