RTP's ADAPT Service Provides Rides to Persons with Disabilities

Persons with disabilities who are unable to access a Metro or South Portland Bus Service stop can take advantage of a popular option from Regional Transportation Program (RTP).

With its ADA Paratransit Service (better known as ADAPT), Portland-based RTP provides door-to-door, wheelchair-accessible rides to persons with disabilities in Portland, South Portland and Westbrook who cannot use a regular city bus.

Certified ADAPT riders may use the service seven days a week for any trip purpose. The one-way fare is $2. Users must set up a ride no later than 5 p.m. the day before the ride is needed, but no more than 14 days in advance.

ADAPT services are available from 5:30 a.m. to 11:40 p.m. Monday through Friday, 5:45 a.m. to 11:40 p.m. Saturday and 9:10 a.m. to 7:03 p.m. Sunday. To sign up for the program or for more information, call RTP at 774-2666 or toll-free at 800-244-0704, or visit the RTP Web site at www.rtprides.org.

The ADAPT service is one of several RTP programs that serve residents of Cumberland County. Other programs include an Access to Jobs program to help people transition from welfare to work, and a commuter bus service from Saco/Portland to BIW in Bath.

RTP, headquartered in Portland at 127 St. John Street, has a fleet of 34 buses and vans and primarily serves Cumberland County residents who are senior citizens, disabled clients of social service agencies or economically disadvantaged. RTP serves more than 26 towns in the county, including Portland, South Portland, Scarborough, Westbrook, Gorham, Falmouth, Bridgton, Cape Elizabeth, Yarmouth, Freeport, Windham and others.

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