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Public transportation for people with disabilities

Access-A-Ride Paratransit Service (AAR) | Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA)

How it works

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

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 area

Access-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 requirements

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 own

You’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.

Immigration status requirements

Access-A-Ride doesn’t ask about your immigration status.


Required documents

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


How to apply

Apply in person

  1. Schedule an appointment to go to an assessment center and see if you’re eligible for AAR.
    • Schedule an appointment using the 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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 information from the MTA about Access-A-Ride.

Call 311 and ask about Access-A-Ride.

Call 877-337-2017 (from NYC) or 718-393-4999 (from other area codes) for more information.


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Last Updated April 27, 2026

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