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ACCESS Program Updates

While the ACCESS program office remains closed to visitors, you may call to set up an appointment to make ePurse deposits, drop off applications, and more. Please call (412) 562-5353 or TTY 711 to set up an appointment. Appointments can be made the same day as long as you provide at least one hour advance notice. Hours are 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. You must wear a mask to enter the office.

Here are a few tips on navigating ACCESS service at this time:

  • 65 Plus Applications: 65 Plus applications are processed within two weeks.
  • ePurse Deposits: Due to US Mail delays, deposits sent by mail may take up to 5 days to process.

Same-Day Trip Requests:

Thanks to the generous support of PennDOT, riders can request same-day trips on a space available basis, through at least June 30th, 2024.

    • Call your local service provider Monday-Saturday between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. to request a trip.
    • Same-day trips can be scheduled for pick-up as late as 8:00 p.m.
    • Same-day trips are not guaranteed, but service providers will make every effort to accommodate your request.
    • Please call at least 1 hour in advance of your requested pick-up time.
    • No additional cost or trip purpose restrictions!

ACCESS program staff are available by phone Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.at (412) 562-5353 or TTY 711


ACCESS-At-A-Glance

ACCESS is a coordinated, shared-ride paratransit service, which has been providing door-to-door, advanced reservation transportation in Allegheny County since 1979.

This unique public-private partnership leverages eleven separate federal and state funding sources to create an affordable mobility option for riders.  ACCESS service is provided by four service providers with 270 vehicles, operates with an on-time performance of 96.4%, has a vehicle productivity of 2.24 trips per hour, maintains streamlined efficiency with administrative cost of 5.5% of total costs and provides ADA complementary paratransit service that not only meets but exceeds all ADA minimum requirements. ACCESS is among the largest coordinated transportation services in the country with an average of 5,000 trips on weekdays, 1.5 million annually.

The ACCESS program’s award-winning coordination earned the United We Ride National Leadership Award. The Federal Interagency Coordinating Council presented the award, which recognizes the work done in Allegheny County done to create a highly effective coordinated service which stands as a model for the rest of the nation.

In addition to basic paratransit service, the program offers a person-centered solution to individual transportation needs. Sponsoring agencies are provided a menu of amenities that create more user-friendly service. Amenities include driver assistance up/down as many as four (4) steps, assistance with up to four (4) packages, hand-to-hand service for individuals who require constant supervision, assistance with car/booster seats, service modifications, a web-based, cashless payment system (ePurse) and InTouch Callouts or text messages for 10-minute arrival/pick-up notification, ePurse low balance warnings, and weather service updates. There is also a “No Strand” policy to guarantee a ride home every time.

ACCESS service is open to the general public but primarily serves people with disabilities, clients of human service agencies and people aged 65 and over. The ACCESS program is sponsored by Pittsburgh Regional Transit.


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