Who This Resource May Help
SEPTA Access ADA Paratransit, formerly known as CCT Connect, may help people whose physical or cognitive disabilities prevent them from using regular fixed-route SEPTA transit for some or all trips.
This is different from the SEPTA Access Shared-Ride Program for adults age 65 and older. Shared-Ride is age-based. ADA Paratransit is based on functional disability-related need.
Eligibility is not based only on a diagnosis or age. It is based on whether the person has reduced ability or lacks the functional ability to use regular accessible buses, trolleys, or other fixed-route transit safely.
What Caregivers Should Know Before Applying
The application process may include forms completed by a healthcare professional, an interview, and a functional assessment by SEPTA. SEPTA reviews how the disability affects the person’s ability to use regular public transportation.
Caregiver tip: Be very clear about what prevents your loved one from using regular transit safely. Describe problems with walking to a stop, navigating stairs, finding the right bus or trolley, understanding transfers, waiting safely, managing weather, using mobility equipment, seeing signs, hearing announcements, or traveling alone.
Do not assume the reviewer will understand the full situation from a diagnosis alone. “Dementia,” “stroke,” “Parkinson’s,” “blindness,” or “uses a walker” may not be enough by itself. Explain what actually happens when the person tries to travel.
Services or Support Offered
SEPTA Access ADA Paratransit provides shared public transportation for eligible riders with disabilities. The service mirrors SEPTA’s fixed-route bus and trolley service. Eligible riders may use paratransit for many trip purposes, including medical appointments, errands, work, programs, family visits, and other community travel.
SEPTA Access is public transportation. It is not medical transportation, emergency transportation, ambulance service, stretcher transport, or a personal care service. Vehicles do not provide attendants, wheelchairs, or hands-on caregiving.
A rider who cannot safely travel alone may need an approved Personal Care Attendant. SEPTA allows eligible ADA Paratransit riders to register one Personal Care Attendant to ride at no additional charge.
Eligibility, Cost, or Application Notes
To begin the ADA Paratransit process, call SEPTA Access Customer Service. The applicant may need to complete an application and have a healthcare professional complete the required functional form. SEPTA may then schedule a functional assessment.
SEPTA says applicants receive an eligibility decision within 21 days after a completed application is received. If approved, the rider receives a SEPTA Access ID card.
As of SEPTA’s current fare information, registered ADA Paratransit customers pay $5.75 for a one-way trip within the service region. Fares and rules can change, so families should confirm current details directly with SEPTA.
Questions Families May Want to Ask
– Is ADA Paratransit the correct program, or is Senior Shared-Ride more appropriate?
– What forms does the a doctor need to complete?
– What happens during the functional assessment?
– Does SEPTA provide transportation to the assessment?
– Can eligibility be approved for some trips but not others?
– How long does approval usually take?
– Can my loved one bring a Personal Care Attendant?
– What if my loved one cannot safely wait alone?
– How far in advance do rides need to be scheduled?
– What happens if a ride is late?
– What is the current fare?
Service Area
SEPTA Access ADA Paratransit serves Philadelphia and the SEPTA service region.
Why This Listing Is Included
This listing is included because many families hear “SEPTA Access” and are not sure whether they need Senior Shared-Ride or ADA Paratransit. This page is specifically about ADA Paratransit for disability-related transportation barriers.
For the right rider, ADA Paratransit can help maintain access to appointments, errands, programs, work, family visits, and community life. The application should clearly explain the person’s real-world travel limitations, not just their diagnosis.
Last Reviewed
Last reviewed: August 2026
Information can change. Please contact SEPTA Access directly to confirm current eligibility, application steps, fares, service area, reservation rules, assessment requirements, and Personal Care Attendant rules.