Disabled Transportation: Enabling Patients to Take Charge of Their Rides in CT

Empowering Independence: Enabling Disabled Patients to Take Charge of Their Transportation

Transportation isn’t just about moving from one place to another; it’s about independence, access to necessary services or events, and quality of life. For individuals with disabilities, transportation challenges can significantly hinder their ability to live independently and access essential medical care.

“705,248 adults in Connecticut have a disability. This is equal to 26% or 1 in 4 adults in Connecticut.”

Source: Centers for Disease Control

Recognizing this vital need, M7, well-known for Connecticut transportation as a whole, is proud to have the largest fleet of wheelchair accessible vehicles to accommodate non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) needs, or any disabled transportation needs outside of medical reasons.

Affordable, Federally Funded Disabled Transportation Programs

M7 Ride has also developed specialized programs which are federally funded to make more affordable transportation available — Encompass, Milford Micro, and GHTD Link — allowing disabled individuals in Connecticut to take charge of their mobility.

Encompass: Bridging the Gap in Healthcare Accessibility

The Encompass program, a cornerstone of M7 Ride’s commitment to accessibility, offers on-demand, door-through-door rides for seniors and individuals with disabilities. This service is especially critical for those who require consistent transportation to recurring medical appointments, such as dialysis or physical therapy. By providing a reliable and affordable means to reach healthcare facilities, Encompass ensures that mobility challenges do not become obstacles to receiving care.

Eligible service areas include:

Greater Hartford

For Service in the Greater Hartford area you must reside in one of the following towns:

Avon, Berlin, Bloomfield, Bristol, Cromwell, East Hartford, Ellington, Farmington, Glastonbury, Hartford, Manchester, Meriden, Middletown, New Britain, Newington, Plainville, Rocky Hill, South Windsor, Tolland, Vernon, West Hartford, Wethersfield, Windsor, or Windsor Locks.

Greater New Haven

For service in the Greater New Haven area you must reside in one of the following towns:

Bethany, Branford, East Haven, Hamden, New Haven, North Branford, Northford, North Haven, Orange, Wallingford, West Haven, and Woodbridge

Discounted Trip Costs

The Encompass Program trips are discounted.

The passenger pays only $5.00 for the first 8 miles traveled. Each additional mile traveled is $2.90. Your trip is automatically charged to your account, eliminating any exchange of money while you’re in the vehicle.

Are You Eligible?

Passengers must be approved through an eligibility process managed by your local Transit District.

Eligible applicants must be at least 60 years young or have a disability. Once approved, M7 will create your personal online account to manage expenses and view your travel history.

Milford Micro: Customized Local Transit Solutions

In Milford, the Milford Micro program reshapes how residents with mobility issues navigate their community. This on-demand, microtransit service allows users to book wheelchair accessible rides through a user-friendly app, offering a flexible alternative to traditional fixed-route services.

Each trip costs an affordable price of $3 per passenger and children under 2 years of age ride for free. You may pay by loading a credit or debit card into the app or website, providing one of our customer service reps with your credit or debit card information, or using exact cash in the vehicle.

Hours of operation:

Monday–Thursday 6 PM–12 AM

Friday-Saturday: 6 PM–1 AM

Sunday 8 AM–6 PM

Whether it’s a trip to the grocery store, a visit to a friend, or an important medical appointment, Milford Micro ensures that every ride isn’t only accessible but also tailored to the individual’s specific needs.

GHTD Link: Enhancing Community Connectivity

Similarly, GHTD Link, a collaboration with the Greater Hartford Transit District, provides an innovative microtransit solution that powers residents, including those with disabilities, to travel within their community efficiently. This service is designed to reduce wait times and provide a comfortable travel experience, fostering greater independence among users who might otherwise rely on less flexible transportation options.

Operating:

Monday–Saturday from 8 AM–6 PM and Sunday from Noon–6 PM

Riders can book using the GHTD Link mobile app, online, or call (203) 916-9325 to book a ride.

GHTD Link Service Area:

The Importance of Accessible Transportation Services

Accessible transportation services like M7’s paratransit/NEMT, as well as programs like Encompass, Milford Micro, and GHTD Link do more than just transport individuals. They enable them to manage their health proactively, engage with their community, and maintain their independence. The availability of reliable, affordable, and accessible transport options can dramatically enhance the quality of life for those with disabilities by providing:

– Freedom to Schedule: Unlike traditional public transit systems, these programs allow users to book transportation according to their schedules, making it easier to manage health conditions and personal commitments.
– Stress Reduction: Knowing that reliable transportation is available alleviates the anxiety associated with getting to and from places, particularly for medical needs.
– Increased Independence: These services empower users to make decisions about when and where they travel, promoting a sense of autonomy.
– Community Engagement: Easy access to transportation helps individuals participate more fully in community life, attend events, visit friends, and more.

M7: Making Transportation Accessible to All

M7 Ride’s dedicated accessible transportation options and programs — Encompass, Milford Micro, and GHTD Link — illustrate a powerful commitment to enhancing mobility for disabled individuals in Connecticut. By continuing to innovate and expand these services, M7 Ride not only addresses the practical aspect of transportation but also fosters a more inclusive, accessible environment for all community members. For those looking to take advantage of these offerings or learn more about them, visiting the respective program websites can provide additional information and resources to get started.

By empowering disabled patients to take charge of their transportation, M7 Ride plays a crucial role in not just moving people, but moving lives forward.