FIXED ROUTE PROGRAMS (the e)
Travel Training
The Travel Training Program is a FREE service for those who want to learn how to travel independently using the fixed-route (the e) or paratransit service (LIFT). We offer group and individual trainings. For the fixed route service (the e), learn how to read route maps and schedules, different bus fare options, how to transfer, and about EMTA’s transit tracking options. For the paratransit service (LIFT), learn about the different policies, procedures, and how to make your advance pick-up reservation. Get on board with EMTA and schedule your Travel Training today! Call 814-459-8922 x 122 for more information.
Bike on a Bus Program
Bike on the Bus Program makes it easy for you to transport your bicycle while riding the “e“. Bike racks are available from April 15th through November 15th. You are responsible for loading and unloading your bike. Riders use the racks at thier own risks. An adult must assist childen younger than age 12 with loading and unloading their bike.
Senior Citizen Program
EMTA recommends that all seniors interested in riding the “e” for free sign up for the Senior Identification card. By showing this card you may ride any EMTA bus for free. An application can be mailed to you or you can fill one out at any of the EMTA offices. A proof of age is required to receive the ID card. The following are the acceptable proof of age documents:
- Valid Driver’s License
- Birth Certificate
- Armed Forces Discharge or Separation Papers
- Passport or Naturalization Papers
- PACE card
- Statement of Age Verification (issued by Soc. Sec. Office)
- Baptismal certificate
- PennDot non-drivers license
- Veteran’s Universal Access Card
- Resident Alien Card
For application click here.
Customers with Disabilities
Customers with a disability qualify for the Reduced Fare Program. To qualify, you must complete the Reduced Fare Application. Click here for application. In order to prove a disability you must show a valid Medicare card when applying in person at the EMTA offices or have a qualifying agency complete Part B of the Reduced Fare Program application. Once eligible, Customers will receive a ‘Reduced Fare’ pass. This must be presented to the EMTA Operator to receive the reduced rates of 80¢ for a one way fare and 25¢ for a transfer. For more information please call EMTA Customer Service at 814-452-3515.
EMTA offers the following assistance for our customers with mobility limitations.
- EMTA will transport all wheelchairs regardless of size or weight as long as the ramp/lift and the vehicle can physically accommodate them.
- EMTA will transport customers who use respirators, concentrators, or portable oxygen.
- EMTA will permit guide dogs or other service animals to accompany a customer on their bus.
- Our buses are equipped with a kneeling feature for easier access. If you want the bus to kneel, please ask the operator.
- Our buses are equipped with wheelchair ramps. The driver can assist you in boarding or leaving the bus. If you want the ramp deployed, please ask the operator.
- Our bus operators will request that customers sitting in priority seating or in a flip-up seat over the securement area vacate these seats when a person with a disability needs to use them.
- Our bus operators will allow time for persons with disabilities to board/disembark a vehicle and can assist customers in doing so
- EMTA will provide materials in large print, braille and/or audio
For application click here.
PARATRANSIT PROGRAMS (LIFT)
Senior Citizens Program
If you are 65 and over and cannot utilize fixed route service, you qualify to ride the LIFT. Under this program you ride for free to doctors appointments and the nearest GECAC senior center. The is door-to-door, advance reservation service.
For application click here.
Rural Transportation Program for Persons with Disabilties
To better serve people with disabilities who either live in the rural area or need transportation to the rural area, the “e“/LIFT is providing discounted shared ride services for eligible residents of Erie County. The program is the Rural Transportation Program for Persons with Disabilities (PwD). You are eligible for this program if you are a resident of Erie county, under 65 years of age, and have a disability that is defined by Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
For application click here.
Medical Assistance Transportation Program
If you or anyone in your family is a medical assistance recipient, you may be able to get help with transportation you need to get to and from medical providers. The Medical Assistance Transportation Program (MATP) provides rides to medical care at no cost to you. You can also get mileage reimbursement if you use your own car or find someone willing to give you a ride. For more information call (814) 455-3330.
For application click here.
Customers with Disabilities
EMTA provides door-to-door paratransit service for people who are unable to independently ride the fixed route buses due to their disability.
For many customers’ persons with disabilities, in many circumstances, getting to a bus stop is possible. If an impairment-related condition only makes the job of accessing transit more difficult than it might otherwise be, but does not prevent the travel, then the person is not eligible.
ADA customers ride during any hours/days that an EMTA fixed route operates as long as the origin to destination is within ¾ of the specific route. The one-way fare for ADA is double the EMTA standard fare.
In order to qualify for ADA using the EMTA paratransit vehicles, all customers must complete the application process.
Visitors to the area who are unable to use the accessible fixed route service because of their disabilities, are eligible to use the e-Lift service for 21 days in a rolling 365 day period. To apply for visitor’s status please have your current paratransit provider mail, fax, or email verification to our office. If you don’t have paratransit in your home area, you will need to have your healthcare provider provide a certification of your disability. Customers must register and be certified to ride under ADA via Paratransit.
For application click here.
Policies and Procedures
Reasonable Modification Policy:
The Erie Metropolitan Transit Authority will make reasonable modifications to its policies, practices, or procedures when requested to do so by individuals with disabilities when such accommodations are necessary to avoid discrimination on the basis of disability.
Requests for accommodations will be considered on a case-by-case basis and may be denied if:
- Granting the request would fundamentally alter the nature of the authority’s service, programs, or activities;
- Granting the request could create a direct threat to the health or safety of others;
- Without such modification, the individual with a disability is otherwise able to fully use the authority’s services, programs, or activities for their intended purpose.
- Granting the request if it is undue financial or administrative burden
Process for Requesting Modifications/Accommodations for Individuals with Disabilities
Requests for modifications of the authority’s policies, practices, or procedures to accommodate an individual with a disability may be made either in advance or at the time of the transportation service. The authority is best able to address and accommodate a request when it is made in advance. The process for making a request is as follows:
Advanced Requests
When making a request, please thoroughly describe what is needed in order to use the service, and why this accommodation is necessary.
Authority staff will review the request, and make every effort to communicate in advance whether or not the requested modification can be made.
If the modification is not made, the authority will provide the reason for the denial of the request. Requests may be denied on one or more of the following grounds:
- Granting the request would fundamentally alter the nature of the authority’s service, programs, or activities;
- Granting the request could create a direct threat to the health or safety of others;
- Without such modification, the individual with a disability is otherwise able to fully use the authority’s services, programs, or activities for their intended purpose.
- Granting the request if it is undue financial or administrative burden
Requests may be made through the following means:
ADA Compliance Officer:
Phone: 814-459-8922 x 227
Email: jmeyers@ride-the-e.com
Mail: 127 E. 14th Street Erie PA 16503, Attn: Julie Meyers
Same Day Requests
When a request for modification cannot be made in advance, a request may be made on the same day, or during service.
The request should be made to the operator of the EMTA vehicle.
Please describe in detail the accommodation needed, and why it is necessary in order to use the service.
Operators may grant a request if it is reasonable and meets the requirements of the authority’s policy.
If an operator is unsure if the request should be granted or declined, she/he is required to consult with the dispatch office to receive direction. Requests may be denied on the following grounds:
- Granting the request would fundamentally alter the nature of the authority’s service, programs, or activities;
- Granting the request could create a direct threat to the health or safety of others;
- Without such modification, the individual with a disability is otherwise able to fully use the authority’s services, programs, or activities for their intended purpose
- Granting the request if it is undue financial or administrative burden
A vehicle operator’s availability to provide an accommodation may be quite limited when he/she is providing service, and if the request would require extended consideration and attention, the request may not be accommodated immediately, in which case the passenger will be encouraged to submit a written request for consideration on future trips.
The authority’s ability to accommodate the requested modifications may vary by route, day of travel, time of day, or other circumstances.
Appeal & Complaint Process
If a passenger wishes to appeal the authority’s denial of a request for accommodations or file a complaint regarding accommodations for persons with disabilities, contact information is as follows:
Contact the ADA Compliance Officer:
Phone: 814-452-8922 x 227
Email: jmeyers@ride-the-e.com
Mail: 127 E. 14th Street Erie PA 16503, Attn: Julie Meyers
Please view the complete Complaint/ Appeal Process.
Applying for Visitor Status
Visitors to the area who are unable to use the accessible fixed route service because of their disabilities, are eligible to use the e-Lift service for 21 days in a rolling 365 day period. To apply for visitor’s status please provide paratransit eligibility verification to our office. In order to process your request we will need to obtain the following information:
- Your full name
- Your full address and phone number
- You paratransit ID number and expiration date
- Provide documentation of disability if it is not apparent
- Type of mobility aid used, if applicable
- If you are authorized a Personal Care Assistant (PCA)
- If you use a service animal
If you do not have paratransit in your home area, you will need to have your healthcare provider provide a certification of your disability. We will also require you to provide items 1, 2, 5, 6, 7 above. Once we receive the information we will enter you into our system and mail an authorization letter and instructions on how to use our service to you. Alternately, we can email a PDF copy to your home or work email address if supplied. In order to process this information, please alert EMTA within a reasonable amount of time prior to your visit.
For more information please call 814-455-3330