The RIDE

• 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.

Learn more about these changes

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)

Learn more about The RIDE Flex

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.

Learn more about RideMatch

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.

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.

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