Metro Connect Details

“Shared-ride” means that Metro Connect schedules multiple passengers who may ride together in the same vehicle. Similar to car-pooling, we schedule based on the needs of each individual to transport them to their specific destinations as conveniently as possible. This service is subject to the availability and needs of other riders.

As you may expect to share the space with others, we ask that all riders be patient and observe rules of conduct so that everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience!

• Seatbelts must be used in accordance with State of Michigan Law
• No eating or drinking is allowed on the vehicles unless required due to a medical condition
• Smoking is prohibited on all vehicles
• You cannot ride with open containers of alcohol or bring illegal drugs
• You cannot ride while intoxicated
• Proper attire, including shirts and shoes or appropriate foot coverings, is required on the vehicle
• You cannot ride with any open wounds, sores or discharge of bodily fluids that create a biohazard for other passengers and drivers
• You are requested not to wear scented personal care products on the vehicle for passengers with chemical sensitivities
• You must remain seated while the vehicle is in motion
• Ensure that mobility devices are in good working order
• Be courteous to drivers and scheduling staff
• Do not use vulgar, foul, abusive, threatening, or obscene language or actions
• Do not harass other passengers or Metro Connect staff, including racial, sexual, gender or age-related harassment

PLEASE NOTE: Metro Connect service may be suspended due to inappropriate, aggressive, or abusive behavior toward drivers, scheduling staff or other passengers. Metro reserves the right to require that a personal care attendant travel with the passenger as a condition to ride instead of a service suspension due to behavior violations. All suspensions can be appealed in writing to:

Metro Connect Coordinator
530 N. Rose St.
Kalamazoo, MI 49007

All Kalamazoo County residents can use Metro Connect! We offer discounted fares for individuals who are certified with a disability and seniors 62 years of age and up.

Application for Reduced Fare Process

• Seniors: Complete and submit a Reduced Fare Form along with proof of age
• Individuals with a Disability: Complete and submit a Reduced Fare Form. Included with the form are sections which will need to be completed by professional involved in your treatment (e.g. a physician or caseworker).

If you require additional assistance or have questions, please call (269) 337-8858! Completed forms and accompanying paperwork can be submitted -in person or by mail- for approval to the Program Coordinator at 530 N. Rose St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007.

Fares for Metro Connect vary depending on rider needs and eligibility. We offer reduced fares for senior riders (aged 62+) and individuals with disabilities. If you feel you qualify, please complete a reduced fare application or contact us at (269) 337-8858!

Connect Fares

• Metro Connect Access Fare: The fare paid by an individual certified as ADA eligible within the Metro Connect Access service area. | $3.00
• Reduced Fare Demand/Response Trip: The fare paid by a certified senior or individual with a disability for a demand/response trip Reduced Fare Application | $4.00
• Demand/Response Subscription Trip: The fare paid by an individual for a routine ride for a medical, employment or education trip. Demand/Response Subscription trips must be paid for in advance of the service dates. Fares for Subscription trips are non-refundable when service is cancelled. | $6.00
• Child Fares: The fare paid by a child over 48 inches tall.
  Children under 48 inches tall ride for free when accompanied by an adult. | $10.00
• Cash Fare: The fare paid by an individual who is not registered as a senior or a passenger with a disability. | $12.00
• Cash Subscription Fare: The fare paid by an individual who is not registered as a senior or a passenger with a disability for a Subscription. Cash subscription fares must be pre-paid and are non-refundable. | $14.00
• Child subscription trips: The fare paid for a child over 48 inches tall.
  Children under 48 inches tall ride for free when accompanied by an adult. | $12.00

How to Pay on Connect

Connect drivers can accept the following payment methods:

• Cash: Exact change ONLY. Payment is required at the time of boarding
• Check: Drivers can accept checks written payable to Metro
• Token Transit: Purchase rides through Token Transit app at any time. Have your mobile device ready at time of boarding – activate your purchase and show the screen to your driver!
• Coupons: Metro Connect coupons can be purchased from the customer service counter at the Kalamazoo Transportation Center

Individuals with a disability that prevents them from riding on Metro’s fixed-route bus service some or all of the time can apply for Metro Connect ADA paratransit service.

Access eligible passengers are divided into three groups:

• Level 1: Any individual with a disability who is unable, as the result of a physical or mental impairment (including a vision impairment), to board, ride or disembark from a fixed-route vehicle on the Metro system.
• Level 2: Any individual with a disability who needs the assistance of a wheelchair lift or other boarding assistance device and is able, with such assistance, to board, ride and disembark from an accessible fixed-route vehicle, but one is not available on the route.
• Level 3: Any individual with a disability who has a specific impairment-related condition which prevents the individual from traveling to a boarding location or from a disembarking location served by the fixed-route Metro system.

Application Process

Individuals and professionals involved in their care will need to complete the Access ADA application which includes:

• Americans with Disabilities Act Certification page
• Applicant’s Questionnaire
• Physician or Agency Professional Authorization
• Professional Verification Form

Individuals may also request Access ADA Application and Professional Verification Form by:

• Calling (269) 337-8222 and speaking with a staff member
• Written letter sent to Metro (Attn: Metro Connect Coordinator, 530 N. Rose St., Kalamazoo MI 49007)
• Visiting the Metro office in person

Note: All certification applications are available in alternate formats upon request

Eligibility is divided into three groups:

• LEVEL 1: Any individual with a disability who is unable, as the result of a physical or mental impairment (including a vision impairment), to board, ride or disembark from a fixed-route vehicle on the Metro system.
• LEVEL 2: Any individual with a disability who needs the assistance of a wheelchair lift or other boarding assistance device and is able, with such assistance, to board, ride and disembark from an accessible fixed-route vehicle, but one is not available on the route.
• LEVEL 3: Any individual with a disability who has a specific impairment-related condition which prevents the individual from traveling to a boarding location or from a disembarking location served by the fixed-route Metro system.

Access applicants will be notified of their eligibility determination within 21 days of receipt of their completed application. If a determination is not made within 21 days, presumptive eligibility will be granted, and the applicant can use Metro Connect until a determination is made.

Individuals certified as ADA Access eligible may also ride anywhere in Kalamazoo County outside of the Access service area, 3/4 of a mile beyond the fixed-route service, at the Metro Connect reduced fare.

If you require additional assistance or have questions, please call (269) 337-8222.