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FRTA Demand / Response Services

IMAGE_F-R-T-A_Demand-Response-Header-GraphicThe Franklin Regional Transit Authority's  Demand Response provide transportation services on demand to eligible residents of Westhampton.  The Westhampton Demand Response transportation service is a volunteer driver program.  All drivers for this program are volunteers using their own personal vehicles.  Services are provided by the Westhampton Council on Aging.

Who is eligible? 

Services are available to persons over the age of 60, consumers currently living in a nursing home facility, or Veterans with a disability rating of 70% or greater.

How do I qualify for this service?

Prior to being transported, an application for service needs to be completed and approved by the FRTA office. You may obtain a copy of our application by calling (413) 774-2262 or download it from our website: www.frta.org.  Once approved, a Demand Response information packet will be forwarded to you related to this service.

When is the service available?

Currently, service is available on an as needed basis for medical rides and shopping trips.

How do i schedule a trip?

Call the Westhampton COA at (413) 527.5134 at least 24 hours in advance to schedule your ride.  Advance notice is strongly encourage.

Transportation cannot be arranged over the weekend. We make every attempt to accommodate each trip; however, there are instances where we may not be able to schedule your trip due to peak hours or other circumstances beyond our control.

What if I need assistance?
  • Our Demand Response service is curb to curb. Our drivers will assist you onto our vehicle and again when disembarking from the vehicle, but cannot assist you into buildings or your home.
  • Drivers are not to assist with groceries or other parcels, we ask that you bring only what you can carry. If you need assistance, the FRTA allows you to have someone to travel with you.
  • There is an escort/PCA fee of $.75 for each trip and they must be there to assist the passenger with the trip (not there to do their own errands). If you choose to bring a friend or companion, they will pay the same fare as you. Simply notify dispatch that someone will be accompanying you on your trip.
  • All of our vehicles are wheelchair accessible and have lifts to accommodate our mobility disabled consumers.
What if I have an emergency?

The FRTA is not in the position to provide emergency transportation. If your situation requires immediate medical attention, you should call 911. An attempt will be made to accommodate next day or same day trips; however it is not a guarantee that transportation can be provided.

How do I pay for my trip?

You must pay for your trip with cash as you board the vehicle. The drivers may be unable to make change, so please pay with the exact fare.

How much does it cost?
  • All one way trips that originate and end within Westhampton: $1.25
  • All one way trips to an adjacent town that are within our service area: $1.75
  • All one way trips beyond an adjacent town that are within our service area: $2.25
  • All trips to Senior Centers are $.75 (in town trips), $1.00 (adjacent town trips) and $1.25 (beyond adjacent town trips).
  • Fares listed are for one way trips.

Service Rules

  • It is your responsibility to cancel any scheduled trip that you will not be taking. All trips must be canceled at least one hour prior to your scheduled pick up time. If you fail to cancel, it will be identified as a “No Show”. Multiple “no shows” may result in penalties.
  • There is to be no smoking, eating or drinking in the vehicle.
  • All Demand Response and ADA consumers are required to wear seatbelts in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws unless there is documentation of a medical condition that prohibits their use. Refusal to wear seatbelt will be documented by the driver and the FRTA will not be held liable for injury as a result of this.
  • Drivers are not permitted to leave their vehicle unattended at any time while passengers are on board.
  • Drivers and staff are not allowed to accept tips or gratuities. If a consumer wishes to express thanks, please send a letter to:

FRTA Administrator
12 Olive St.
Greenfield, MA 01301

Finally, please remember that this service is a public transportation option, not a taxi service. Consumers should expect some wait time.

To obtain a copy of the FRTA fixed-route bus schedule, or if you have questions related to our ADA Complementary Paratransitservice, MassHealth Transportation,
or StateWide Access Pass program, contact the FRTA at (413) 774-2262  or visit our website www.frta.org