Access-A-Ride Paratransit Service

Health | New York City Transit (NYCT)

People with disabilitiesEveryone

Access-A-Ride provides door-to-door transportation if you can't use regular buses or subways.

Heads Up

If you have a disability or health condition that makes it difficult to use public buses and subways, Access-A-Ride can help you get around NYC. Service is available year-round, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Fares are the same as buses and subways. Service areaAccess-A-Ride operates in all five NYC boroughs, plus an area up to three-quarters of a mile beyond NYC borders in Nassau and Westchester counties.Services
  • Shared rides (you may ride with other passengers)
  • Pick-up and drop-off to your exact location
  • Advanced scheduling (book and manage your trips on the Access-A-Ride website or app)
  • Interpretation and translation support during the application process and scheduling AAR follows federal accessibility laws (Americans with Disabilities Act) to ensure you can get the transportation support you need.

    • Eligibility

    You may qualify for Access-A-Ride if:You have a disability that prevents you from using buses or subways for some or all of your trips. Your needs match ADA requirements. You'll be asked about your ability to:

  • Go up or down subway stairs
  • Travel to a bus or subway station
  • Get on, ride, and exit a bus or subway
  • Navigate the bus or subway system on your ownYou're temporarily unable to use public transit. This includes recovering from surgery, managing a long-term condition, or looking for paratransit services while visiting NYC.

    Required Documents

    You will need medical documents that prove your transportation-related disability.

    How to Apply

  • Schedule an appointment to go to an assessment center and see if you're eligible for AAR.
  • Schedule an appointment using the (https://aar.mta.info/inquiry) online form. You could also call 877-337-2017 if calling from the NY metro area and adjacent counties. From other area codes, call 718-393-4999.
  • Interpretation services are available if your preferred language is not English.
  • For the hearing impaired (TTY), call AAR using a preferred relay service or the free 711 service relay.
  • Complete the application form.
  • After completing step 1 above, you will get an AAR application form in the mail. Complete and bring the form with you to your scheduled assessment.
  • Attend your physical assessment.
  • At your in-person assessment, you will have a personal interview with a healthcare professional as well as functional testing.
  • You can schedule a free Paratransit ride to and from your assessment, if you need.
  • You will get a decision about your eligibility in the mail.
  • If you are eligible, information for booking rides on AAR will be included.
  • If you are denied or given conditional eligibility, you can appeal the decision within 60 days of being notified.
  • It takes around three weeks for a decision to be made. If you have not received a decision after weeks, you can call AAR at 877-337-2017 to check.

    Get Help

  • Get more (https://new.mta.info/accessibility/paratransit) information from the MTA about Access-A-Ride.
  • Call 877-337-2017 (from NYC) or 718-393-4999 (from other area codes) for more information. 
  • Call 311 and ask about Access-A-Ride.

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