Half Fare Program

An eligible person is one who meets the Federal Transit Administration's (FTA) definition of disabled, which is "any individual who, by reason of illness, injury, age, congenital malfunction, or other permanent or temporary disability are unable, without special facilities or special planning or design, to utilize mass transportation services as effectively as persons who are not so affected."

The FRED Half-Fare Program offers a discounted bus fare to qualified individuals. Eligibility can be either permanent or temporary. Eligible persons may ride FRED's regular or VRE service for half-fare. There are four categories used to determine eligibility:

  1. Permanent - Any impairment that is expected to last a lifetime that impairs an individual's ability to ride the bus.
  2. Temporary - Any impairment that is expected to last for a period of at least three (3) months and not more than twelve (12) months.
  3. Medicare recipients, or 
  4. Persons 65 years of age or older. 

Half-Fare Application

To apply for the Half-Fare Program, please complete the Half-Fare Application. 

Mail or deliver your completed application to 1400 Emancipation Hwy., Fredericksburg, VA 22401 between 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday - Friday. Upon review and approval of your application, you will be contacted to schedule an appointment to have your photograph taken and receive your Half-Fare ID card.

Any questions or concerns regarding the Half-Fare Program, Please contact Mr. Craig Reed, Manager Policy, Planning & Compliance at rcreed@fredericksburgva.gov or call (540) 372-1222 ext. 709.

Half-Fare ID Card

The Half-Fare ID card is a photo ID card that shows the Operator proof eligibility for the rider to purchase and/or ride at a discounted bus fare. Passers must have their fare and ID card in order to receive the the reduced fare for their trip. Applicants meeting the conditions of eligibility will be issued a photo identification card to be used for reduced fare. The card must be presented at the time of each boarding to receive the half-fare discount.

There is no charge to the applicant for the initial Half-Fare card, however, if the card is lost or stolen, a replacement card may be issued, at a cost of $5.00 The discounted fare is approximately on-half of FRED's standard service fare.

A FRED Half-Fare ID card or ticket is to be used exclusively by the person receiving the benefit. Allowing others to use the card, or to purchase reduced fare on their behalf will result in the immediate loss of eligibility.