Accessibility: Paratransit Overview

Central Maryland Regional Transit (CMRT) currently offers two curb-to curb, shared ride paratransit services to older riders and riders with disabilities that meet eligibility requirements.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Paratransit

Trips must begin and end at points within three-quarters of a mile of a Howard Transit or Connect-A-Ride fixed route. Service is available during the same days and times as the fixed routes, which includes weekends. Rides may be scheduled for any purpose, and there is no limit on the number of trips a passenger can schedule per day.
  • Eligibility: Anyone with a physical, cognitive, or emotional disability which prevents them from being able to use fixed route bus service.
  • Certification process: Requires a written application and face-to-face interview. Call 1-800-270-9553 to get an application.
  • HT Ride Fare: Howard County residents pay $2.50 each way.
  • Ryde Fare: Connect-A-Ride ADA riders pay $3.00 each way. Riders closest to the M route service pay $2.00 each way.
  • To schedule your ride: Please call 410-313-1921 or 1-800-270-9553. Trips must be scheduled no later than 5pm the day before you want to ride. Please call as early as possible to make scheduling easier.

Howard Transit Ride General Paratransit

Service is provided anywhere within Howard County, with trip purposes limited to medical appointments, senior centers, social service agencies, employment and colleges. Service is available Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm. In addition, service to medical appointments at designated Baltimore City hospitals is available on Mondays, Wednesday, and Fridays. Limit of one round trip per day.
  • Eligibility: Must be a Howard County resident who is unable to use fixed-route bus service due to age (60 and over) or disability (ages 18 to 59).
  • Certification Process: Must be completed by calling 410-313-5980.
  • Fare: $2.50 per one-way trip
  • To schedule your ride: please call 410-313-1921 or 1-800-270-9553. Rides must be scheduled at least 48 hours in advance.

ADA Visitors Policy

Visitors to Howard County may access HT Ride ADA paratransit service for any combination of 21 days during any 365-day period beginning with the visitor’s first use of the service.

If the visitor plans to use HT Ride ADA paratransit services for more than 21 days, he or she will need to formally apply for eligibility certification. 

Visitors are requested to provide documentation to CMRT that they are ADA certified from the jurisdiction in which they reside.

If the individual is not able to provide such documentation from another public entity, then presumptive eligibility will be granted with documentation of residency and documentation of disability.

Fare is $2.50 each way.

Cancelling Your Ride

If you have to cancel your trip for either service, please call 410-313-1921 at least two hours before your scheduled pick-up time. If possible, please call the day before.

Wheelchair Accessibility

All buses are wheelchair lift equipped. Lifts can accommodate mobility devices such as wheelchairs and scooters with dimensions of up to 48” by 30”, and they can accommodate a combined passenger/device weight of up to 600 pounds.
 
Customer Service:
1-800-270-9553