Lowell Regional Transit Authority

Road Runner Paratransit is a shared ride service providing origin-to- destination service on a reservation basis. Road Runner transports certified individuals who, due to their disability, are unable to ride on LRTA’s fixed-route buses or travel to or from LRTA bus stops (some or all the time) in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Road Runner uses lift-equipped vehicles serving locations within 3/4 mile of LRTA’s fixed-route bus routes and operates on the same days and at the same time. See the paratransit map here.

Note: Road Runner Fares are currently Free through June 2026.

Applying for Road Runner Paratransit

All Road Runner Paratransit customers must be certified to use the service. Eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis. Per the USDOT ADA regulations, eligibility is strictly limited to those who have a permanent or temporary physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities and prevents them from using fixed-route services. To be certified, customers must submit a two-part application, including verification of disability from a treating professional.

Road Runner Paratransit Eligibility Information and Application

Visitors with Disabilities

If you’re visiting the Lowell region and have a disability that prevents you from using LRTA’s fixed-route buses, you can use Road Runner Paratransit for up to 21 days in a 12-month period. To arrange for Road Runner services during your visit contact us at (978) 452-6161 x223 or via email at transportationaccess@lrta.com.

If you have ADA paratransit eligibility where you live, please provide a copy of your eligibility determination letter or rider ID. If you don’t have eligibility where you live or if you live in an area without paratransit services, you may need to provide additional information. LRTA grants visitor eligibility within one business day of receiving the required information.

Reserving a Road Runner Paratransit Trip

Contact LRTA by calling (978) 459-0152 on weekdays between 6:30 AM and 4 PM to reserve between one and three days before travel. If calling on a weekend or on a holiday, please leave a voicemail and we will contact you regarding your trip request.

Cancelling Your Reservation

If you need to cancel your trip, you must call at least two hours before your scheduled pickup time. Customers who call within two hours may be charged with a late cancellation.

Road Runner Paratransit Reservations Policy

Road Runner Holidays

There is no LRTA service on the following holidays: New Year’s Day (January 1st), Memorial Day (Last Monday in May), Independence Day (July 4th), Labor Day (1st Monday in September), Thanksgiving Day (4th Thursday in November), Christmas Day (December 25th).  The LRTA operates a Saturday Schedule for the following holidays: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (3rd Monday in January), Presidents Day (3rd Monday in February), Patriots Day (3rd Monday in April), Juneteenth Independence Day (June 19th), Columbus Day (2nd Monday in October), Veterans Day (November 11th)

Road Runner Senior Dial-a-Ride is a shared ride service providing curb-to-curb service on a reservation basis to residents who are at least 60 years old and reside within 3/4 mile of an LRTA bus route. Medical-related trips are prioritized, but other trip purposes may be accommodated on a space-available basis. Eligible registered customers may travel anywhere within the Road Runner ADA service area. Road Runner Senior Dial-a-Ride operates on weekdays (except holidays) between 8 AM and 2:30 PM.

Applying for Senior Dial-A-Ride

Eligibility is limited to residents who are at least 60 years old and reside within 3/4 mile of an LRTA bus route. LRTA requires proof of age and residency.

Senior Dial-A-Ride Application Form

Reserving a Senior Dial-a-Ride Trip

Contact LRTA by calling (978) 459-0152 on weekdays (except holidays) between 8 AM and 4 PM to reserve a trip at least 48 hours in advance.

Cancelling Your Reservation

If you need to cancel your trip, you must call no later than 4 PM the day before the scheduled trip. Cancellations are taken 24 hours a day.

Note: Road Runner Fares are currently Free through June 2026.

• Do
  • Wear a seatbelt (wheelchair and scooter utilization apply).
  • Use headphones with personal audio devices.
  • Note that personal hygiene and perfumes can be objectionable to other passengers or cause allergic reactions.
  • Ask the driver to adjust the radio, including turning it on/off, changing the
    station, and turning up or down the volume. (The 2-way radio for dispatch cannot be turned off.)

  Don’t

  • Stand while the vehicle is moving.
  • Eat or drink unless you need to for medical/dietary reasons. Let the driver know if this is the case.
  • Have loud conversations on your cellphone.
  • Bring hoverboards on Road Runner vehicles.
  • Smoke, including e-cigarettes.
  • Tip your driver or give other gratuities.

Inappropriate or illegal behavior will not be tolerated, and may result in service suspension, police investigation, or other consequences.

 

The LRTA partners with its member communities to provide local transportation services. Contact information and website links are provided below.