NEWS - New Universal Reduced Fare Card available for qualified public transit riders

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                        THURSDAY, AUGUST 16, 2018 

CONTACT: Michael Frezell, MDOT Office of Communications, 517-281-6519
                       frezellm@michigan.gov
                          Mary Hoffmeyer, MDOT Office of Passenger Transportation, 517-335-2594
                       hoffmeyerm@michigan.gov                       

New Universal Reduced Fare Card
available for qualified public transit riders 

Fast facts:
- The Universal Reduced Fare Card Program is a special public transit card for seniors and people with disabilities.
- The card allows for a reduced fare with less paperwork.
- It is available only from participating public transit agencies across the state.

August 16, 2018 -- The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has announced a new Universal Reduced Fare Card, a special card that provides seniors and people with disabilities with a reduced fare on participating public transit providers throughout the state. It is a pilot project between MDOT, Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council (MDDC), and the Michigan Public Transportation Association (MPTA).

            "The benefits of the Universal Reduced Fare Card include easier, seamless access to transportation with less paperwork," said Jean Ruestman, MDOT Office of Passenger Transportation (OPT) administrator. "Currently, most transportation providers require an application to receive a reduced fare. With the Universal Reduced Fare Card, a qualifying person will receive reduced fare at all participating providers."

            Local transit agencies are required to offer reduced fares to persons 65 or older, along with persons with disabilities, riding on their public fixed-route or demand response (i.e., dial-a-ride) service during off-peak hours. Anyone interested in obtaining the Universal Reduced Fare Card should contact their local transit agency. The agency may provide an identification card or add a sticker to an existing card to get the universal reduced fare.

            This program is strictly voluntary between providers and restrictions may apply. Please visit the program website for more information. If you have any questions about the universal reduced fare program, contact Mary Hoffmeyer, MDOT, at 517-335-2594 or hoffmeyerm@michigan.gov. 

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