The RIDE

Note: On November 1, 2021, The RIDE reverted to the ADEPT booking software system we had previously used until August 2020. ADEPT lets us provide better service to our customers.
Temporary Changes to The RIDE
Updated April 20, 2022
As part of the continuing effort to protect the health and safety of its RIDE customers and RIDE drivers, and to preserve the continuity of essential travel services, The RIDE will continue to require face masks be worn by all RIDE customers, their PCAs, guests and drivers when traveling in our paratransit vehicles.
The RIDE is not a medical transport, and we cannot provide service to customers with an active COVID diagnosis. The RIDE is small-vehicle public transit, and it is not possible to safely distance riders with COVID from others, including the driver. If you are or have been ill with COVID, you must make transportation arrangements other than The RIDE until you have been medically cleared.
If The RIDE transports you to a COVID testing site and you are confirmed to be COVID positive, we cannot transport you home after the positive test.
- Consistent with the MBTA’s decision to remove capacity restrictions from vehicles, ridesharing was reintroduced in May 2021.
- The RIDE Eligibility Center (TREC) is closed for in-person appointments until further notice. All interactions with TREC, including ADA visitor requests, will be conducted during business hours over the phone.
- Booking windows have been adjusted. As of May 29, 2021, RIDE customers must book trips one to five days in advance.
The RIDE customers can book trips to travel to and from their vaccination, booster, and testing appointments.
We recommend that customers book two trips on The RIDE for each appointment—one for the drop off at the appointment site, and one for the return trip. Drivers cannot wait after dropping off customers for appointments.
Booking the day before: Schedule a trip online or call 844-427-7433.
Booking with flexibility: The RIDE Flex* with Uber and Lyft enables customers to book trips within minutes of needing them.
*The RIDE Flex is a pilot program available to all eligible RIDE customers. It includes options to:
- Request a wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV)
- Order trips with or without a smartphone
- Sign up and be approved within two business days (including switching providers)
For in-person vaccination and testing sites:
- To be dropped off, schedule your trip based on your appointment time. Leave some extra time in case of delays.
- For your return trip, please allow extra time as the site may require you remain there for observation after your vaccination.
For drive-through vaccination and testing sites:
Please note that The RIDE vehicles will not stay at the site during your vaccination or test.
- Confirm with the site in advance that you can be vaccinated if you are not in a vehicle.
- Since customers cannot stay in the vehicle, follow the same booking tips as you would for an in-person site.
All Massachusetts vaccine sites offer:
- Accessible entrances
- Waiting areas with seating available before and after vaccine appointments
- Staff available for mobility assistance and direction
- Accessible pick-up and drop-off areas
- Wheelchairs provided on-site
In-Home Vaccination and Booster Programs
In-home vaccination programs offered by the state may be available to people unable to leave their homes.
Learn more about in-home vaccination programs
Riders can also check with their local board of health or council on aging, as some municipalities are operating local homebound vaccination programs as well.
MassHealth Transportation
All MassHealth members are eligible for transportation to and from vaccine sites. If you are a member who normally has access to transportation, you may ask your doctor to submit a vaccine transportation request on your behalf.
Call the MassHealth Customer Service Center at 800-841-2900.
RideMatch
RideMatch assists users in finding public and private transportation options in their communities.
Updates to The RIDE
We’re reverting back to our previous software system to improve operations and ensure reliable service.
The RIDE Flex
On-demand service for wherever you go

Starting July 1, The RIDE customers can book on-demand service through MBTA partners, Uber and Lyft.
Masks on the T

Riders are no longer required to wear a mask while on the T, except for on The RIDE. The MBTA continues to follow CDC guidelines in encouraging people to wear face masks on public transit. Please respect your fellow passengers' decisions.
About The RIDE
The RIDE paratransit service provides door-to-door, shared-ride transportation to eligible people who can’t use the subway, bus, or trolley all or some of the time due to temporary or permanent disability.
The RIDE is available year-round in 58 cities and towns in the greater Boston area, with similar operating hours to the MBTA—generally from 5 AM to 1 AM daily. Travel times are comparable to the same trip taken on fixed-route transit (bus, subway, or trolley) plus an additional 20 minutes. The RIDE is a shared service, so you’ll travel with other customers going in the same general direction.
Under the ADA, paratransit functions as a “safety net” for people whose disabilities prevent them from using public transit. It is not intended to be a comprehensive system of transportation that meets all the needs of people with disabilities, nor does it function as medical or human service transportation.
The RIDE serves these cities and towns:
Arlington, Bedford, Belmont, Beverly, Boston, Braintree, Brookline, Burlington, Cambridge, Canton, Chelsea, Cohasset, Concord, Danvers, Dedham, Everett, Hingham, Holbrook, Hull, Lexington, Lincoln, Lynn, Lynnfield, Malden, Marblehead, Medfield, Medford, Melrose, Middleton, Milton, Nahant, Needham, Newton, Norwood, Peabody, Quincy, Randolph, Reading, Revere, Salem, Saugus, Sharon, Sharon, Somerville, Stoneham, Swampscott, Topsfield, Wakefield, Walpole, Waltham, Watertown, Wenham, Weston, Westwood, Weymouth, Wilmington, Winchester, Winthrop, and Woburn.
The RIDE also serves portions of Abington, Avon, Billerica, Brockton, Stoughton, and Wellesley.
Who’s eligible for The RIDE?
- People who have a disability (temporary or permanent) that prevents them from using traditional public transit are eligible for The RIDE service
- If you’ve had a medical emergency, your licensed healthcare provider can request 30 days of The RIDE for you, effective immediately
- Out-of-town visitors with disabilities may also be eligible to use The RIDE
How do I apply for The RIDE?
Contact The RIDE Eligibility Center (TREC) at 617-337-2727, or email us at trec@paratransit.org.
Taking a Trip on The RIDE

Once you’re approved for The RIDE, you’ll need to add funds to your account. Please note that you must have sufficient funds in your RIDE account to schedule a trip.
Type | One-way fare per customer | ||
---|---|---|---|
Type | Local ADA | One-way fare per customer | $3.35 |
Type | Premium non-ADA | One-way fare per customer | $5.60 |
How do I add funds?
Log into your RIDE account to add funds with a major credit or debit card. Keep the confirmation number of your transaction for your records.
Please note: Funds added to your account by mail may take up to two business days to become available for use.
Call 888-844-0355 and select option 2 (voice and relay).
Hours (including holidays) are:
- Monday – Friday: 7 AM – 8 PM
- Saturday – Sunday: 9 AM – 5 PM
Keep the confirmation number of your transaction for your records.
Funds added to your account by phone are available immediately.
The CharlieCard Store's hours of operation are limited.
You may visit the CharlieCard Store for The RIDE transactions on Wednesdays and Fridays, 12:30 – 5 PM (except holidays). It is located underground in Downtown Crossing station. The main street address is:
7 Chauncy Street
Boston, MA 02111
There is also an accessible entrance in the 101 Arch Building, which is located at:
32 Summer Street
Boston, MA 02111
Enter 101 Arch. The MBTA elevator is to your left, before you get to the security desk. Take the elevator to the MBTA level. Exit the elevator and turn right. Continue straight ahead to the stairs, or use the ramp at left. Exit through the doors. The CharlieCard Store is on your right.
Funds added to your account in person are available for use immediately.
Mail a check or money order to:
MBTA – The RIDE
P.O. Box 845097
Boston, MA 02284-5097
- Payment should be made out to "MBTA – The RIDE Fares."
- Please note your RIDE ID number on the memo line.
- Your canceled check or money order is your receipt.
Please note: Funds added to your account by mail may take up to five business days to become available for use.
- Customers may bring one guest per trip, and additional guests are allowed if space is available.
- Personal care attendants (PCAs) and up to two children under the age of 11 who accompany a customer are not charged fares.
Premium non-ADA fares apply if the trip origin and/or destination is greater than three-quarters of a mile from MBTA bus or subway service, or if the trip requires a same-day change, except for a trip time negotiation. Your fare will be confirmed when you schedule a trip.
How do I book trips on The RIDE?
Trips on The RIDE must be scheduled one to five days in advance. Note that trips cannot be booked after 5 PM for travel the following day.
Available 24 hours a day.
Available daily between 8:30 AM and 5 PM.
Call The RIDE Access Transit Center (TRAC):
- Voice: 844-427-7433
- TTY: 857-206-6569
What can I expect from The RIDE?
Before you travel, take a few minutes to read our policies below to learn more about what to expect from The RIDE.
Other RIDE Programs

Contact Us
If you haven’t received a confirmation call about your trip, or if your driver hasn’t arrived within 15 minutes of the scheduled time, please call The RIDE Access Center (TRAC) at 844-427-7433. We can locate your driver and estimate the time of arrival.
Please contact MBTA Customer Support at 617-222-3200 if you have suggestions, compliments, or complaints.
The RIDE Guide
Download a PDF version of the important information that explains how to get started with The RIDE.
Updates to The RIDE
We’re reverting back to our previous software system to improve operations and ensure reliable service.
The RIDE Flex
On-demand service for wherever you go

Starting July 1, The RIDE customers can book on-demand service through MBTA partners, Uber and Lyft.
Masks on the T

Riders are no longer required to wear a mask while on the T, except for on The RIDE. The MBTA continues to follow CDC guidelines in encouraging people to wear face masks on public transit. Please respect your fellow passengers' decisions.
The RIDE Guide
Download a PDF version of the important information that explains how to get started with The RIDE.