Curb, a taxi hailing application, is now expanding their services to allow MBTA “THE RIDE” users in the Boston area to book accessible rides through the Curb app. Customers looking to use THE RIDE platform, can now request and schedule a taxi or wheelchair accessible vehicle through the Curb app, website, or even over the phone.
THE RIDE, is a program through the MBTA that provides paratransit services. THE RIDE is a shared-ride transportation option that is available to eligible people who can’t use the subway, bus, or trolley system due to a temporary or permanent disability.
According the THE RIDE’s website, THE RIDE “is available year-round in fifty-eight cities and towns in the greater Boston area, with similar operating hours to the MBTA—generally from 5 AM to 1 AM daily. Travel times are comparable to the same trip taken on fixed-route (bus, subway or trolley) plus an additional 20 minutes.”
Who’s eligible for THE RIDE?
Anyone in the Boston area who has a temporary or permanent disability that prevents them from using traditional public transportation may be eligible for THE RIDE program. Additionally, if you have recently had a medical emergency, your healthcare provider can request 30 days of THE RIDE service for you. Lastly, visitors to the Boston area that have disabilities may also be eligible to use THE RIDE.
How do I apply for THE RIDE?
To apply to use THE RIDE services, contact The RIDE Eligibility Center at 617-337-2727, or email [email protected]. Once you are register with THE RIDE you can sign up to participate in CURB’s THE RIDE taxi pilot program by signing up here.
Where is THE RIDE available?
The RIDE is available in the following areas:
Arlington, Bedford, Belmont, Beverly, Boston, Braintree, Brookline, Burlington, Cambridge, Canton, Chelsea, Cohasset, Concord, Danvers, Dedham, Everett, Hingham, Holbrook, Hull, Lexington, Lincoln, Lynn, Lynnfield, Malden, Marblehead, Medfield, Medford, Melrose, Middleton, Milton, Nahant, Needham, Newton, Norwood, Peabody, Quincy, Randolph, Reading, Revere, Salem, Saugus, Sharon, Sharon, Somerville, Stoneham, Swampscott, Topsfield, Wakefield, Walpole, Waltham, Watertown, Wenham, Weston, Westwood, Weymouth, Wilmington, Winchester, Winthrop, and Woburn. As well as in portions of Abington, Avon, Billerica, Brockton, Stoughton, and Wellesley.
However, rides through the CURB RIDE Taxi Pilot are only available closer to and within the city of Boston. Please take a look at the yellow area of the map below to see where you can utilize the CURB app to book a THE RIDE Taxi.
Can I bring a guest on THE RIDE?
Those eligible to use THE RIDE may bring one guest along with them, additional guests are allowed if space is available. Also, you are allowed to bring Personal Care Assistants and children under the age of 11 (up to 2 children per customer) without being charged any additional fees.
If you are utilizing CURB’s RIDE Taxi pilot you can bring additional guests in the taxi with you, up to as many passenger seats as there are available in the vehicle.
How much is THE RIDE?
THE RIDE has two fares, Local ADA which is $3.35 and Premium non-ADA which is $5.60. Premium non-ADA fares apply if the trip origin and/or destination is greater than 3/4 miles from MBTA bus or subway service.
Through the CURB THE RIDE Taxi program, customers will pay the first $2 and the MBTA will pay up to $40 for the rest of the trip. Customers are responsible for any additional fare over $42.
How do I book trips on THE RIDE?
If you are looking to use the new Taxi program, you can simply book your ride directly through the CURB app! If you are looking to utilize the traditional THE RIDE Share Shuttle service you can book your ride through THE RIDE’s online portal or by calling THE RIDE. Trips on THE RIDE do need to be scheduled 1-5 days in advance and trips cannot be booked after 5 PM for travel the following day.
