What is “BARTA Special Services”?

BARTA Special Services Overview

BARTA operates a shared ride (paratransit) transportation service called BARTA Special Services for senior citizens and persons with disabilities in Berks County.  Services are also provided in Montgomery County to residents within 10 miles of Berks County to the Boyertown Multi-Service Senior Center if there is vehicle availability. This door-to-door transportation service is available to those who are unable to use BARTA’s fixed-route bus system.  It is a shared-ride transportation service where trips are grouped together depending upon their travel time and locations.  These services are usually sponsored by a human service agency or the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT).

Any member of the general public may utilize BARTA Special Services transportation at full fare; however, several funding programs for seniors, those with disabilities, and other special needs populations are available to cover a majority (if not all) of the costs of transportation for eligible riders. Each program is governed by a different set of regulations, funding sources, reporting standards, and service delivery guidelines. As such, BARTA requires an application for those wishing to use the service and the reservation process requires two working days’ notice to schedule most appointments. Individuals who qualify for transportation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are entitled to next-day service.

Despite being a door-to-door service, BARTA Special Services does not provide a “taxi” service and is not a non-stop ride for one person. Different riders are grouped depending on their travel times and location(s). BARTA Special Services does not provide emergency transportation.

The transportation is provided by BARTA and Easton Coach Co.

Click here to download the BARTA Special Services Guide booklet.