Need a Ride? Montgomery County Transportation Options for Seniors and Adults With Disabilities
Updated: Oct 5
If getting to a doctor, pharmacy, grocery store, or senior program has become difficult, Montgomery County has several transportation options. The fastest place to start is Connect-A-Ride at 301-738-3252. It is a free information and referral service for adults over 50 and adults with disabilities, and staff can help match a caller with public, private, volunteer, or escorted transportation.
The programs are not interchangeable. Some are open to nearly everyone, while others require income documents, disability certification, a MetroAccess card, or Medicaid eligibility. I put the main choices below in the order I would check them.
Start with Connect-A-Ride when you are not sure
The County’s senior transportation page describes Connect-A-Ride as a free transportation resource center for adults over 50 and adults with disabilities. It helps with rides for medical services, errands, and social activities. Staff can also explain escorted transportation, volunteer options, and applications for programs such as Call-n-Ride and MetroAccess.
Connect-A-Ride can be reached Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 301-738-3252. The County says callers can request their preferred language when calling or leaving a message. I would use this service first if eligibility rules feel confusing or if a family member needs more than curb-to-curb transportation.
Ride On may be the simplest free option
Since June 29, 2025, all MCDOT Ride On buses have been free for riders. The County’s current transportation services page also states that all Ride On buses are wheelchair accessible. For an older adult who can safely use a fixed route, this may be the easiest option because there is no program application or ride subsidy to manage.
Adults 65 and older and people with disabilities can also ride certain Metrobus routes in Montgomery County for free with an eligible Senior, Reduced Fare, or MetroAccess SmarTrip card. A Medicare card with current photo identification is another listed form of eligibility. As of February 1, 2026, the County requires riders to tap an eligible SmarTrip card rather than simply showing it to the operator.
Before relying on a route for an appointment, I would check the current schedule, both directions of the trip, the distance from the stop to the destination, and whether the rider can manage that distance safely.
Call-n-Ride offers discounted taxi trips
Call-n-Ride is a Montgomery County subsidy program for low-income residents age 63 and older and low-income adults ages 18 through 62 with disabilities. Trips can be used for more than medical appointments, including errands and other daily needs. Most trips must follow the program’s service-area rules, with limited approved medical destinations outside the County.
The County’s April 22, 2026 Call-n-Ride eligibility guidance says applicants need an application, government-issued identification, proof of household income, and proof of Montgomery County residence. Applicants ages 18 through 62 also need the program’s disability form. The subsidy uses a sliding scale, so the amount a participant pays depends on household income.
For eligibility and application questions, call Connect-A-Ride at 301-738-3252 or the Call-n-Ride office at 301-948-5409. I would confirm the current income limits, payment amount, taxi companies, and approved service area before planning a recurring trip.
MetroAccess and Same Day Access serve a different need
MetroAccess is a regional, shared-ride paratransit service for people whose disability prevents them from using bus or rail. It is not a general senior discount. Eligibility is based on the functional effect of a disability, and an application or assessment may be required.
Same Day Access is a Montgomery County program for County residents who already have a current MetroAccess identification card. The County’s Same Day Access guidance says there is no income limit. Eligible participants can pay $30 for $60 in Call-n-Ride taxi value once per month. Trips generally must begin and end in Montgomery County, with limited exceptions for approved medical facilities in designated areas.
The phrase “Same Day Access” does not mean every requested ride is guaranteed immediately. Participants still need to follow the taxi provider’s scheduling rules and the program guide. Connect-A-Ride can help with the MetroAccess and Same Day Access application process.
Medicaid transportation is a last-resort medical option
Montgomery County’s Medical Assistance Transportation Program is narrower. It is for County residents with eligible, non-restrictive Medicaid who need transportation to a medically necessary service covered by Medicaid and have no other available transportation. The County requires medical certification, including a provider form.
The trip scheduling line is 240-777-5899. Scheduling is handled Monday through Friday, except holidays, from 8:30 a.m. to noon. The County says trips may be scheduled up to seven days ahead, and a request must be made by noon on the prior working day to guarantee next-day service. It is not an emergency or ordinary same-day ride service, except for hospital discharges under the program rules.
Do not assume Medicare will pay for an ordinary ride
Original Medicare’s transportation benefit is mainly ambulance coverage under specific medical-necessity rules. Medicare explains that ground ambulance transportation may be covered when using another vehicle could endanger the patient’s health and the destination and other requirements are met. Limited non-emergency ambulance trips can also require a written medical order. The official Medicare ambulance coverage page has the current rules.
Some Medicare Advantage plans may offer transportation as a supplemental benefit, but availability, trip limits, destinations, scheduling rules, and vendors vary by plan and year. I would check the current Evidence of Coverage or call the number on the plan card before depending on that benefit. A plan benefit and a County transportation program are separate resources.
If a coverage question is holding up the transportation plan, Montgomery County residents can also use the free counseling resources in my guide to Montgomery County Medicare help and SHIP counseling.
A quick way to choose where to begin
If the rider can use a fixed bus route safely, check free Ride On service first.
If the rider is over 50 or has a disability and needs help sorting through the choices, call Connect-A-Ride.
If income is limited and taxi service would solve the problem, ask about Call-n-Ride eligibility.
If a disability prevents bus or rail use, explore MetroAccess; County residents with an active card can then ask about Same Day Access.
If the trip is for a Medicaid-covered medical service and there is no other transportation, contact Medical Assistance Transportation.
What to gather before you call
The rider’s age and Montgomery County address.
The exact pickup and destination addresses.
The appointment date, arrival time, expected return time, and whether the trip repeats.
Mobility details, including a wheelchair, walker, service animal, or need for an escort.
Income documents if asking about Call-n-Ride.
A current MetroAccess card if asking about Same Day Access.
Medicaid information and the medical provider’s contact details if asking about Medical Assistance Transportation.
Do not send Medicare, Medicaid, or plan identification numbers through an unsecured public message. Ask the program how it accepts documents safely.
Planning beyond the ride
Transportation problems often appear alongside caregiver strain, difficulty shopping, or a need for short-term help at home. My separate guide to Montgomery County respite care and caregiver support explains where families can start with those needs.
My practical recommendation is simple: call Connect-A-Ride at 301-738-3252 with the pickup address, destination, mobility needs, and appointment schedule in front of you. That single conversation can help narrow the list before you complete the wrong application.
Forest Brook Financial is not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare, Medicaid, Montgomery County, or any government agency. Transportation program eligibility, service areas, schedules, costs, and availability can change. Medicare Advantage transportation benefits vary by plan and year.
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