- This includes an area three-quarters of a mile beyond fixed-route service across the NYC border to parts of Nassau and Westchester counties.
- origin-to-destination service or feeder service for eligible customers.
- non-priority trips with maximum ride times based on trip distance.
- complies with federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations.
- provides free interpretation and document translation services. These are available during the application, eligibility, and scheduling processes.
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Related
More ways to get help with this program
Get more information from the MTA about Access-A-Ride.
Call 311
Ask about Access-A-Ride.
Call Access-A-Ride
Call 877-337-2017 (from NYC) or 718-393-4999 (from other area codes) for more information.
2. Determine your eligibility
You may be eligible for Access-A-Ride if:
- you have a disability that prevents you from using accessible buses or subways for some or all of your trips, and
- if your needs match the ADA’s requirements.
- You could also be eligible if you’re recovering from surgery, have a long-term condition, or are seeking Paratransit Service during your visit to NYC.
While applying for AAR, you will be asked to show whether you can:
- go up or down subway stairs,
- travel to a subway or bus station,
- get on, ride, and exit a subway or bus,
- and ride or navigate the bus or subway system on your own.
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3. What you need to include
You will need medical documents that prove your transportation-related disability.
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4. How to apply
- Call to schedule an appointment at an assessment center to see if you’re eligible for AAR.
- If calling from the NY metro area and adjacent counties, call 877-337-2017.
- 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.
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More ways to get help with this program
Get more information from the MTA about Access-A-Ride.
Call 311
Ask about Access-A-Ride.
Call Access-A-Ride
Call 877-337-2017 (from NYC) or 718-393-4999 (from other area codes) for more information.
Last Updated August 20, 2024
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