GATRA: NEMT Broker Guide for Transportation Providers

The Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transit Authority (GATRA) is a public transit agency in Massachusetts that has served the region for more than 50 years. It operates fixed-route and paratransit services and also plays a role in coordinating non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) through a network of contracted providers.

Every day, GATRA NEMT broker arranges trips for eligible riders, including seniors, individuals with disabilities, and Medicaid members. This guide looks at how the organization enters into contracts with its transportation providers, how the network is organized and distributed, and what you need to become an official partner.

Contents:

• About GATRA
• Where Does GATRA Operate?
• What Are GATRA’s Eligibility Requirements? 
• How to Join GATRA’s Network 
• Why Work with GATRA?
• How RouteGenie Supports GATRA Providers

About GATRA

GATRA was created in 1976 to facilitate transportation services of 30 communities in Southeastern Massachusetts and Cape Cod. It is run by an advisory board that includes city mayors, town managers, and representatives from the disabled population. 

Over the last five decades, the organization has overseen multiple fixed bus route services, as well as launched dial-a-ride services for seniors and those with disabilities. But crucially, in this context, GATRA is a key provider of NEMT services in the region.

One reason it’s so well regarded is that GATRA emphasizes compliance, safety, and reliability. Providers in its network must meet strict standards with regard to vehicle safety, driver qualifications, insurance coverage, and overall accessibility. In return, providers gain access to consistent trip demand in the clearly defined region. 

In recognition of its efforts, GATRA was awarded a $125,000 grant from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation in 2023 to support long-distance NEMT.

Where Does GATRA Operate?

GATRA operates across multiple municipalities in southeastern Massachusetts, including, of course, the cities of Attleboro and Taunton, as well as various surrounding towns, including Mansfield, Raynham, Norton, Bellingham, Halifax, and more.

The 30 diverse communities it covers span from Southern Norfolk County and Northern Bristol County to Plymouth County and the South Shore. 

What Are GATRA’s Eligibility Requirements? 

Apart from robust insurance documentation and driver screenings, GATRA has four special requirements for providers looking to join its network.

The minimum requirements for your company to qualify include: 

• At least one year of experience in providing medical transportation. 
• Registration with the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 
• A “Certificate of Good Standing” from the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to prove appropriate tax history. 
• An office or branch within or near GATRA’s areas of operation.

Beyond this, GATRA also requires that its members meet all safety standards and regulations. Drivers must have licenses and undergo proper background checks, while vehicles must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act rules for accessibility and undergo frequent maintenance to ensure everything works as intended.

How to Join GATRA’s Network 

If you run a transportation company that meets all the minimum requirements, you may be eligible to join GATRA's NEMT network.

To progress, you'll need to fill out a Human Service Transportation Provider Application. This form isn't published online and must be requested directly from GATRA.

Apply here: Email inquiries@gatra.org with "application" in the subject line to request the Human Service Transportation Provider Application.

The Human Services Transportation broker (as it is also known) arranges transportation for state program-covered clients and state agencies, including the Department of Developmental Services and the Department of Public Health.

Once onboarded, providers operate as private vendors fulfilling scheduled and on-demand trips, receiving assignments through GATRA's internal systems.

Why Work with GATRA?

All providers who partner with GATRA are under a contractual agreement to provide professional, safe, and on-time services to GATRA customers. In return, contracted vendors gain access to consistent trip demand across a clearly defined service area, backed by a long-established public agency with more than 50 years of operational history.

GATRA's emphasis on compliance, safety, and reliability also means providers benefit from clear standards and predictable expectations. These are two things often missing when working with smaller or newer brokers.

How RouteGenie Supports GATRA Providers

Many NEMT providers working with medical transportation brokers like GATRA rely on platforms like RouteGenie to streamline operations. RouteGenie x GATRA integration helps providers manage scheduling and dispatching from multiple trips and brokers into one centralized system, reducing human error, time-consuming data entry, and inefficient billing. Learn how the tool can help reduce manual processes by booking a demo today.