Applying for Access-A-Ride

Access-A-Ride (AAR) is a shared ride service for people with disabilities. It costs the same as a regular bus or subway ride.

If you have trouble using regular buses or subways in New York City, there are different types of AAR service you might be able to get:

• Conditional: You can use regular buses or subways sometimes, but not always. For example, you might need AAR during extreme heat or cold, or to get to stations with escalators. Valid for 5 years.
• Full: You have significant difficulty using regular buses or subways because of your disability. Valid for 5 years.
• Continual: You cannot use regular buses or subways at all because of your disability. Valid for 5 years (you renew every 5 years).
• Temporary: You have a temporary disability that makes it hard to use regular buses or subways. Valid for 1 month to 1 year.

How to apply:

Step 1: Schedule an appointment

• Submit a form online or call (877) 337-2017 (toll-free for NYC area codes) or 718-393-4999 (from other area codes)
• If you're deaf or hard of hearing, use 711 relay service
• Tell them if you need a personal care attendant (like a spouse, relative, friend, or professional helper) to come with you
• Tell them if you need large print, recorded materials, Braille, or a sign language interpreter

Step 2: Get your application packet in the mail

• Your packet will arrive in about 5 days
• It will have your application form and the date, time, and location of your appointment
• It will also have instructions for scheduling free transportation to and from your assessment

Step 3: Get your documents ready

• A letter from your doctor explaining how your disability makes it hard to use buses or subways (give your doctor Tips for Doctors Filling Out Applications for Access-A-Ride Benefits). 
• Your own travel journal: Keep notes about how travel affects your health, energy, and well-being. Be specific. Write down things like how tired or anxious you feel, and how much time you need to rest after walking to the bus or subway. Also write down any barriers that make it hard to get to the station, like missing curb cuts, ramps, or sidewalks. Make a copy and include it with your application.

Step 4: Go to your in-person assessment

• Bring your completed paper application (only paper applications are accepted)
• NYC Transit will give you a free ride to and from the assessment
• You can bring a friend, family member, advocate, service provider, lawyer, or anyone else to help you
• At the assessment, you'll meet with a healthcare professional who will evaluate your physical, visual, or cognitive abilities
• You may be asked to walk up stairs and complete other tasks
• You'll also be asked to explain how your disability makes it hard to use buses or subways
• Be sure to mention problems like fatigue, confusion, or pain

Step 5: Wait for a decision

• You'll get a letter in 21 days
• If you don't get a letter in 3 weeks, call to follow up
• If they don't make a decision within 21 days, you can use AAR service while you wait
• If you're denied, your letter will explain why and tell you how to get your full assessment record for free
• You have 60 days to appeal if you're denied
• You can appeal in writing, in person, by phone, or by Zoom

Need help?

Call Mobilization for Justice at (877) 417-2427 for help with your application or appeal. For appeals questions, you can also call the MTA at (877) 337-2017 (toll-free for NYC area codes) or 718-393-4999 (from other area codes)