Affordable Senior Transportation in CT: Costs & Eligibility

Affordable Senior Transportation in Connecticut: Which Ride Program Fits?

Affordable Senior Transportation in CT: Costs & Eligibility

Quick Answer:

Affordable senior transportation in Connecticut includes several M7-operated and partner programs, depending on where you live and your eligibility. Encompass offers approved older adults and people with disabilities rides starting at $5. Milford Micro and GHTD Link provide $3 local rides within designated service areas, while the New Freedom Fund offers qualifying riders discounted fares. Eligible Medicaid members may also receive transportation to covered medical appointments through MTM Health. Each program has different service boundaries and booking requirements.

Getting to a medical appointment, picking up groceries, or visiting family shouldn’t require stretching an already tight transportation budget. In Connecticut, older adults and people with disabilities can use several discounted ride programs. The challenge is knowing which ones serve your area, what they cost, and how to qualify.

Who Qualifies for Affordable Senior Transportation?

The right program depends on where the trip starts and ends, who qualifies, and what assistance the passenger needs.

Program	Who can use it	Starting fare or benefit
Encompass (Hartford, New Haven, Middlesex regions)	Approved adults 60+ or people with disabilities residing in participating towns	$5 for up to 8 miles
New Freedom Fund (Bridgeport and Hartford programs)	Approved riders with qualifying disabilities	50% off regular fares for eligible rides
Milford Micro (Milford)	Anyone traveling within its designated zone	$3 per passenger
GHTD Link (Enfield and East Windsor)	Anyone traveling within its designated zone	$3 per trip
Medicaid NEMT (statewide)	Eligible Medicaid or Covered CT members traveling to covered appointments	Covered transportation when approved

On smaller screens, swipe across the table to see all columns.

Start by checking the program’s service area and eligibility requirements. If you use a wheelchair, walker, or need assistance getting into or out of a vehicle, explain your needs before booking so the appropriate transportation can be arranged.

Encompass: Discounted Door-to-Door Rides

M7 operates Encompass with local transit districts. It offers door-to-door rides to approved adults age 60 or older and people with disabilities. A ride costs $5 for up to eight miles, plus $2.90 for each extra mile. Up to three people can ride for one fare, including the approved member.

To use Encompass, you must be at least 60 years old or have a qualifying disability, live in a participating town, and receive approval from your local transit district. Once approved, M7 creates an account that you can use to manage payments and book rides.

Members can add funds to an Encompass account by credit card or bank transfer. After each ride, the fare is charged to the account, so there’s no need to pay the driver. Bring your Encompass photo ID.

Travel rules also differ by region:

• Greater New Haven: Pickup and drop-off must both be within the service area. This includes New Haven, Hamden, Branford, and West Haven.
• Greater Hartford: Approved riders from towns such as Hartford, Manchester, and Windsor can travel beyond the region. Each rider may take up to three trips per day.
• Greater Middlesex County: The program serves Clinton, Lyme, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook, and Westbrook. Trips must start and end within the service area. The regional service window is 6 AM to 6 PM, seven days a week.

Apply through the Encompass website by selecting your service area. Once approved, you can book online or call 860-444-4444. For recurring trips, contact customer care to make arrangements.

New Freedom Fund: Discounted Rides for People with Disabilities

M7’s New Freedom Fund Voucher Program offers approved passengers with disabilities a 50% discount on regular fares, including eligible wheelchair-accessible trips. It helps people who need same-day transportation or want to travel beyond the Bridgeport and Hartford transit district boundaries.

The program operates around the clock and doesn’t require riders to reserve a ride a day in advance. However, passengers must first complete the applicable eligibility and enrollment process through their local transit district.

Applicants must meet the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) definition of disability. Transit district staff interview applicants to confirm eligibility. For details or applications, contact:

• Bridgeport area: The Kennedy Collective at 203-365-8522, extension 2018.
• Hartford area: Greater Hartford Transit District at 860-247-5329, extension 3086.

Approved riders show their New Freedom Fund card and identification to the M7 driver. Bridgeport and Hartford Transit ID cards are accepted.

Milford Micro and GHTD Link: $3 Local Rides

Milford Micro and GHTD Link offer $3 shared rides for everyday trips within their service zones. Both are open to the public, so there’s no separate eligibility approval.

• Milford Micro: Rides cost $3 per passenger within the Milford service zone. Wheelchair-accessible vehicles are available, and drivers can assist passengers with boarding when needed. Book through the Milford Micro app or website, or call 203-916-9339. Service operates during evening hours Monday through Saturday and during the day on Sunday, so check operating times before planning a trip.
• GHTD Link: This $3 shared-ride service covers all of East Windsor, including Broad Brook, and a large portion of Enfield. Wheelchair-accessible vehicles are available. Rides can be booked on demand or up to three days ahead through the GHTD Link app, website, or by calling 203-916-9325.

Both accept cards or exact cash. Because these are shared rides, you may travel with others going in the same direction. Before booking, check service maps and hours, and mention any help needed with boarding.

Can Medicaid Cover a Ride to a Medical Appointment?

Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) helps eligible people reach covered healthcare appointments when they don’t have another appropriate way to travel. Connecticut’s program covers qualifying HUSKY A, C, and D Medicaid members, Covered CT enrollees, and certain other eligible members. MTM Health coordinates these trips, and M7 is one of the transportation providers.

For routine appointments, contact MTM at 1-855-478-7350 at least two business days ahead, or use the MTM Link app or member portal. Have your appointment details and any mobility or assistance needs ready. Medicaid-covered rides must be arranged through MTM rather than M7’s regular booking app. For more information, see our Connecticut Medicaid transportation guide.

What if a Discounted Ride Program Doesn't Fit Your Trip?

Not every trip will fall within a discounted program’s service area, hours, or eligibility requirements. You might need transportation before your enrollment is approved, or your destination may be outside the area served by a local program.

For those situations, M7 also provides direct rides and wheelchair-accessible transportation across Greater New Haven, Bridgeport, Hartford, and New London. These rides are booked separately from discounted programs, with standard fares applying.

You can arrange a direct ride through the M7 app, book online, or call 203-777-7777. If you need a wheelchair-accessible vehicle or assistance getting to and from the vehicle, share those details when booking.

FAQs About Senior and Disability Transportation in Connecticut

How far ahead can I book an Encompass ride?

Encompass accepts same-day requests and bookings up to seven days ahead. Check available times for your region when booking.

Will I be charged if I cancel an Encompass ride?

Cancel at least one hour before pickup to avoid Encompass’s $5 cancellation fee.

Can I book and pay for a family member’s ride?

Yes. The M7 app allows you to arrange and pay for a standard M7 ride for someone else. If your family member uses a discounted transportation program, check that program’s booking and payment requirements separately.

Affordable Senior Transportation in CT: Costs & Eligibility