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Access-A-Ride (AAR), MTA (NY)
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that entities providing fixed-route bus or subway service also provide paratransit service for individuals unable to use public bus or subway service for some or all of their trips. Paratransit is the term used for a “demand-response” service in which an eligible customer must reserve a trip in advance. MTA New York City Transit administers Access-A-Ride (AAR), the paratransit service for New York City. The service is shared-ride, door-to-door, or feeder service.
Feeder Service – “Feeder service” is a trip that is made partly by paratransit and partly by bus or subway. At present, customers with conditional eligibility able to
walk or wheel short distances (1-2, 3-4, or 5 or more blocks) begin their feeder service trip on AAR and then transfer to a fixed-route bus. The bus takes them to a bus stop. From there they walk or wheel to their ultimate destination without exceeding their travel limitations.
Service Providers – Private carriers under contract to NYC Transit provide this service by lift-equipped vans, or sedans. In addition, service is provided by private taxis, livery and black car services.
Service Areas – AAR provides service in New York City and within a three-quarter-of-a mile corridor beyond fixed-route service across the New York City borderline to nearby areas of Nassau and Westchester counties.
Nassau County: Middle Neck Road in Great Neck, south to Lakeville Road; east along the service road of the Long Island Expressway to New Hyde Park Road; south on New Hyde Park Road to Jericho Turnpike; west on Jericho Turnpike to Covert Avenue; south on Covert Avenue to Meacham Avenue; south on Meacham Avenue to Dutch Broadway; west on Dutch Broadway to N. Fletcher Avenue; south on N. Fletcher Avenue to W. Merrick Road; west on W. Merrick Road to S. Central Avenue; south on S. Central Avenue to Mill Road; south on Mill Road to Peninsula Boulevard; southwest on Peninsula Boulevard to Franklin Avenue; south on Franklin Avenue to Broadway; southwest on Broadway to Auerbach Lane; south on Auerbach Lane to Hollywood Crossing; southeast on Hollywood Crossing to Ocean Avenue; southwest on Ocean Avenue to Tanglewood Crossing; southeast on Tanglewood Crossing to Willow Way; south on Willow Way to Causeway; south on Causeway to Beach Road; and Vernon Boulevard from Bay Boulevard to Ocean Boulevard in Atlantic Beach.
Westchester County: Union Place in Yonkers from Ravine Avenue to Warburton Avenue; Murray Street and Iden Avenue in Pelham; Mt. Tom Road and Park Ridge Avenue in New Rochelle.
Hours of Operation – AAR operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Applying or Re-certifying for Paratransit Service – Whether you are applying or re-certifying for AAR, you must call Eligibility to schedule an appointment to an assessment center in the borough where you live. Eligibility staff is available Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to help you begin the application process.
Please inform Eligibility staff if you need:
1) Material in large print, Braille or recorded format
2) A sign language interpreter
3) A Personal Care Attendant (PCA) to travel with you.
A PCA may be a relative, spouse, friend or a professional attendant. Your transportation cost is the same as the full fare on public transit each way, but a PCA rides free of charge.
Once you have agreed to visit an assessment center, Eligibility staff will send you an application packet that should arrive in approximately five days. If you requested application packet materials in accessible format, it will be mailed to you separately. Please note: only the print application will be accepted at your interview. The packet includes the print version of the application and a letter with the date, time and location of your appointment. The letter also provides instructions on scheduling round-trip transportation to the assessment center. Call Eligibility if you don’t receive the application packet. Applications mailed to Paratransit offices will be returned.
When scheduling transportation, remember to mention if you will be traveling with a Personal Care Attendant (PCA). If you cannot keep your appointment, please call Eligibility to cancel and reschedule it. You must also call and cancel your transportation.
At the center, you will have a face-to-face interview with a healthcare professional and undergo functional testing, where appropriate. An assessment report will be sent to NYC Transit Eligibility staff. This procedure enables AAR to determine objectively if you are entitled to receive paratransit service. A decision about your eligibility will be made within 21 days after you visit the assessment center. You will receive written notification of our decision.
If you have not received a notification of our decision, please call Eligibility.
Except for customers who have temporary conditions, those found eligible will need to reapply every five years. Customers are notified by mail when it’s time to recertify. If you don’t receive a letter six weeks before the expiration date on your AAR ID card, call Eligibility.
Fare – AAR fares are the same as full fare on public transit. Show the driver your AAR ID and pay the exact fare as you board the vehicle. AAR drivers do not provide change and do not accept round-trip fares.
Your vehicle will not depart unless you and your guest(s) pay the fare. Only PCAs ride free of charge AAR TransitChek coupons are accepted as fare payment. Each coupon is good for one trip.
Please visit our website or Contact us for more information:
Phone: (877) 337-2017 – toll-free from area codes 212, 718, 347, 516, 631, 646, 914, and 845
Online Contact Form
Access-A-Ride Guide
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