Regional Transit Connection (RTC) Discount Cards for Seniors and Passengers with Disabilities

Basic Eligibilty

How do I demonstrate my eligibility for the Discount ID Card?

1. Basic Eligibility

To qualify for Basic Eligibility, you must present one of the following with your application:

Medicare Card (not Medi-Cal).
California DMV Placard registration for a parking placard. Card will expire same date as Placard.
Other Transit Agency or Visitor Card issued to you by another California transit agency. Section about out-of-state Discount ID Cards).
Proof of Age - 65 or older. May apply 30 days prior to 65^th birthday
Proof of Veterans Disability - A copy of your Service Connected Disability I.D. Card and your VA Certification demonstrating a disability rating for aid and attendance, or a service-connected disability with a rating level of 50% or higher.

2. Medical Eligibility

Call Customer Services at (408) 321-2300 or TTY at (408) 321-2330 for a RTC Brochure and a Medical Eligibility Form. If you submit a medical certification it must be completed by one of the following Calif. licensed professionals:

CA Licensed physicians with an M.D. or D.O. degree, licensed physician's assistants and nurse practitioners may certify in all categories in which they are licensed to diagnose;

• Licensed chiropractors, categories 1, 2, 3 and 4
• Licensed podiatrists, disabilities involving the feet under categories 1, 2, 3 and 4
• Licensed optometrists, category 9
• Licensed audiologists, category 10
• Licensed clinical psychologists and licensed educational psychologists, categories 12, 15, 16 and 17
• Licensed marriage and family counselors (MFCC) and licensed clinical social workers (LCSW), category 17

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Application process

Complete the application form for either "Basic" or "Medical" eligibility (described above). Incomplete applications will not be accepted - photo copies of application not acceptedBring the application with you. Do not mail it in

• Present a valid photo identification - such as a current driver's license, California Identification Card, passport, Alien Registration Card, Military Identification Card or Military Dependent Card (originals only)
• Pay the appropriate fee:
  $3.00 New, renewal, or visitor
  $5.00 Replacement
  (These fees are non-refundable.)

Your photograph will be taken when you submit your application. Your eligibility will be verified later, and your Discount ID Card will be mailed to you within 21 days. If you haven't received your card or a request for more information in the mail within 21 days, contact Customer Service at (408) 321-2300.

Upon receiving your Discount ID Card, you are immediately eligible for reduced fares on all participating public transit systems. No additional proof of eligibility is required, but you must show the Discount ID Card at the time you pay the fare.

Where to apply for a RTC Discount card:

• VTA Downtown Customer Service Center, located at 2 N. First Street, Suite 100, at Santa Clara Street, San Jose.
  The hours are Mon. - Fri., 10 am to 5 pm
• VTA Marketing and Customer Service, located at 3331 N. First Street at River Oaks, San Jose. The location is in the lobby of Building B.
  The hours are Mon. - Fri., 8 am to 4:30 pm

Community sites. VTA staff visit locations such as Senior centers located in San Jose, Santa Clara, Cupertino, Milpitas, Gilroy, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, Sunnyvale and other cities. Staff visits some sites on a monthly basis, others less frequently. The visits are usually scheduled from 10:00 am to 10:30 am. A picture is taken and applications are accepted. Applicants must bring a valid photo ID with the application. A $3.00 fee is collected. 

Renew Early

Please plan to apply for a new card or renew your card early so there is ample time to receive your card in the mail before it expires or before you purchase a monthly sticker. You may renew up to 60 days prior to expiration. Allow at least 21 days for mailing of the RTC Discount Card.

• Downloadable application forms for permanent status renewal and Lost/Replacement cards.(see application links below)
  Please note that you must already be enrolled in the RTC Program to renew by mail. If you are not enrolled, you can obtain an application by calling your local transit agency. You must then apply in person at your local transit agency and have your picture taken.
  Lost Card Replacement Application
  Permanent Renewal Application

Accessible Service Representative

VTA has an Accessible Service Representative who is available to visit your facility to accept applications and take pictures for the Regional Transit Connection Discount Card program. The representative is also available to present information on other transit services for persons with disabilities and can visit community facilities or programs and conduct group information sessions. If you are interested, please call (408) 321-7067. 

Participating Transit Agencies and More Information

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