MTA announces Access-A-Ride shared rides to resume July 6

Shared rides are returning July 6 to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) Access-A-Ride paratransit service. 

Shared rides are rides that include multiple customers with similar origins and destinations. Customers–regardless of whether they are traveling with a personal care attendant–will also again be able to travel with guests, in addition to their personal care attendant. Additional guests will be accommodated on a space-available basis. 

Shared rides have long been an important component of the Access-A-Ride service, allowing for increased fleet reliability and helping fully meet trip demand for all customers at all times. The service has been suspended since March of last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“We will continue to provide safe and accessible transportation for paratransit customers who rely on these services for all their travel needs,” said Craig Cipriano, president of the MTA Bus Company and senior vice president of the Department of Buses for MTA New York City Transit, which manages the Access-A-Ride program. “We take very seriously the need for customers to be picked up promptly and reach their destination on time, and we will continue to monitor our operations closely. As always, we welcome comments and feedback from our riders.” 

The renewal of shared rides comports with public health recommendations put forward by the state of New York. It follows a similar approach that’s being applied to taxis and livery vehicles as implemented by the New York Taxi & Limousine Commission, and by paratransit agencies across the country including those in Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Philadelphia and San Francisco.  

The MTA says it encourages all Access-A-Ride users and guests to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Masks continue to be required while in an Access-A-Ride vehicle for operators, customers and their guests, regardless of vaccination status. 

All Access-A-Ride vehicles will continue to be disinfected daily.