Officials from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), Pennsylvania Public Transit Association (PPTA), rabbittransit, The Center for Independent Living of Central PA and the United Way of the Capitol Region Monday commemorated Rider Appreciation Days, a statewide initiative of PPTA and transit agencies across the state.
The event underscored Governor Shapiro’s focus on public transit’s role in connecting communities, spurring growth, and creating opportunity.
“Transit provides Pennsylvanians with a vital connection to jobs, to medical appointments, and to our communities,” said PennDOT Executive Deputy Secretary Cheryl Moon-Sirianni. “PennDOT is proud to partner with transit agencies around the state to support these critical services.”
Public transportation services are available in every county in Pennsylvania, including:
- Shared ride service in all 67 counties;
- Fixed route bus service in 49 counties; and
- Fixed route rail service in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
In the past year, Pennsylvania’s transit agencies provided over 195 million fixed route trips, and over 3.9 million trips to individuals who needed door to door service.
“Public transportation is essential to Pennsylvania’s continued prosperity. Whether it’s work, school, medical needs, or recreation, our riders recognize— transit takes them there,” said PPTA Board Chairman Robert J. Fiume. “Their continued ridership and support of transit is appreciated.”
“Strong, vibrant communities require good mobility services. Public transit provides the connections that our communities need,” said rabbittransit Executive Director Richard Farr. “Providing access to employment, life-sustaining medical care, groceries and even socialization and recreation are all important aspects to maintaining a high quality of life.”
“Access to affordable and reliable transportation helps local residents stay on a path to success,” says United Way of the Capital Region Community Impact Manager Christian Barber. “Every day our neighbors use public transportation to get to work and attend important medical appointments.”
During Rider Appreciation Days, transit agencies across the state are thanking their customers with giveaways and contests, and several agencies are offering fare-free rides on May 3. Those agencies are:
- AMTRAN;
- Rabbittransit;
- Capital Area Transit (CAT);
- Red Rose Transit Authority (RRTA);
- Berks Area Regional Transportation Authority (BARTA);
- River Valley Transit Authority; and
- Hazelton Public Transit.
For a complete listing of Rider Appreciation Days events and participating agencies, visit the PPTA website.
In March 2022, PennDOT, Pennsylvania Department of Human Services and the Pennsylvania Office of Administration launched Find My Ride (FMR) Apply, an online tool which was developed collaboratively with transit agencies and streamlines the application process for eight transportation assistance programs in the state, including the Senior Shared Ride program, the Medical Assistance Transportation Program (MATP), ADA complementary paratransit, the Persons with Disabilities program; the Free Transit Program; Area Agency on Aging funded trips for people 60-64, fixed route half/reduced fare for persons with disabilities, and discounted shared ride service for veterans. Additionally, FMR Apply allows third-parties, such as a family member or healthcare provider, to apply for services on behalf of a rider. Over 25,000 applications have been submitted through FMR Apply since the application’s launch last year.
More information on public transit and alternative transportation options like ridesharing, biking, and walking, is available on PennDOT’s website.
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