Accessing healthcare should be simple but for many residents transportation can be one of the biggest obstacles. A new program called Ride for Health is helping remove that barrier by offering free bus rides to medical appointments and essential services along the Coatesville Link route.
Ride for Health is a partnership between the Transportation Management Association of Chester County and the Equity Health Center. The program is designed specifically for individuals who live work or receive services in the Coatesville area. Eligible riders can receive free trips on the Coatesville Link bus to attend medical appointments counseling sessions and other health related services.
Individuals qualify for the program if their healthcare or social service provider is part of the Ride for Health Alliance network. Participating providers can request free rides for their clients which are loaded onto a reusable bus pass using TMACC’s electronic ticketing system called ModeShift.
The ModeShift pass functions similarly to a SEPTA Key card. Riders can tap the electronic farecard or use the mobile app on their phone to board the bus. While rides related to medical appointments are free personal funds can also be added to the same card for other trips.
TMACC Executive Director Tim Phelps explains that the Coatesville Link is a public transportation option available to everyone and that public transit helps people reach jobs education healthcare food and shopping without relying on access to a car. Through TMACC’s partnership with Equity Health Center the organizations identified that even small transportation costs can prevent people from getting the care they need which led to the development of the Ride for Health program in Greater Coatesville.
Moira Gassenmeyer Integrated Health Director for the Alliance for Health Equity and Equity Health Center Coordinator notes that reliable transportation plays a critical role in health outcomes. Access to a transportation pass on a mobile phone improves ease and accessibility and helps reduce missed appointments improve follow up care and give individuals greater control over their health. Bus service in Coatesville strengthens the community and Ride for Health helps eliminate transportation and cost barriers to care.
The Coatesville Link operates Monday through Saturday and connects riders to key destinations including Brandywine Medical Center Coatesville VA Medical Center the Coatesville YMCA Airport Village Aldi West Sadsbury Commons Walmart Handi Crafters Parkesburg and Coatesville Amtrak stations and SEPTA Route 135 connections.
Route maps schedules and trip planning tools are available at tmacc.org slash chescobus.
Ride for Health is funded through federal ARPA dollars through 2026 with support from Chester County the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and local municipalities. Partner agencies and organizations may also purchase fares for distribution to employees or clients.
The Ride for Health program helps make medical appointments easier more affordable and within reach while keeping individuals connected to the services that matter most.
