How to Ride
Disabled Services
Dependable and Accessible Transportation for Lakeland, Winter Haven, Bartow, Ft. Meade, Frostproof and Surrounding Areas
Citrus Connection is the Community Transportation Coordinator (CTC) for Polk County. This special program provides subsidized or reduced-price bus passes. We also provide door-to-door service to physically, mentally, emotionally or economically disadvantaged individuals. Call 855-POLKBUS (765-5287) to qualify.
In compliance with the Transportation Disadvantaged Service Plan (TDSP), Citrus Connection Paratransit is our call ahead, door-to-door service for those who are unable to use our regular service. This specialized fleet of small, wheelchair lift-equipped buses is currently available to senior citizens, disadvantaged citizens and citizens with disabilities throughout Polk County. The cost of these services is a one-way fare of $2, or co-pay as low as $2. Once the qualification process is approved, requests for transportation can be made in advance at 863-534-5500. (TD requests for service may be subject to service availability). For more information or to see if you qualify for Paratransit service, download the application form at ridecitrus.com, or give us a call at 863-534-5500.
Americans With Disabilities (ADA) Act Transportation Services
Citrus Connection’s paratransit service provides county coverage and beyond and is available for persons with disabilities who are unable to ride the fixed route buses. Click here to see our TD Customer Satisfaction Survey
Paratransit
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Citrus Connection paratransit is our call ahead, door-to-door service for those who are unable to use our regular service. This specialized fleet of small, wheelchair lift-equipped buses is currently available to senior citizens and people with disabilities throughout Polk County. A one-way fare is $2. For more information or to see if you qualify for paratransit service, download the application form, or give us a call at 855-POLKBUS (765-5287).
Transportation Disadvantaged Program
Citrus Connection is the Community Transportation Coordinator (CTC). This special program provides free or reduced-price bus passes to physically, mentally, emotionally or economically disadvantaged individuals. Call 855-POLKBUS (765-5287) to qualify.
Wheelchair Lifts
Every Citrus Connection bus is wheelchair lift-equipped, and all of the regular route buses are also equipped with “kneelers,” which lower the front step of the bus and make it easier to board. If you are unable to use our regular service, paratransit service is also available. 855-POLKBUS (765-5287).
Service Animals/Pets
Service animals are welcome aboard!
413.08 Rights and responsibilities of an individual with a disability; use of a service animal; prohibited discrimination in public employment, public accommodations, and housing accommodations; penalties.—
(c) “Public accommodation” means a common carrier, airplane, motor vehicle, railroad train, motor bus, streetcar, boat, or other public conveyance or mode of transportation; hotel; a timeshare that is a transient public lodging establishment as defined in s. 509.013; lodging place; place of public accommodation, amusement, or resort; and other places to which the general public is invited, subject only to the conditions and limitations established by law and applicable alike to all persons. The term does not include air carriers covered by the Air Carrier Access Act of 1986, 49 U.S.C. s. 41705, and by regulations adopted by the United States Department of Transportation to implement such act.
(d) “Service animal” means an animal that is trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. The work done or tasks performed must be directly related to the individual’s disability and may include, but are not limited to, guiding an individual who is visually impaired or blind, alerting an individual who is deaf or hard of hearing, pulling a wheelchair, assisting with mobility or balance, alerting and protecting an individual who is having a seizure, retrieving objects, alerting an individual to the presence of allergens, providing physical support and assistance with balance and stability to an individual with a mobility disability, helping an individual with a psychiatric or neurological disability by preventing or interrupting impulsive or destructive behaviors, reminding an individual with mental illness to take prescribed medications, calming an individual with posttraumatic stress disorder during an anxiety attack, or doing other specific work or performing other special tasks. A service animal is not a pet. For purposes of subsections (2), (3), and (4), the term “service animal” is limited to a dog or miniature horse. The crime-deterrent effect of an animal’s presence and the provision of emotional support, well-being, comfort, or companionship do not constitute work or tasks for purposes of this definition.
No pets are allowed on any bus.