Improving Access to Safe Transportation for Seniors and People with Disabilities

The current health crisis has taken quite a toll on many aspects of everyones’ lives. Whether concerning health, mental well-being, social needs, or financially, among other examples, we’ve all been affected. The Encompass Program was created and federally funded to provide easier access to transportation to our community’s most vulnerable.

Supporting Our Vulnerable Community

Seniors of 60 and People with disabilities are Eligible for the Encompass Program. Seniors (60 years and older) and those living with disabilities have been hit hard, many dealing with COVID-related limitations on top of daily challenges. Simply getting to medical appointments or picking up groceries has become a dilemma with many family members less available to help. That’s why M7, Connecticut’s largest transportation company, has launched Encompass, a transportation initiative specifically for passengers with special needs or are 60+ years of age.

Bill Scalzi, M7 Founder

“We wanted to do everything we could to help our seniors and our passengers with disabilities get where they need to go—to the doctor, the pharmacy, the grocery store, or just to see family,” said Bill Scalzi, owner of M7. “We want to help get America moving again, and this innovative partnership helps Connecticut make that a reality.”

“During these unprecedented times it is vital to provide more mobility options to those who need it the most.”

Vicki Shotland, Executive Director of GHTD

The new program is made possible through a strategic partnership with the Greater Hartford Transit District (GHTD) and a generous grant from the Federal Transit Administration which subsidizes the cost of the ride. “During these unprecedented times it is vital to provide more mobility options to those who need it the most,” said Vicki Shotland, Executive Director of Greater Hartford Transit District (GHTD). “The evolution of this program will hopefully fill a current gap in service and be a model for similar programs in the future.”

How Much Does It Cost?

$5

First 8 Miles

$2

Each Additional Mile

Encompass Program trips are discounted. The passenger pays only $5.00 for the first 8 miles traveled. Each additional mile traveled is $2.00. Your trip is automatically charged to your account, eliminating any exchange of money while you’re in the vehicle.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible riders are over the age of 60 years old, or live with a disability. Currently, the Encompass Program is offered to those that reside in one of the following towns:

Berlin

Cromwell

East Hartford

Farmington

Hartford

Meriden

Middletown

New Britain

Newington

Plainville

Rocky Hill

West Hartford

Wethersfield

Plans are in the works to include an additional 12 destinations in the next few months. Stay tuned!

How To Apply?

Anyone 60+ years of age or older, or living with a disability can apply for The Encompass Program by simply filling out the Encompass Application online.

Payment Options

Once application is approved, passengers can make payments online through their personal Encompass account. They can easily load credits into their account via credit card payments or direct bank transfers. The trip is automatically paid for once the ride ends.

How To Book

Approved passengers are free to schedule transportation 24/7 by booking online or by calling our Call Center at (860) 444-4444. Our technology will then calculate the trip cost to book your ride.

Share Encompass with Our Community

The Encompass Program is meant to provide resources to our community that needs it most. If you know someone that would benefit from access to safe, discounted transportation options please share!

‍Our mission is to reach as many Hartford senior citizens and those with disabilities, allowing them a reliable, affordable means of transportation to their medical appointments, shopping, or any destination.

M7 Assurance

All M7 drivers are fully-trained experts, providing safe and comfortable rides for seniors and people with special needs. Vehicles are full-licensed, inspected, and insured. To add an additional layer of safety, all vehicles are also disinfected after each ride and undergo further interior fogging and maintenance, prioritizing the passengers’ and driver’s security in this pandemic.

Sign up for an Encompass account today and give yourself (or loved ones) affordable and, more importantly safe, accessible transportation, perfect for connecting families during the holidays or getting around town for any occasion.

For more information on our Encompass Program, call (860) 444-4444 for 24/7 customer service.

$5 Taxi Rides for Seniors & Persons with Disabilities – Greater Hartford Connecticut