Hidden Perks During Traveling: UTA Paratransit Pass

For those of us who have a Paratransit Pass with UTA understand what a great benefit it can be. I personally got my pass for the fringe benefits not the normal benefits. I really do not like the outside lifts on their vehicles, I would rather find another ride if possible. Currently I have my own conversion van that I drive from my wheelchair. So needing Paratransit rides are not like before I got vehicle.  

Even now I still ride the Frontrunner to Salt Lake City for various different appointments.  The normal cost for an adult is $10 each direction from Ogden to Salt Lake City Central Station. NOTE: Senior/disabled rates are 50% of adult rates. Either $10 or $20 is a lot of money our of my pocket it I am traveling back to a provider for treatments. Riding the Frontrunner is one of these hidden benefits I mentioned.  If you have Paratransit benefits and have a card that has not expired then all fixed route Buses, Trains and Trax are free for both the card holder and their assistant if they are approved to travel with an aide.  The above benefits are good at least in Utah where UTA operates.  Now these next hidden benefits are available in any area that has a Paratransit system.  NOTE: Paratransit Service is a federally funded program and run a free or reduced fee bus system for disabled residents.  

The benefit that is hidden the most along with saving the card holder the most money is their use while on vacation. A perfect example: I was going to Phoenix AZ for a conference.  T did everything I needed to have a Paratransit rides waiting for us at their far proce of $2.50 per direction.  Unfortunately I was bumped off that fight an wasn’t able to secure another Paratransit ride for the new time, for I had to take a taxi from the airport to the hotel. I do have to admit it the at midnight I was just happy to get a taxi that could transport a large Class 3, CRT wheelchair. These taxi was $80 compared to $2.50, that is a major increase. Taking another form of transportation might have been less than the taxi but not much.  I used the Paratransit rides from our hotel to The conference for a few days and then back to the airport when it was time to head home.  

All that needs to be done prior to your trip is about 4 -6 weeks prior to leaving us the cannot the Paratransit office of the location your heading to and request a visitors pass for however many days you will be there. Depending on the locations it may change what is needed by you or your Paratransit office. I have used this in Phoenix,  Los Angeles,  Orlando, Washington DC., and Chicago. I also plan on using it again when I travel to Phoenix, Santa Juan, and