1. How it Works
If you have a disability that makes it hard to use accessible buses or the subway, you can apply for Access-A-Ride. AAR operates 24/7, 365 days a year, throughout the five boroughs of NYC. A vehicle, specific to your needs, will pick you up and take you to your destination.
- The price is the same as full fare on public transportation
- AAR may take up to 21 days to process your application after your in-person assessment
- A subscription service is available if you travel to the same places at the same time of day at least once each week
- Some customers require the assistance of a personal care attendant (PCA) who performs personal duties that drivers are not allowed to do during travel. Personal care attendants ride for free
- Some AAR customers may request an AAR MetroCard that can be used for four free public transportation rides a day on public buses and trains
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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. At your in-person assessment, 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.
This will help us decide if you are eligible for partial or full Access-A-Ride services. Please be sure to provide, in writing, how your disability prevents you from using accessible buses or subways and what other conditions prevent you from walking to and waiting for bus or the subway (sidewalk in poor condition, hilly area, no bus shelter with seats, etc).
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3. How to apply
Here are your options.
Apply in person
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