Butler Area Rural Transit

- 130 Hollywood Dr #102, Butler, PA 16001

For many residents across the diverse landscape of Pennsylvania, particularly those in rural communities like Butler County, access to consistent and reliable transportation is crucial, yet often challenging. In this region, when people search for "car rental," they may actually be looking for flexible transport solutions beyond owning a personal vehicle. This is where Butler Area Rural Transit (BART) plays a vital and specialized role, offering services that go beyond the typical "car rental agency" model. BART operates primarily as a vital handicapped transportation service and bus company, providing shared-ride, demand-responsive transit across Butler County, Pennsylvania.

BART is an essential community resource, focusing on mobility management to ensure that all residents, especially older adults and persons with disabilities, have equitable access to key destinations. Unlike traditional car rental, which provides an un-chauffeured private vehicle, BART offers a booked, shared-ride experience utilizing a fleet of specialized, accessible buses and vans. This service is instrumental in connecting Butler County residents to necessary appointments, shopping, and community life, effectively serving as a non-fixed route public transportation backbone in the rural areas.

For local Pennsylvanians, understanding the nuances of the BART program is key to utilizing its benefits. It is a shared-ride system, meaning passengers traveling in the same general direction share the ride, which keeps costs lower and is more efficient for the community. It is critical to note that BART is distinctly separate from the Butler Transit Authority, which handles fixed-route bus services, further emphasizing BART’s specialization in flexible, on-demand, and accessible travel throughout the county.

The operational heart of Butler Area Rural Transit is conveniently situated in the city of Butler, making it a central point for coordinating services across the county. Its location is designed to be accessible for both administration and for sharing a facility with other local transit providers, enhancing coordination and efficiency for Pennsylvania users.

The agency’s physical address is:

• 130 Hollywood Dr #102, Butler, PA 16001, USA

Located on Hollywood Drive, the facility is part of a shared transportation hub, which reflects its role in the larger public transit system of Butler County. The facility itself is focused on universal access, a key requirement for an organization specializing in handicapped transportation. As part of its commitment to serving all community members, the location is confirmed to offer key accessibility features, ensuring that the service is available to everyone:

• Wheelchair accessible entrance
• Wheelchair accessible parking lot

The restrooms at the location are also among the amenities provided. While most users interact with BART through their shared-ride vehicles picking them up across the county, the physical office offers a transparent and welcoming point of contact for applications, inquiries, and management of the transportation system. Its placement in Butler, PA, ensures that the services are governed and dispatched from a central, easy-to-reach administrative location within the county.

As a demand-responsive, specialized transportation provider, BART offers a specific and essential suite of services tailored to the needs of Butler County’s population, particularly those who face mobility or financial challenges. Their services are managed under the umbrella of mobility programs funded by the state of Pennsylvania.

• Shared-Ride Transportation: The core service is demand-responsive, non-fixed route shared-ride transportation, where multiple riders are grouped together based on similar travel times and destinations within the county.
• Handicapped Transportation Service: Specialization in services for persons with disabilities (PWD) and older adults, utilizing a fleet of wheelchair accessible buses and vans.
• Medical Assistance Transportation Program (MATP): Management of transportation services for eligible riders to access necessary medical appointments, a critical service for rural residents.
• Door-to-Door / Curb-to-Curb Service: Providing a practical level of service by picking up and dropping off riders at or near their residences, which is essential for those with mobility issues. BART policy generally specifies curb-to-curb service, requiring riders to be ready at the curb unassisted unless an escort is present.
• Advance Booking: Operating on an advance-reservation basis, typically requiring riders to call to schedule trips with several business days' notice, as same-day trips are generally not permitted by PennDOT regulations for this type of service.
• Escort Policy: Allowing adult escorts to accompany riders at no extra charge, provided this is pre-arranged when the trip is booked.

BART’s operational highlights are centered on its specialized nature and commitment to county-wide access, making it a unique and invaluable provider in the Pennsylvania public transit space.

• Full County Coverage: BART’s key feature is providing essential county-wide paratransit services, reaching the rural areas of Butler County where fixed-route services may not be feasible.
• 100% Wheelchair Accessible Fleet: Operating a fleet of vehicles that are all wheelchair accessible, ensuring that the service is physically available to all eligible persons with mobility challenges.
• Specialized Programs: Managing multiple state and county transportation programs, including the PWD program and the Medical Assistance Transportation Program (MATP), which allows for subsidized or low-cost fares for eligible Pennsylvania residents.
• Focus on Non-Emergency Needs: Providing a crucial link for non-emergency medical appointments, grocery shopping, and other essential daily activities that enhance the quality of life and independence of riders.
• Trained Personnel: Drivers and staff are trained in the protocols necessary for transporting individuals with varying needs, ensuring safety and adherence to accessibility standards.
• Administrative Accessibility: The physical office includes key amenities like a wheelchair accessible entrance and parking, reflecting a comprehensive commitment to accessibility even at the administrative level.

For residents of Butler County, Pennsylvania, or those inquiring about enrollment and scheduling for the shared-ride transportation services, the following contact information is provided. It is important to call the main line for scheduling and any immediate service questions.

• Address: 130 Hollywood Dr #102, Butler, PA 16001, USA
• Phone: (724) 282-6060
• Mobile Phone: +1 724-282-6060

For scheduling or to check on the status of an existing ride, riders are generally advised to contact the dispatch office directly via phone. Given the nature of demand-responsive, shared-ride services, clear communication with the office is essential for a smooth experience.

For a Pennsylvania resident in Butler County, particularly an older adult or person with a disability, choosing BART is worthwhile because it is specifically designed to fill a critical gap in transportation that a traditional car rental cannot. While the service model is different from renting a car—it involves advance booking, shared rides, and specific policies on things like package limits (e.g., typically a two-bag limit for grocery shopping) and driver assistance—it offers a unique blend of accessibility, affordability, and specialized attention.

BART’s greatest value lies in its commitment to riders who require a wheelchair accessible vehicle and curb-to-curb assistance. The low-cost, subsidized nature of the shared-ride fare structure is often a much more financially viable option than expensive taxis or emergency medical transport, especially for frequent medical appointments. The availability of their service six days a week, utilizing a fleet of fully accessible vehicles, ensures a lifeline to the community. While some customer experiences highlight areas for operational improvement, such as communication regarding exact arrival times or the strict adherence to service policies, the very existence of a dedicated, county-wide, accessible public transit option remains an indispensable benefit for Pennsylvania's rural and vulnerable populations. It represents a coordinated community effort to ensure mobility for all residents, which is far more impactful than a general car rental service in this specific context.

Butler Area Rural Transit

130 Hollywood Dr #102, Butler, PA 16001, USA