The purpose of the Regional Transit Connection Discount Card program is to provide eligible individuals with fare discounts as mandated by state and federal law. With a RTC Discount Card, persons with qualifying disabilities and senior citizens (65 or over) are entitled to a reduced fare on fixed-route bus, rail and ferry systems throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. The RTC Discount card costs $3.00 and is good up to three years.

People who have a RTC Discount Card have the option of buying a discounted VTA Senior/Disabled monthly sticker that entitles them to unlimited rides on VTA service. The sticker is only valid when placed on the RTC Discount Card.

Basic Eligibility
Application process
Where to apply for a RTC Discount card:
Renew Early
Accessible Service Customer Service Representative
Participating Transit Agencies and More Information

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 or valid 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.
Proof of Veterans Disability - A copy of your Service Connected Disability I.D. Card or 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 TDD 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 licensed professionals:

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
• Bring 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
• 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 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 12:00 pm 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

Accessible Service Customer Service Representative

Participating Transit Agencies and More Information

For participating transit agencies, detailed medical eligibility information and answers to general questions, please go to: http://transit.511.org/disabled/RTDC.asp#q9

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