Empowering Homeless Individuals with Chesco Connect
Reliable transportation is a lifeline for individuals without stable housing, enabling them to access vital resources and navigate service systems effectively. As such, we wanted to make sure that our Partners know about Chesco Connect, Chester County's community transit program dedicated to providing essential transportation services for all residents, including those experiencing homelessness.
Who Can Ride
Chesco Connect serves a diverse range of individuals within Chester County, including those experiencing homelessness:
1. Seniors: Adults aged 65 and older can access reduced-rate transportation through the Senior Shared Ride Program, ensuring they can attend appointments and engage in community activities.
2. Persons with Disabilities: Individuals aged 18-64 with disabilities recognized under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) can qualify for reduced-rate transportation through the Persons with Disabilities Program (PwD), enhancing their independence and mobility.
3. Medical Assistance Recipients: Those with a current Medical Assistance card may be eligible for transportation services to medical appointments and pharmacies through the Medical Assistance Transportation Program (MATP), ensuring they receive the care they need.
4. General Public: For those who don't qualify for the above programs, Chesco Connect still offers transportation services at full fare.
How To Ride
1. Register: Call 610-344-5545 or visit PennDOT’s Find My Ride website to register for transportation services and determine eligibility for discounted rates, ensuring that individuals experiencing homelessness can access the support they need.
2. Reserve: Schedule rides by calling 610-344-5545 at least one business day in advance before 1:00 PM, providing individuals experiencing homelessness with reliable transportation to critical appointments and services.
3. Cancel: If plans change, individuals can cancel rides by calling 610-344-5545 or using the self-service portal, ensuring that transportation resources are utilized effectively.
Service Hours and Locations
Chesco Connect operates Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM, with limited Saturday service for life-sustaining trips and grocery shopping as of September 2023. Out-of-county service is available for medical appointments, with specific days allocated for different counties.
Fares
Fares vary depending on eligibility, with discounted rates available for seniors, persons with disabilities, and medical assistance recipients. For individuals experiencing homelessness, Chesco Connect offers vital transportation services at full fare, ensuring equitable access to mobility solutions.
For detailed fare information and to explore eligibility for discounted programs, call 610-344-5545.
Additional Resources
MATP Brochure: For information in both English and Spanish about the Medical Assistance Transportation Program, individuals can access brochures online or request copies through Chesco Connect's office.
English Brochure | Spanish Brochure
Chesco Connect User Guide & Application: To further support individuals experiencing homelessness in navigating transportation services, Chesco Connect provides user guides and applications online or by request.