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HomeAccessibility on the MBTAThe RIDEHow to Apply for The RIDE

How to Apply for The RIDE

More from The RIDE

Learn more about The RIDE, MBTA’s door-to-door, shared-ride paratransit service.

The RIDE Eligibility Center (TREC) is closed as of March 23, 2020.

All interaction with TREC, including ADA Visitor Requests, will be conducted during business hours over phone (617-337-2727) or email (trec@paratransit.org).

  • If you are a new or recertifying RIDE customer, you will be interviewed over the phone. TREC will contact your listed healthcare provider after the interview to verify your disability as needed.
  • If you are a new RIDE customer with a recent or unexpected medical situation, you may be granted temporary eligibility if you meet the medical necessity criteria provided to your licensed healthcare provider by TREC.
  • If you are a current RIDE customer who requires recertification soon, you will receive a reminder postcard to contact TREC. If you are not sure when your current eligibility expires, please call TREC.
  • In-person functional assessments are not currently being conducted. If one is required, you can use The RIDE with “presumptive” eligibility until you can complete your application and receive your ADA eligibility determination.

These changes support social distancing for customers and employees. We will reevaluate as the situation evolves.

Who's Eligible?

People who have a disability that prevents them from using MBTA buses, subways, or trolleys all or some of the time are eligible for The RIDE.

Keep in mind, your eligibility for The RIDE doesn't depend on the nature of your disability—it has to do with whether or not you can use public transit.

If you’ve had a medical emergency, your licensed healthcare provider can request 30 days of The RIDE for you that starts immediately. To continue to use The RIDE after the first 30 days, you need to apply.

How to Apply

To apply for The RIDE, you need to have an in-person interview at The RIDE Eligibility Center:

1000 Massachusetts Avenue
2nd Floor
Boston, MA 02118

1. Call 617-337-2727 to set up an appointment.

All applicants (and 1 guest) can take The RIDE for free to their interview. Ask about arranging transportation when you call. 

Free parking is also available.

2. Have an interview with a Mobility Coordinator.

What to bring to your interview

Required

  • Your contact information: Phone numbers, addresses
  • Licensed healthcare provider’s contact information: Name, phone number, fax number
  • Your mobility devices: Wheelchair, scooter, cane, walker, etc.

Optional

  • List of current medications
  • Statement from your healthcare provider about your disability
  • Visual Acuity or Field of Vision statement from a vision care provider if your vision is impaired
  • Diagnosis statement from your mental health care provider if you have a psychiatric condition

What to expect at your interview

You’ll tell the Mobility Coordinator about yourself and your circumstances.

Your interviewer will verify your disability.

Your interviewer may test your balance, strength, coordination, or range of motion.

After your interview

THE RIDE may contact your health care provider(s).

3. Get a decision.

Most applicants hear back in 2 to 3 business days. If your application needs follow-up, it may take longer.

You should receive written notification of The RIDE’s decision based on your completed application process within 21 days. 

If your eligibility determination is not made within 21 days of completing the application process, you will be able to use THE RIDE until a determination is made. You can contact the Eligibility Center with any questions.

If you disagree with the decision you receive, you can appeal. Instructions on how to appeal are included in your decision letter.

After You're Approved

If you’re approved, you can start scheduling trips as soon as you've added funds to your RIDE account. Read what to expect on The RIDE for more information.

Upon request, the RIDE Eligibility Center (TREC) can provide proof of your MBTA ADA Paratransit Eligibility. You can use it to take paratransit services when you travel outside the Boston area.

RIDE customers have to recertify their ADA status occasionally. You’ll get a reminder in the mail before your eligibility is set to expire.

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