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HomeAccessibility on the MBTAThe RIDEFares and Adding Funds to Your Account

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

Fares and Adding Funds to Your Account

Types of Fares

Fares for The RIDE are determined by the location of the destination and whether you make changes to your reservation. Fares listed are 1 way, per passenger. Keep in mind, if you travel with a guest, their fare will be deducted from your RIDE account. A PCA travels free. 

When you call to book your trip, your reservationist will confirm the fare with you. They can also tell you your balance.

You’re never charged for a trip you don’t take. 

Fare TypeDestinationFare (1 way, per customer)
Fare TypeLocal ADADestination
  • Less than ¾ mile from an active MBTA bus or subway stop/station OR
  • In the core RIDE service area
Fare (1 way, per customer)$3.15
Fare TypePremium non-ADADestination
  • More than ¾ mile from an active MBTA bus or subway stop/station OR
  • Not within the core RIDE service area
Fare (1 way, per customer)$5.25

You may also pay a Premium non-ADA fare if you:

  • Request same-day service changes
  • Change your reservation after 5 PM for service the next day

Adding Funds to Your RIDE Account

You must have funds in your RIDE account to book trips.

Online

Log in to your RIDE account to add funds with a major credit or debit card. Keep the confirmation number of your transaction for your records.

It can take up to 2 business days for funds to be available in your account.

Phone

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

We accept:

  • Credit cards: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover
  • Debit cards: Visa and Mastercard

Keep the confirmation number of your transaction for your records.

Funds are available in your account in 1 hour.

In Person

Visit the CharlieCard store at the Downtown Crossing MBTA stop.

  • Hours of operation are Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 5 PM, except holidays
  • Accessible entrance is located at 32 Summer Street via the 101 Arch Street building in Boston

Funds are available in your account in 1 hour.

We accept:

  • Cash
  • Checks
  • Money orders
  • Credit cards: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover
  • Debit cards: Visa and Mastercard

Keep the cashed check/money order receipt or confirmation number of your transaction for your records.

Mail

Mail a check or money order to:

MBTA - The RIDE
P.O. Box 847091
Boston, MA 02284-7091

Payment should be made out to "MBTA - The RIDE Fares." Please note your RIDE ID number on the memo line. Keep the cashed check/money order receipt for your records.

It may take up to 5 business days for funds to be available in your account.

Checking Your RIDE Account Balance

Phone

Online