Overview
Ben Franklin Transit (BFT) is the public transportation agency serving Kennewick, Richland, Pasco, West Richland, Prosser, Benton City, and surrounding areas in Benton and Franklin Counties. As a federally funded transit agency, Ben Franklin Transit is required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to provide equal access to all riders, regardless of ability, and it takes that responsibility seriously.
For individuals with disabilities who can use the regular bus system with appropriate accommodations, the fixed-route network offers an affordable, reliable option for getting around the Tri-Cities. This page covers everything you need to know: the accessibility features built into every bus, the discounts and passes available to riders with disabilities, Travel Training, and how to make the system work for your family member.
If your family member’s disability prevents them from using the fixed-route system, see the Dial-A-Ride page → for BFT’s door-to-door paratransit service.
Who It’s For
Anyone who can use the fixed-route bus system, including individuals with disabilities who may need accommodations, wheelchair users, riders with mobility aids, people with visual impairments, riders with service animals, and anyone who qualifies for a Reduced Fare pass due to a permanent disability.
Accessibility Features on Every Ben Franklin Transit Bus
Every BFT fixed-route bus is equipped with ADA-mandated accessibility features:
- Wheelchair lifts and ramps — All buses are equipped with lifts; larger coaches also have a “kneeling” front step feature. Lifts can accommodate standard wheelchairs up to 600 pounds including the rider. Riders are expected to wheel themselves onto the lift; drivers operate the lift but do not physically lift riders.
- Securement systems — Drivers are trained to properly restrain wheelchairs and riders once onboard. Allow the driver to complete this process; if securement isn’t possible, you may still ride at your own risk.
- Priority seating — Front seats are designated priority seating for seniors and riders with disabilities. Other passengers are expected to move when needed.
- Service animals welcome — Service animals and guide dogs in training are permitted on all BFT buses. The animal must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered unless a disability or task requirement prevents it. Drivers may confirm the animal is a service animal.
- Real-time information — BFT uses the Transit App for real-time arrivals and GPS bus tracking, available on iOS and Android. This helps riders with disabilities plan trips without waiting at stops unnecessarily.
- Frequent Service Corridor routes — BFT’s highest-frequency routes (Routes 1 and 2X) run at 15-minute intervals or better for most of the day, reducing wait times significantly for riders who need predictability.
Reduced Fare Pass — For Riders with Permanent Disabilities
Individuals with a permanent disability who are not eligible for Dial-A-Ride may qualify for a Reduced Fare Pass, cutting bus fares in half:
| Fare Type | Cash | 10-Ride Ticket | Monthly Pass |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult (standard) | $1.50 | $12.00 | $25.00 |
| Reduced (permanent disability) | $0.75 | $6.00 | $12.50 |
Qualifying documentation — any one of the following:
- Social Security Medicare Card
- Social Security Disability award letter with “DI” number
- DVR or DDA letter
- Washington State Handicapped Parking ID (permanent only)
- Written attestation from a medical or mental health care professional on their letterhead
- BFT Reduced Fare Application signed by a medical or mental health professional
Reduced Fare passes are sold only at Three Rivers Transit Center
7109 W. Okanogan Place, Kennewick
Bring a photo ID and one of the documents above.
Free Passes for Seniors and Youth
Seniors 65 and older ride free on fixed-route buses and CONNECT with a free Senior ID Pass — contact BFT Customer Service to obtain one. Youth (ages 0–18) also ride free on all BFT services.
FREEDOM Pass — For Riders Who Travel Beyond ¾ Mile of a Bus Route
Standard Dial-A-Ride passes cover trips within ¾ mile of a fixed bus route. Riders who need trips beyond that service zone need a FREEDOM Pass:
| FREEDOM Pass | Cash | 10-Ride Ticket | Monthly Pass |
|---|---|---|---|
| $3.00 | $25.00 | $50.00 |
FREEDOM Passes are accepted across all BFT services including Dial-A-Ride beyond ¾ mile of routes.
Travel Training — Learning to Ride the Bus Independently
One of the most valuable resources BFT offers is free Travel Training for individuals who want to learn how to use the fixed-route bus system independently but need support getting started. This is directly relevant to CAA families: for individuals in Community Inclusion or Employment Services programs, learning to navigate the bus system independently is a meaningful life and employment skill.
BFT’s Travel Trainer works one-on-one with riders to:
- Learn specific routes relevant to their daily destinations
- Practice boarding, paying fares, and using transfers
- Build confidence and independence on the bus system
- Develop strategies for managing unexpected situations
Travel Trainer: Maria Modrell
Phone: 509.827.1749
Email: mmodrell@bft.org
Travel Training Request Form — English | Travel Training Request Form — Spanish
Reasonable Modification Requests
Under the ADA, BFT is required to make reasonable modifications to its policies and programs when needed to ensure equal access for riders with disabilities. If your family member needs an accommodation that isn’t built into standard service, you can submit a Reasonable Modification Request.
Examples of modifications that might be requested: boarding or alighting at a non-standard location due to mobility constraints, assistance with fare payment, or other individual adjustments that don’t create a safety issue, fundamentally alter the service, or create undue burden.
Submit requests by phone, email, or mail:
Phone: 509.735.5100
Email: CustomerComment@bft.org
Mail: Ben Franklin Transit, ADA Eligibility Coordinator, 7019 W. Okanogan Place, Kennewick, WA 99336
Reasonable Modification Policy (PDF) | Reasonable Modification Request Form (PDF)
