VTA senior fare and ACCESS paratransit
Reduced VTA fares at 65 and ADA paratransit rides for people whose disability keeps them from using regular buses and light rail.
A directory listing, not an eligibility decision.
UniHealth can identify a possible match, but the responsible program makes the final decision.
What to know
- Why it may fit
- Your circumstances can be checked against the program’s published guidelines.
- What to do next
- Rides you book ahead, for people whose disability keeps them from using buses or light rail. You send a one-page form, then have a phone interview. Most rides cost about $4 each way. If you are 65 or older, a Senior Clipper card gives you lower fares on regular transit.
- Who runs it
- Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority
What the program may consider
- Age 65 or older for the senior fare
- A disability keeps you from using regular bus and light rail (VTA phone assessment)
How to get it
Rides you book ahead, for people whose disability keeps them from using buses or light rail. You send a one-page form, then have a phone interview. Most rides cost about $4 each way. If you are 65 or older, a Senior Clipper card gives you lower fares on regular transit.
How to apply
VTA ACCESS paratransit application
Send the one-page Data Card. Then VTA calls you for a phone interview.
- OnlineVTA ACCESS Data Card online formThis is the English form. You sign it with an e-signature.
- OnlineVTA ACCESS Data Card for a legal guardian or custodianFor a legal guardian or custodian applying for someone.
- FaxVTA ACCESS eligibility fax: (408) 238-1015
- MailVTA ACCESS eligibility mail: VTA Eligibility Department, 3331 N. First St, San Jose, CA 95134Also for written appeals.
- In personVTA ACCESS Data Card drop-off: 3331 N. First Street, San Jose 95134, or 2 North Market Street, San Jose 95113
- PhoneVTA ACCESS eligibility line: (408) 321-2381
- EmailVTA ACCESS e-mail: paratransit@vta.org
You can also use: Senior Clipper card (65 and older)
Gives you lower senior fares on regular transit. There is no interview.
Getting help
Someone can apply for you
A helper can send the Data Card for you. If a physical or vision problem stops you, someone may fill it out with your OK. You sign it, or your legal guardian, conservator, or power of attorney signs. They must attach proof of their authority. For an adult with memory or thinking problems, the legal guardian fills it out.
Only you, or someone with legal authority for you, can sign.
What happens after you apply
VTA calls you, or your helper, to set up a phone interview.
The program or providerA helper can help with this
The phone interview takes about 30 minutes. You answer questions about getting around. A helper can be with you.
The program or providerOnly you can do this
VTA may check with the doctor or other professional you named on the form.
Your doctor or clinician
Some people have a second call or an in-person visit.
Only if VTA needs more information
The program or providerOnly you can do this
You get a letter. It says if you can ride always, for some trips, for a while, or not at all.
The program or providerWithin 21 days after your application is complete. If VTA takes longer, you can ride until it decides.
Approved riders get a start-up kit and an ID card by mail. Some riders have a photo taken for the card.
The program or providerOnly you can do this
Put money in your rider account. Fares come out when you book. Book rides 1 to 3 days ahead.
YouA helper can help with this
If VTA says no, you can appeal in writing.
Only if VTA says no
YouA helper can help with this Within 60 days.
What only you can do
- Sign the Data Card, or have your guardian, conservator, or power of attorney sign.
- Take the phone interview yourself. A helper can be with you.
- Go to a second interview or in-person visit if VTA asks.
- Name a doctor or other professional who knows your limits.
- Add money to your rider account before you book.
- Apply again before your eligibility ends.
- How long it takes
- About 3 to 6 weeks in all for ACCESS. A Senior Clipper card takes about 3 to 4 weeks.
- You are enrolled when
- You are enrolled when you have VTA's approval letter and your ACCESS ID card. You can ride once your rider account has money in it. For senior fares only, you are set when your Senior Clipper card arrives.
- To keep it
- Apply again when your eligibility ends. Your ID card shows the end date. A standard ride costs about $4 each way. Same-day or extended-area rides cost about $16.
Can’t be combined with
- Older adult transportation services. If you use ACCESS rides, you cannot also use Sourcewise Transit, the South County senior ride service.