What to Expect on Your Trip

COVID-19

To learn more about The RIDE's mask policy and other COVID-19 safety measures, please visit the COVID-19 policies page.

Getting Ready for Your Trip

Please be ready to travel at least five minutes before your scheduled pick-up time, and be prepared to wait up to 15 minutes after that time for The RIDE to arrive. Dress appropriately for the weather. Carry needed medications, oxygen, or other items required for health and comfort in case you travel longer than expected.

The driver will go to your door and wait for up to five minutes after your scheduled pick-up time. If you are not there after five minutes, the driver will contact their dispatcher to get clearance to leave.

Your RIDE is not considered late until 15 minutes after your scheduled pick-up time. If the driver has not arrived within that time window, please contact The RIDE Access Center (TRAC).

Online

Click the button below to enter The RIDE Access Center (TRAC) web portal:

Track your RIDE

Click the button below to enter The RIDE Access Center (TRAC) web portal:

Track your RIDE

Automated Phone System (IVR)

Call 844-427-7433 to locate the vehicle or estimate its time of arrival using our interactive voice response (IVR) system.

Do not leave your pick-up location to call before the end of the 15-minute waiting period.
Please be patient—schedules change for many reasons, including traffic, customer delays, and weather. Dispatchers coordinate with drivers, MBTA staff, and customers to troubleshoot problems and keep schedules running on time.

If you require assistance at any time, call TRAC as soon as possible at 844-427-7433.

When Your Driver Arrives

All drivers receive sensitivity and safety training. They’ll ask for your name to ensure they’re picking up the correct person. Let them know if you’d like to use the lift to board the vehicle.

Even if you have a personal care attendant (PCA) traveling with you, your driver will assist you door-to-door to and from the RIDE vehicle. However, your driver can’t accompany you inside your home, or past the main lobby of a building.

If you have personal items, your driver must be able to carry them in one trip while safely assisting you. Please limit heavy or large items. Transportation will not be provided to customers who do not follow this policy at time of pick-up.

Children need to ride in a customer-provided car seat that is appropriate for their age and weight. Drivers will assist in carrying the seat to and from the vehicle, but the customer or their PCA must provide and install the car or booster seat in accordance with all federal and state laws. School transportation is not provided.

Mobility Devices on The RIDE

Manual Wheelchairs and Walkers

If you’re able to walk, but use a manual wheelchair or walker, the driver will collapse and store it in the cargo area once you’re on board. The driver can help you get over one curb and one step, but can’t carry you or your mobility device.

Power Wheelchairs and Scooters

Your driver will offer you the optional use of an MBTA body belt upon greeting you. The driver will also explain how they will fasten and unfasten seat belts on the vehicle’s wheelchair and scooter securement system.

Canes

If you use a support cane, you can choose to hold it or store it in the cargo area. You can’t store it on the floor of the vehicle. If you use a red or white cane that collapses, you may collapse it and keep it with you.

Transfers

Trips spanning multiple communities within the MBTA service area, or trips involving the MetroWest Regional Transit Authority or Brockton Area Transit, may require a transfer trip. If your trip originates in the MBTA service area, TRAC will coordinate travel on your behalf.

You will either remain in your vehicle until the actual transfer to the other vehicle takes place, or if required, be assisted to the receiving agency’s transfer location and then continue on your trip. There is no assistance available at the Brockton Area Transit drop location.

Running Late for your RIDE?

If you are delayed at an appointment, call TRAC at 844-427-7433 and ask to be put on “will-call” status. If we can accommodate the change, it will result in a charge of the premium non-ADA fare of $5.60.

We’ll do our best to incorporate your modified trip into the day’s schedule, but it may not be guaranteed. Always book your return trips with sufficient time should unforeseen circumstances arise.

Policies

Our policies on guests, personal items, no-shows/cancellations, and keeping your information up to date.