MIDDLETOWN–River Valley Transit is partnering with the state’s largest taxi company to offer $5 rides for older adults and people with disabilities in towns including Lyme and Old Lyme.  

The transit company in a press release recently announced the launch of Encompass, a new program designed to make it easier to travel within select towns in the Middlesex County area on any day, for any reason.  

The $5 cost covers up to eight miles. Trips beyond eight miles are charged at a rate of $2.90 per mile. 

The program is a partnership between the transit company and M7. 

The low-cost rides are currently available in Lyme and Old Lyme along with Old Saybrook, and Westbrook. The transit company said the program will soon expand to Durham, East Hampton, Middlefield, Chester, Deep River, Essex, East Haddam, Haddam, and Killingworth.

“We wanted to do everything we could to help our seniors and our passengers with disabilities get where they need to go—to the doctor, the pharmacy, the grocery store, or just to see family,” said Bill Scalzi, owner of M7. 

River Valley Transit Executive Director Joseph Comerford described the partnership as an innovative transportation solution. 

“We are always looking at ways to improve mobility in our region,” he said. 

Applications are accepted at Encompass.M7Ride.com by clicking the “Get Started in Middlesex” button.

Passengers must be 60 years of age or over or provide proof of a disability to apply. Trip payments are made online through a personal Encompass account created by the passenger. Passengers can load funds into the account via credit card payments or direct bank transfers. 

There is no limit to the number of trips a passenger can take. The passenger is given the exact trip cost at the time of booking and the fare is automatically deducted at the end of each ride.

All M7 drivers are fully trained and vetted, and all vehicles are fully licensed, inspected and insured, according to River Valley Transit.