The RIDE is the MBTA’s door-to-door, shared-ride paratransit service. The RIDE is operated by the MBTA in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
If you have a disability that prevents you from using the MBTA bus, subway, or trolley all or some of the time, The RIDE may be able to assist with your public transportation needs. Out-of-town visitors with disabilities may also be eligible to use The RIDE.
Under the ADA, paratransit functions as a safety net. It is not intended to be a comprehensive system of transportation, and it’s different from medical or human services transportation.
The RIDE is available 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. To access The RIDE, you have to apply and be approved by The RIDE Eligibility Center (TREC).
Once you’re approved, you can schedule trips from 1 to 7 days in advance.
The MBTA is currently running on-demand paratransit pilots with Uber, Lyft, and Curb Mobility (taxi), where RIDE customers can book subsidized rides instantly, right from their smartphones.
RIDE Fares
| Type | Fare (1 way, per customer) | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Local ADA | Fare (1 way, per customer) | $3.15 |
| Type | Premium non-ADA | Fare (1 way, per customer) | $5.25 |
Personal Care Attendants (PCAs) are not charged. You’re always allowed 1 guest, and additional guests are allowed if space is available. All guests are charged the applicable fare as noted above.
Premium fares apply to trips beyond ¾ of a mile from an MBTA bus or subway stop. Reservationists will confirm the fare when you schedule a trip.
Using The RIDE
Find out how to apply for The RIDE if you have a disability that prevents you from using the MBTA bus, subway, or trolley all or some of the time.
Learn where you can go on The RIDE and what companies provide RIDE services.
Learn how much RIDE trips cost and how to add money to your account.
Learn how to book a RIDE trip and change your reservation if you need to.
Find out how to get ready for your trip, what your driver can help with, what to do if you're delayed at an appointment, and more.
Learn how to ride the RIDE, including our policies on guests, personal items, no-shows/cancellations, and keeping your information up to date.
Find out how to get in touch with us, including how to file a complaint or appeal a no-show/late cancellation.
Download a PDF version of these pages that explains how to get started with The RIDE.
Other RIDE Programs
Learn about The RIDE’s On-Demand Paratransit Pilot, a partnership with ridesharing companies Uber, Lyft, and Curb.
If you are visiting Boston and have a disability that prevents you from using the MBTA bus, subway, or trolley, find out how you can use The RIDE to get around.
Learn more about the MBTA’s Provider Options Pilot, which gives RIDE customers the opportunity to have their regularly scheduled trips served by Lyft or Curb.