Updated as of July 22, 2024.
At times, public transportation may not serve our needs due to availability or scheduling needs, but taxis and ride-share services like Uber and Lyft can be very expensive to use. Paratransit, including Call-A-Ride, offers transportation that is more individualized to your needs than public transportation while being less expensive than ride-share and taxi options.
Please find below information about paratransit services in Central Maryland: Howard County, Carroll County, and Fredrick County.
Howard County
Regional Transportation Agency of Central Maryland
Offers both public and paratransit services in Howard County.
General Paratransit (GPT)
- Limited to one round-trip per day, medical appointments, colleges, senior centers, etc.
- $5 fare each way
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) services
- Shared ride service; Unlimited trips per day and for any purpose
- Pick up and drop off within ¾ mile of the fixed route (regular RTA public transportation)
- Available during normal fixed route bus operating hours
- $4 fare each way
Check the Bridges Resource Library’s Howard County Transportation Information entry for more details.
Carroll County
Demand Response Service
- Door-to-door service (only in Carroll County)
- Fares
- Fares vary based on distance: $4 to $9
- 50% discount for all students enrolled at Carroll Community College or McDaniel College on transportation to/from school on Demand Response
Check the Bridges Resource Library’s Carroll County Transportation Information entry for more details.
Frederick County
Transit Services of Fredrick County Paratransit
Transit-Plus
- Available to Fredrick County residents with qualifying disabilities
- Operates Monday – Friday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
ADA Paratransit Service
- Pick up and drop off within ¾ mile of Connector routes 10, 20, 60, 61, 65, and 80 during normal fixed route bus operating hours (may be requested on other routes)
Taxi Access Program
- Available to Transit-Plus customers who have attempted to schedule Transit Plus
- Discounted fares
- Depending on one’s residence, each month, get $70 or $140 of taxi fare “credit” for a $10 or $20 fee
- Three taxi companies participate in this program
Check the Bridges Resource Library’s Fredrick County Transportation Information entry for more details.
Moving Forward
Please reach out to us at the Bridges Helpdesk for anything from exploring your options to finding out what you’re eligible for to formulating an ambitious travel plan for the first time. We’re here to make sure you have the tools and resources you need to explore our state without emptying your wallet.
Please contact the Free Bridges Helpdesk anytime
- Via our Accessible Web Form
- Email: Helpdesk@imagemd.org
- Visit our Bridges Helpdesk website
- Text or Leave a voice mail message: (410) 357-1546
This unique project is being coordinated through The IMAGE Center of Maryland, a center for independent living in Towson, and it is funded by a grant from the Maryland Department of Education Division of Special Education/Early Intervention Services.