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 also running an on-demand paratransit pilot with Uber and Lyft, 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.