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Below are
some answers to questions you may have about the RTC Program.
Questions and Answers about the Program
- Can I pay a discount fare without an RTC Discount ID Card?
- Can I purchase a discount pass for unlimited rides in the month?
- What if I need to travel with an attendant?
- What if I need to travel with a service animal?
- How can I get my Discount ID Card replaced if it is lost or stolen?
- How long is the card valid?
- How do I renew my Discount ID Card?
- I am visiting the Bay Area and have a Discount ID Card from a transit system in another city. Can I get a Regional Transit Connection Discount ID Card?
- What should I do if I have a question, suggestion, complaint or compliment about the Discount ID Card Program?
Q: Can I pay a discount fare without an RTC Discount ID Card?
A:Yes. If you can show a valid form of any of the following, along with a valid photo ID, at the time you board a regular bus or rail vehicle (not paratransit), you may pay a discount fare or use a discount ticket:
- Proof that you are 65 or older.
- Medicare card (not Medi-Cal).
- Registration for a permanent Disabled Person Parking Placard or License Plate from the California Department of Motor Vehicles.
- Transit Discount ID Card issued by another California transit agency which is equivalent to the RTC Discount ID Card.
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Q: Can I purchase a discount pass for unlimited rides in the month?
A: Some transit agencies have monthly discount passes which can be used in conjunction with your RTC card for discount monthly fares on that system. Please note that for three transit systems, AC Transit, San Francisco Muni, and Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA), the monthly pass is a sticker which must be attached to the RTC Discount ID Card to be valid. Contact your transit agency directly for further information.
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Q: What if I need to travel with an attendant?
A: Complete the Medical Certification application form, which allows the professional to note that you need an attendant. An attendant symbol will be placed on your Card. The attendant is eligible for the discount fare while accompanying you. The attendant is not eligible for a discount fare while traveling alone, and will not be issued a Discount ID Card.
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Q: What if I need to travel with a service animal?
A: A service animal is any guide dog, signal dog, or other animal individually trained to work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability. Certification or documentation is not required for your service animal. However, the service animal must be under your control at all times.
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Replacement Cards
Q: How can I get my Discount ID Card replaced if it is lost or stolen?
A: You should inquire at the public transit agency which issued the card to see if the card has been returned. If so, you may reclaim your old card at no cost. If your lost card has not been returned or you wish to replace a damaged card, request a mail-in replacement card application be sent to you or go to your nearest transit office to fill one out in person. Once the replacement card application form is received with the $5.00 replacement fee, your replacement card will be mailed within 7 - 10 days. Due to the volume of lost cards, we cannot issue a temporary card pending replacement.
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Q: How long is the card valid?
A: It depends on your disability as determined by your medical professional. Discount ID Cards are valid for a maximum of three years. However, if your disability is expected to be permanent, you may have a "P" printed on your card but it must still be renewed. See "Renewals" below for additional information on renewing "permanent" cards. Please note that applicants who qualify under a Basic Eligibility category may only be eligible for the amount of time that the qualifying documents are valid, such as a DMV placard which is valid for a maximum of 2 years.
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Q: How do I renew my Discount ID Card?
A: There are two types of renewal:
- For Discount ID Cards expiring before June 2001 -
If your card expired before June 2001, you will be required in all cases to complete a new application. This will ensure that the information on file is accurate.
- For Discount ID Cards expiring on or after June 2001 -
If you have a permanent disability (indicated by the letter "P" on the card), or are a senior citizen, renewals (for cards expiring on or after June 2001) can be completed by mail. Contact your transit agency for a renewal application, fill it out completely and return it by mail to the address on the form with the $3 renewal fee. Do not send cash. Other, "non-permanent" cardholders must complete the application process each time their card expires.
Approximately two months prior to the expiration of your Discount ID Card, a renewal notice will be sent to you explaining what you need to do to renew your card. Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure that your transit agency has your current mailing address.
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Visitors
Q: I am visiting the Bay Area and have a Discount ID Card from a transit system in another city. Can I get a Regional Transit Connection Discount ID Card?
A: Yes.
- California Transit Systems: Any person who has a valid transit Discount ID Card from a California transit system outside of the nine-county San Francisco Bay Area is eligible to receive a courtesy Discount ID Card for the same period of time as that card is valid, or up to three years, whichever is less. After that initial period of time, you may continue to use your valid ID card from a non-RTC transit system when paying cash fares and receive a discount. However, in order to receive a second RTC Discount ID Card, you will need to submit a complete medical or basic application.
- Out-of-State Transit Systems: Persons with a valid out-of-state transit Discount ID Card must show it when submitting the Basic Eligibility application form. You will be issued a Discount ID Card valid for only three months. Persons visiting for three months or longer must follow the procedure for residents by submitting a medical or basic application.
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Q: What should I do if I have a question, suggestion, complaint or compliment about the Discount ID Card Program?
A: First, contact your local transit agency at the numbers listed above. If, after contacting them, you still require assistance, contact the Discount ID Card Program Office at (510) 208-0200.
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