Roadrunner Transportation Services, operated by Lowell Transit Management Corporation, provides essential paratransit services within the Lowell Regional Transit Authority (LRTA) service area. Understanding your transportation options is crucial, and Roadrunner offers dedicated services for individuals with disabilities and senior citizens, ensuring accessible and reliable transit solutions. This guide will walk you through the key aspects of Roadrunner’s ADA Paratransit and Senior Dial-a-Ride services, helping you navigate your transportation needs effectively.
ADA Paratransit Services: Accessible Transportation for People with Disabilities
Roadrunner ADA Paratransit service is designed for individuals with disabilities who are unable to utilize the LRTA’s fixed route bus services. This parallel service ensures that those who cannot reach conventional bus stops or stations due to their disabilities still have access to essential transportation. Roadrunner operates during the same hours as the LRTA Fixed Bus Routes, providing consistent and reliable service.
For any inquiries or to arrange a ride, you can contact Road Runner during their office hours: Monday to Friday, 6:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Reservations can be made by calling (978) 459-0152 up until 4 PM the day before your intended trip. If you need to leave a message during weekends or holidays, voicemail service is available.
Cancellation Policy for ADA Services
If you need to cancel your ADA paratransit service, please ensure you call at least 2 hours prior to your scheduled pickup window. This allows Roadrunner to efficiently manage their schedule and offer the service to others in need.
Wheelchair Accessibility and Accommodations
Roadrunner Transportation Services is committed to providing fully accessible transportation. All vehicles are wheelchair accessible and designed to accommodate various types of mobility devices. Regardless of the size or weight of your wheelchair, Roadrunner ensures safe transport, adhering to vehicle safety requirements.
The mobility lift in each vehicle is available for all passengers who require it. If you anticipate needing extra boarding time, informing Roadrunner when making your reservation is greatly appreciated. This advance notice helps them to better accommodate your needs and maintain efficient service for all passengers.
For more detailed information regarding ADA services, you can refer to the following resources:
- Eligibility Criteria and Application
- Reservations Policy
- Fare information
Road Runner Senior Dial-a-Ride: Transportation for Senior Residents
The LRTA Road Runner Senior Service offers origin-to-destination paratransit for residents aged 60 and over within the LRTA service area. This shared ride service is designed to transport multiple passengers efficiently and safely. All Road Runner Senior Service vehicles are also wheelchair accessible, ensuring comfortable and inclusive transportation for senior citizens.
Senior Dial-a-Ride is available for residents of Lowell, Billerica, Chelmsford, Tewksbury, and Dracut for medical appointments within the LRTA service area. For transportation needs beyond medical appointments, seniors in these towns are encouraged to contact their local Senior Centers.
Service Hours and Contact Information for Seniors
Road Runner Senior Service operates Monday to Friday, between 8:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M., depending on your specific service area.
To make a reservation or for any inquiries, please call (978) 459-0152. The dispatch office is open for phone reservations from 8 AM to 3 PM, Monday to Friday.
The Road Runner office is located at 113 Thorndike Street, Lowell, MA (next to the Kennedy Center).
Eligibility and Registration for Senior Service
To be eligible for the Senior Dial-a-Ride service, you must be 60 years of age or older and provide a government-issued ID for verification. Registration with Road Runner is mandatory before you can make reservations. You can find the application form at the link below to begin the registration process.
- Senior Dial-A-Ride Eligibility Application Form
Reservation and Cancellation Policies for Seniors
Reservations for Senior Dial-a-Ride must be made at least 24 hours in advance. Ensure you are registered with Road Runner before attempting to make a reservation.
For cancellations, senior passengers are required to call no later than 5 PM the day before their scheduled trip. Cancellations are accepted 24 hours a day, providing flexibility and convenience.
Rider Etiquette for a Comfortable Journey
To ensure a pleasant and respectful environment for all passengers and drivers, please adhere to the following rider etiquette guidelines when using Roadrunner Transportation Services:
Do:
- Wear your seatbelt: This is mandatory for your safety and applies to wheelchair and scooter users as well.
- Use headphones: If you are using personal audio devices, please use headphones to avoid disturbing other passengers.
- Be mindful of personal hygiene: Strong perfumes or personal hygiene odors can be bothersome or cause allergic reactions in others.
- Request radio adjustments: Feel free to ask the driver to adjust the radio volume, change the station, or turn it on or off. Note that the 2-way dispatch radio cannot be turned off.
Don’t:
- Stand while the vehicle is moving: Remain seated for your safety while the vehicle is in motion.
- Eat or drink: Please refrain from eating or drinking on the vehicle unless it is medically necessary. If you need to eat or drink for medical reasons, inform your driver.
- Engage in loud cellphone conversations: Keep cellphone conversations to a minimum and speak quietly out of consideration for other passengers.
- Bring hoverboards: Hoverboards are not permitted on Road Runner vehicles.
- Smoke: Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is prohibited on all Roadrunner vehicles.
- Tip drivers: Drivers are not permitted to accept tips or gratuities.
- Engage in inappropriate or illegal behavior: Such behavior will not be tolerated and may result in service suspension, police investigation, or other consequences.
For further details, please refer to:
- Fare payment Information
- Holidays
Councils on Aging: Local Transportation Partners
LRTA partners with Councils on Aging in the service area to extend transportation services within local towns. For senior transportation services specific to your town, please contact the relevant Council on Aging listed below:
| Town | Phone Number |
|---|---|
| Acton | (978) 929-6652 |
| Billerica | (978) 671-0916 |
| Carlisle | (978) 371-2895 |
| Chelmsford | (978) 251-0533 |
| Dracut | (978) 957-2611 |
| Groton | (978) 448-1170 |
| Lowell | (978) 970-4131 |
| Maynard | (978) 897-1009 |
| Pepperell | (978) 433-0326 |
| Tewksbury | (978) 640-4480 |
| Townsend | (978) 587-1720 |
| Tyngsborough | (978) 649-9211 |
| Westford | (978) 692-5523 |
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Roadrunner Transportation Services, in partnership with LRTA and local Councils on Aging, is dedicated to providing accessible, reliable, and respectful transportation services for individuals with disabilities and senior citizens in the Lowell region. For any further questions or to book your ride, please do not hesitate to contact Roadrunner directly.
