Reduced Fares on Centro Buses
Senior citizens and people with disabilities who use the Centro Bus service are encouraged to apply for a reduced fare photo ID which will save them money when using the bus. Reduced Fare Photo Id’s are good on any regular Centro bus any day of the week at any time of the day. The reduced fare photo ID will allow you to ride the bus for ½ fare. Extension fares that may apply to your bus trip are also reduced.
Who is eligible for Reduced Fare?
1. Senior citizens who are age 65 or older. (the driver must be shown either a Centro ID or a combination of a Medicare card and photo ID). Senior citizens may also purchase a Centro Reduced Fare Photo ID for life.
2. Persons with disabilities (the driver must be shown either a Centro ID or a combination of a Medicare card and photo ID). Persons with disabilities may also purchase a Centro Reduced Fare Photo ID that is valid for 4 years (must recertify every 4 years).
3. Medicare Card holders (combination Photo ID and Medicare Care Card must be shown upon boarding).
4. Children ages 6 to 9 are also eligible for reduced fare.
How do I apply?
Applications are available between 9am until 12noon and 2pm until 4pm, Monday through Friday at the main Centro office. We recommend that you call your local Centro office before you come in. Telephone numbers are listed at the end of this guide.
If you are a senior citizen, you will need to bring a form of photo ID and an official document with your birthday on it. We will accept any government document that has your birthday such as: a driver’s license, passport, a Medicare card, a healthcare card or Social Security correspondence.
If you are a person with a disability, you will need to bring a form of photo ID and an official document that verifies your disability. We accept documentation that clearly indicates you are receiving one or more of the following:
Social Security Disability Income (SSDI)
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Department of Veterans Affairs Compensation or Pension
Vocational and Educational Services for People with Disabilities (VESID)
OR
Documents have to be on company letter head paper and should indicate that you are an active client of any one of the following:
Developmental Disabilities Services
Independent Living Services
Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities (OMRDD)
Arc (of Onondaga, of Oneida etc)
ARISE, Inc.
Aurora, Inc.
ENABLE, Inc.
Mental Health Association
Transitional Living Services, Inc.
United Cerebral Palsy and its affiliates
An accredited treatment or rehabilitation program
OR
A document that states you are legally blind, hearing impaired or have a physical or mental disability, such as a brief statement from and signed by your physician.
How much does a Reduced Fare Photo ID cost?
There is a processing fee of $2.00 for your new photo ID or a renewal. Replacing lost or stolen photo ID’s cost $5.00. You must come to the Centro office near you to have your picture taken and complete the application form. We will make your photo ID while you wait. Please call ahead, so that we may serve you better. Telephone numbers are at the end of this guide.
I have my new Reduced Fare Photo ID. Now how do I use it?
When you board the Centro bus, show the driver your reduced fare photo ID and pay half the regular fare in the fare box. For example, if the regular fare is $1.00, you pay 50 cents! Please remember that if your trip involves riding into extension zones (suburban locations), you are responsible for paying half of the extension zone fare. Please have exact change as the drivers cannot make change.
Now that I can ride for half fare, how do I get bus schedules or information about the bus routes?
Each Centro region has a bus information telephone number where you can get specific route information or request bus schedules to be sent to your home.
Centro bus schedules are also available at many stores, banks and human service agencies in your locale.
