New Freedom Fund Taxi Voucher Program

M7 is the driving effort to give people with disabilities more freedom and at the same price structure

Those who need wheelchair accessibility can now use M7’s accessible service, the State’s first wheelchair-accessible taxi service.

  • Offers passengers with disabilities a 50 percent discount from the normal cab rate
  • Passengers in Greater New Haven, Bridgeport, and Hartford Transit Districts are able to travel beyond current boundaries
  • Around-the-clock service, 365 days a year
  • Not subject to 24 hour prior notice as required by paratransit booking.

The M7 Voucher Debit Card Form is available for download here.

The New Freedom Fund Initiative

The New Freedom Fund Initiative (NFI), introduced in 2001, is a nationwide effort to remove barriers to community living for people of all ages with disabilities and long-term illnesses.

Today, there are more than 54 million Americans living with a disability, representing a full 20 percent of the U.S. population. Under the Federal Department of Transportation, The New Freedom (5317) formula grant program aims to provide additional tools to overcome existing barriers facing Americans with disabilities seeking integration into the workforce and full participation in society. Lack of adequate transportation is a primary barrier to work for individuals with disabilities.

The 2000 Census showed that only 60 percent of people between the ages of 16 and 64 with disabilities are employed. The New Freedom Fund formula grant program seeks to reduce barriers to transportation services and expand the transportation mobility options available to people with disabilities beyond the requirement of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

About The Program

The New Freedom Fund Taxi Voucher Program offers passengers with disabilities a 50 percent discount from the normal cab rate. Those who need wheelchair-accessibility can now use M7’s Accessible Service, the State’s first wheelchair-accessible taxi service. M7’s Accessible Service has an expansive service area so Greater New Haven, Bridgeport, and Hartford area passengers are able to travel beyond the current restrictive Transit District boundaries. The New Freedom Fund Taxi Voucher Program utilizes taxicabs, so service hours are around-the-clock, 365 days a year, and are not subject to 24-hour prior notice as required by paratransit booking.

“Accessible taxi service is a critical tool in the mobility toolbox that addresses a clear gap experienced by people with disabilities in Connecticut. The service opens new doors to people who might not otherwise have full access to their communities and we’re proud to work with M7 to expand the voucher program to all who need it,” said Margaret Mixon, Director of Mobility Services of The Kennedy Collective.

Eligibility

To be eligible, an individual must meet the definition of “disabled” under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Greater New Haven Transit District (GNHTD) and Greater Bridgeport Transit District (GBTD) staff will interview individuals for eligibility. For applications and program details please contact the following:

New Haven area please call:
The Greater New Haven Transit District, 203-288-6282 x-2518

Bridgeport area please call:
The Kennedy Collective, 203-365-8522 x-2018

Hartford area please call:
The Greater Hartford Transit District, 860-247-5329 x-3086

Voucher-bearing passengers using M7 need only present their New Freedom Fund Card and identification to their M7 driver. Greater New Haven, Bridgeport and Hartford Transit identification cards are an acceptable form for I.D.

Download The M7 App Now

M7 utilizes the most advanced cloud based dispatch technology. It’s fast, efficient and its many customer options are like no other app, providing you with safe, on-demand transportation 24/7, 365.

  • Download the M7 App from the App Store
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