Skip to main content
HomeAccessibility on the MBTATravel Instructions

Travel Instructions

More from Accessibility

Use the following resources to plan a fully accessible trip on the MBTA.

A woman helps two elderly riders purchase tickets at a commuter rail station

The MBTA offers a family of free travel instruction services to help seniors and people with disabilities travel independently on the bus, train, and Commuter Rail. All services are available in-person or digitally (via Zoom) by request.

Instructions

We offer three different types of instructions, which can help travelers learn more about:

  • General safety on the system
  • Planning trips
  • Reading T schedules and maps
  • Boarding and exiting trains and buses
  • Buying regular or reduced fare CharlieCards
  • Customer and operator responsibilities
  • Accessing information about T services online and with apps

Transit Access 101

This 2.5-hour class covers basics about how to use our system, and is held at the MBTA’s training facility near Broadway Station on the Red Line. Each class has room for 15 participants.

Upon request, this training can be held at schools or senior centers.

We offer two Transit Access 101 trainings: one for seniors and people with disabilities, and one for people who are blind or have low vision.

Small Group Training

Small Group Training is similar to Transit Access 101, but includes an onsite visit from a professional trainer.

Classes are flexible and can be customized to focus on getting to and from particular destinations on the bus, subway, or Commuter Rail.

Personalized Travel Training

This 1-on-1 training can be customized to teach an individual how to get to a particular destination within the MBTA service area.

Trainers will travel directly to participants’ homes and ride along on actual trips.

Resources for Riders

Video Trainings

Self-paced, on-demand webinar for older adults:

Self-paced, on-demand webinar for individuals with disabilities:

Short instructional video on how to plan your trip:

Short instructional video on how to ask for assistance:

Short instructional video on how to cross the Green Line tracks:

Short instructional video on how to ride the bus:

Short instructional video on how to ride the subway:

Travel Training Flyers

If you would like to view, download, or print a PDF summary of our Travel Instruction Program, please click on a URL below:

Driving Retirement

If you’re thinking about retiring from driving, the Shifting Gears webinar created by the Registry of Motor Vehicles can help you make a plan.

View the Shifting Gears webinar

Resources for Educators

If you are an educator interested in starting a travel training program at your own school or agency, download our collection of free resources:

View travel training resources

Contact

If you have questions or would like to learn more, please contact MBTA Travel Training at 617-337-2756 or howtotravel@mbta.com. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for training updates.