IN Shaler Winter 2019 | Page 59

PORT AUTHORITY’S SENIOR CITIZEN CONNECTCARD OFFERS NEW CONVENIENCE FOR THOSE ON THE GO SENIOR CITIZEN Pennsylvania’s senior citizens have had a number of options for using the region’s transit system, but a new consolidation effort streamlines those options into one free and easy-to-use card for travelling throughout the 5-3921158837 Commonwealth. Port Authority’s new Senior Citizen ConnectCard will replace the need for Medicare ID cards, or blue and yellow senior transit ID cards, allowing them to tap and go on any Port Authority vehicle. While the blue and yellow senior transit cards will continue to be used indefinitely for those who choose not to make the switch, the use of Medicare ID cards for free transit will be phased out on Dec. 31. Seniors who want to make the switch to the ease and convenience that the ConnectCard offers can do so at the Port Authority’s Downtown Service Center (623 Smithfield Street), where applications and cards can be processed while you wait. They can also apply for ConnectCards at a number of state legislator offices throughout the region, where processing times may take up to a few weeks. Regardless of their location, riders will need to turn in their previously issued blue or yellow senior transit cards if they elect to register for a Senior Citizen ConnectCard. 05883 “It’s a trade up,” said Adam Brandolph, Public Relations Manager for the Port Authority. “This new card gives seniors all the technology and ease of use that the regular ConnectCards already provide. A lot of seniors have reached out to us, asking for the capability to just tap and go like all of the other riders, without having to produce a Medicare ID or senior transit ID. This solves that concern and makes things easier for our senior patrons.” Riders must be 65 or older to apply for the Senior Citizen ConnectCard, which has built in features to help prevent fraud and can be used to receive various discounts at shops and stores throughout the region as part of Port Authority’s ConnectRewards program. Regular ConnectCards for those not yet 65 are always available at most Giant Eagle supermarkets and Goodwill stores. HERE ARE SOME OTHER HIGHLIGHTS OF THE NEW SENIOR CITIZEN CONNECTCARD ROLLOUT: • Seniors throughout the Pittsburgh region can now apply for Port Authority’s Senior Citizen ConnectCard in several local communities. • Like the Medicare ID card or blue or yellow Pennsylvania Senior Transit identification card, the Senior Citizen ConnectCard allows seniors age 65 and up to ride public transit for free throughout Pennsylvania. • Legislative offices across the county are now equipped to process applications. • Seniors who use a Medicare ID card to ride public transit will be able to use those cards until Dec. 31, 2019, After that, Port Authority will no longer accept Medicare ID cards. The blue or yellow Pennsylvania Senior Transit identification cards will be accepted indefinitely. • Applicants must apply for the new card in person in order to get a photo taken, and must be 65 years old (photo ID and proof of age required). • Applications completed at Port Authority’s Downtown Service Center will be processed on the same day. Those completed at local legislative offices will take two to four weeks to process, and cards will be mailed back to the offices for pickup. • The Senior Citizen ConnectCard uses the same technology as Port Authority’s ConnectCard, which has been in use for several years. • If you’re not yet 65, you can get a ConnectCard at most Giant Eagle and Goodwill locations, at Port Authority’s Downtown Service Center, or at one of the many ConnectCard machines conveniently located throughout the region. • For more information, please call Port Authority Customer Service at 412.442.2000 Contact your Elected Officials Today Rep. Lori A. Mizgorski Senator Lindsey Williams 412.487.6605 412.364.0469 Rep. Sara Innamorato Senator Wayne Fontana 4284 William Flinn Highway 5000 McKnight Road Suite 105 Suite 405 Allison Park, PA 15101 Pittsburgh, PA 15237 5154 Butler Street Pittsburgh, PA 15201 412.781.2750 1039 Brookline Boulevard Suite 2 Pittsburgh, PA 15226 412.344.2551 Office hours may vary. Please contact your local office for days and times.