CCRTA to extend free fixed‑route fares to older adults and people with disabilities beginning Feb. 1

Deb, representing the Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority at the MPO meeting, announced a CCRTA fare-policy change: beginning Feb. 1, CCRTA will extend free fixed-route service to all older adults (defined by the agency as age 60 and older) and people with disabilities every day of the week. Previously, seniors had a Wednesday-only senior free fare; CCRTA will continue to offer a Friday free fare for everyone. Deb said the change aligns with the RTA’s certification process and is intended to encourage greater use of fixed-route service among older adults and riders with disabilities.

The presentation did not provide detailed budgetary analysis or ridership projections tied to the policy change, nor did it specify whether the regional funding or farebox-recovery assumptions will be adjusted. The CCRTA representative framed the change as a positive step to increase mobility for targeted riders and to reduce barriers to service.

Next steps: CCRTA will implement the fare change on Feb. 1; staff and the authority will monitor uptake and coordinate outreach to inform riders of the change.