Reduced Fare Card Application for Seniors and Persons with Disabilities

Kern Transit is pleased to offer a free reduced fare photo identification card for seniors and persons with disabilities. The card provides seniors and persons with disabilities convenient proof of eligibility for discounted bus fares. To be eligible for the discounted bus fare, you must be 62 years of age or older and/or meet the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) definition of disability “with respect to an individual.” For details about what constitutes a disability, please see below.

In order to receive a reduced fare card, ALL of the following documents must be submitted to Kern Transit.

  1. A completed application.
  2. A copy of a valid government issued identification card containing a photograph.
  3. A color photo of the applicant (photos are non-returnable).
  4. IF YOU ARE YOUNGER THAN 62 AND WISH TO BE ELIGIBLE DUE TO DISABILITY: Proof of eligibility due to disability is required.

Details for applicants:

  1. See attached application.
  2. A valid government issued identification card is one such as a driver’s license, state issued identification card, student ID or passport.
  3. The color photo must show head, shoulders and be front view facing camera. Photo should be taken against a plain white or light background. Do not wear hats, scarves, sunglasses, headbands that obscure features.  *If the applicant wears a head covering for religious reasons, or shaded glasses due to a vision impairment, submit a note with your photo and it will be accepted.
  4. Proof of eligibility due to disability, Kern Transit will accept a Medicare card, a current disabled ID card from another transit or paratransit service, Department of Motor Vehicles disability placard ID or receipt, current SSI, SSD, or SSDI eligibility document.  *If none of the items above are available as proof of eligibility, the certification section of this form (Section B) must be completed by a doctor or a health care professional. All medical information will remain confidential.
  5. The Kern Transit Reduced Fare Card MUST be shown to the Kern Transit bus operator as proof of eligibility for a reduced fare.
  6. The application process is free. However, there will be a $3.00 fee for replacement cards.

Determination of Rules

Notice of decision
Each applicant will be notified in writing of the decision on the request for a Reduced Fare ID Card within 21 days after such request is received by Kern Transit. If applicant is refused a Reduced Fare ID Card, the specific reasons for this decision will be included.

Appeal Process
Once an application for eligibility has been denied by Kern Transit, an appeal will be accepted for up to 60 days after notification of denial. After 60 days, a new application and documentation (if necessary) will be required.

Policy for Visitors
Visitors from outside Kern Transit area will be allowed use of the service at a reduced rate as long as they can produce documentation of eligibility or documentation of eligibility by another transit agency.

Rules for Service Animals
Under Department of Transportation (DOT) Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations at 49 C.F.R. Section 37.3, “service animal” is defined as “any guide dog, signal dog, or other animal individually trained to work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability, including, but not limited to, guiding individuals with impaired vision, alerting individuals with impaired hearing to intruders or sounds, providing minimal protection or rescue work, pulling a wheelchair, or fetching dropped items.”

  1. Service animals are welcomed in the buses but must be kept under the control of the rider and not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of others.
  2. A comfort animal is NOT considered a service animal. Although Kern Transit is not obligated to accommodate comfort animals, it reserves the right to do so at its own discretion.

Personal Care Attendant
A personal care attendant, which is required in order to travel, will not be charged a fare. A friend or relative who is not a personal care attendant will be required to pay the normal fare.

Download Reduced Fare Application – English (PDF)

Download Reduced Fare Application – Spanish (PDF)

Public Services Building
2700 M Street, Suite 400
Bakersfield, CA 93301