Ensuring the availability of efficient, cost-effective, and quality transportation services for transportation disadvantaged persons
Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged
The Transportation Disadvantaged Program is a coordinated system in all 67 Florida counties that provides vital transportation to medical appointments, employment, education, and other life-sustaining services for those who cannot obtain their own transportation due to a disability, age, or income for an affordable co-pay. Learn more about the Florida Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged.
Planning Agency
The HRTPO is the designated official planning agency for the Transportation Disadvantaged Program in the Heartland Region, and operates at the local level to provide staff to the Local Coordinating Boards, procures and recommends a Community Transportation Coordinator to the Commission, and coordinates and conducts transportation planning at the local level.
Local Coordinating Boards
Local Coordinating Boards are comprised of elected officials, agency representatives, and users and advocates of the transportation disadvantaged coordinated system. Members identify local service needs, provide information, advice, and direction to the community transportation coordinator on the coordination of services to be provided through the Coordinated Transportation System, and serve as an advisory body to the Commission regarding a particular service area.
Community Transportation Coordinators
The Community Transportation Coordinator (CTC) coordinates and provides transportation services to transportation disadvantaged individuals either directly or through contracts with other service providers.
To qualify for Transportation Disadvantaged services, a person must:
- Not be able to obtain their own transportation due to a disability, age, or income
- Not be able to get a ride from household members or others for life-sustaining trips (medical, grocery, work, job-related training/education, and other vital services)
- Complete the eligibility process
- Pay a co-pay for each trip. Your reservationist will tell you the cost of your trip when your reservation is made, as fees (co-pays) vary depending on the program for which you qualify.
Glades and Hendry Counties
MV Transit
The Community Transportation Coordinator for Glades and Hendry Counties is Hendry County. Hendry County coordinates Door-to-Door service to those that qualify. For more information or to schedule a ride, visit Heartland Rides or call (877) 935-4487, Monday-Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
For additional information regarding program service eligibility, contact Kelly O’Nan, at (863) 612-4707 or email at konan@hendryfla.net.
DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands, and Okeechobee Counties
MV Transit
The Community Transportation Coordinator for DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands, and Okeechobee is MTM Transit. MTM Transit coordinates Door-to-Door service to those that qualify. For more information, visit Heartland Rides or call Monday-Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm to schedule a ride:
- (800) 694-6566 in DeSoto County
- (863) 773-0015 in Hardee County
- (863) 452-0139 in Avon Park
- (863) 382-0139 in Sebring
- (863) 699-0995 in Lake Placid
- (863) 357-9900 in Okeechobee County
- (800) 260-0139 From Other Areas
For additional information regarding program service eligibility, contact Kelly Kirk Brooks, General Manager, at (863) 382-6004 or email at kelbrooks@mtm-inc.net.