Half Fare Program--50% Discount on Fixed Route Services

The City of Watertown Transit’s Half-Fare Program is a federally mandated program designed to provide reduced fares on fixed route services in compliance with the Federal Transit Administration’s half-fare requirements (Code of Federal Regulations, Title 49, Subtitle B, Chapter VI, Part 609).

Who is eligible?

Medicare Cardholders - individuals who have been issued a Medicare card, regardless of age and disability

Seniors - individuals 60 years of age or older

Persons with Disabilities - individuals who, by reason of illness, injury, age, congenital malfunction, or other permanent or temporary incapacity or disability, including those who are non-ambulatory wheelchair-bound and those with semi-ambulatory capabilities, are unable without special facilities or special planning or design to utilize mass transportation facilities and services as effectively as persons who are not so affected.

Who is not eligible?

People whose sole incapacity is pregnancy, obesity, acute or chronic alcoholism or drug addiction, or have a contagious disease. Financial need is NOT a consideration

Where and when is the reduced fare in effect?

CitiBus Fixed Route Transit System only during all hours of operation. Paratransit services are not included in this program. 

How to ride for less?

Eligible individuals must show proof of eligibility when boarding as detailed below:

1. Seniors (Age 60 and older)

a. Start by contacting Jefferson County Office for the Aging (315) 785-3191

b. Fill out Senior's Half-Fare program application.

c. Once approved, Jefferson County Office for the Aging will notify CitiBus of your approval.

 2. Individuals with Temporary or Permanent Disabilities.

  In most cases, individuals will have to apply for program.

   Identification that can be used to receive discount are: 

    a    Medicare card with a matching photo ID, or
 b CitiBus Half-Fare ID

Accepted forms of Photo Identification
  

State-issued driver's license or non-driver ID, or
Valid (non-expired) passport, or
Current Employee ID

How to apply for a City of Watertown Transit Reduced Fare Identification Card

While only persons with disabilities are required to, all eligible individuals, are encouraged to obtain a CitiBus Half-Fare ID for ease in boarding

Applications can be obtained from:

• Transit Operators
• By Visiting the CitiBus Administrative Building at 544 Newell Street, Watertown, New York 13601
• By Calling the CitiBus Administrative Office at (315) 785-7772
• Download the application here

Please use black or blue ink when filling out your application. Make certain you have completed the ENTIRE application prior to submitting. After completing your application, you can either mail it to CitiBus Administrative Office 544 Newell Street Watertown, New York 13601 or fax it to (315) 755-9379 or email it to  citibus@watertown-ny.gov  Please call (315) 785-7772 if you have any questions.