There is a project in the works, called EZConnect, to improve interregional transportation services. The project aims to provide individuals with disabilities a way to travel between counties that have different transit agency service areas– For instance, a trip from the Butler County Courthouse, in Butler County, to the VA Medical Center in Hamilton County. In this example, someone eligible for the Hamilton County Access transit service, would also be able to use the Butler County BCare transit service, and vice versa.

Individuals interested in testing this service must be ADA certified by Access, BCare or RAMP. This project is not intended for local trips and will not replace the local services.

To use the service, one’s trip must begin in one transit agency service area and end in the service area of another transit agency, as illustrated in the example. The purpose of the EZConnect project is to test the technology and feasibility of a shared ride across regional paratransit services.

Testing of the EZConnect program will begin on May 5th. The service will last at least 6 months (November 30, 2025). Service will run Monday through Friday from 6 AM to 6 PM.

All EZConnect participants must be certified as ADA paratransit service eligible and travel within 3/4 of a mile from a Metro, BCRTA or TANK fixed route services.  All participants must be able to use electronic payment systems and complete surveys to provide feedback on their regional trips.  A one-way trip will be $8 for all participants. You can schedule your trip using the EZfare app, available for both iOS and Android devices. There is also a EZConnect Step by Step Guide available to download, to help interested individuals navigate the EZConnect system, from scheduling to pickup and payment for the ride.

If you are interested in participating the EZConnect test program, an EZConnect Survey is available to help the program designers better understand user needs and preferences.

For more information, please visit www.ezconnect.org or call EZConnect at 1-855-499-RIDE (7433).

You can find more transportation resources by selecting the “Transportation” category tab on our Social Service “Utilization Library” page.

The format and/or content of this post has been edited to fit guidelines of the Cincinnati Branch of United Resource Connection for this rebroadcast. You can view the original source at go-metro.com