Flint’s Mass Transportation Authority has partnered with the state of Michigan and 31 other transit agencies across the state to participate in a pilot program that will allow seniors and people with disabilities to use a Universal Fare card that provides reduced fare without completing additional applications or paperwork.

The Universal Reduced Fare Card is a partner pilot project between the Michigan Development Disabilities Council (MDDC), the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) Office of Passenger Transportation, MASS Trans and the Michigan Public Transportation Association (MPTA). The pilot program is strictly voluntary between providers. Not all transit providers are participating in the program, so interested individuals should review the Transit Agencies by County list.

The benefits of the Universal Reduced Fare decal will make transit easier, providing a seamless access to transportation with less paperwork. Currently most transportation providers require an application to receive a reduced fare. With the Universal Reduced Fare Card, a qualifying individual will receive a reduced fare at any of the participating providers.

Local transit agencies are required to offer reduced fares to persons 65 years of age or older, and persons with disabilities riding on fixed route or demand response during off peak hours.

“The universal reduced fare decal or card will enable qualified individuals to go to one of the participating providers in Michigan and utilize their transit services with the reduced fare through that transit agency. This pilot program will make it so much easier for persons with disabilities or are 65 years of age or older who want to travel and use the public transportation in different counties,” said Charlene A. Kowalski, MTA Director of Marketing/Customer Service.

The pilot program runs for a full year, from May 1, 2018 until May 2019.