What RIDE NYC is and who can use it

RIDE NYC is the paratransit service run by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) in New York City. It provides door-to-door or curb-to-curb transportation for people with disabilities who cannot use the regular subway, bus, or commuter rail system because of their condition. RIDE does not follow fixed routes or schedules the way the subway does — instead, you call or book online to request a trip, and a van picks you up at your location and takes you to your destination.

You must be certified by RIDE to use the service. Certification means RIDE has reviewed your medical information and determined that your disability prevents you from using standard public transit. You do not need to have a specific diagnosis — RIDE looks at what you can actually do, like whether you can walk to a bus stop, climb stairs, or stay balanced on a moving vehicle. The process takes several weeks and requires you to submit medical documentation and sometimes attend an in-person assessment.

Key Takeaways

  • RIDE NYC is a door-to-door van service for people with disabilities who cannot use the subway or bus, and you must be certified before you can book trips.
  • Certification requires medical documentation and takes four to six weeks; you can request it by mail, phone, or online through the MTA website.
  • Each trip costs $2.75 (the same as a subway fare) and you can book up to 14 days in advance by phone at 877-653-7433 or through the MTA website.
  • RIDE guarantees a pickup window of 20 minutes, meaning the van will arrive within 20 minutes of your scheduled time, but trips often take longer than standard transit because the van makes multiple stops.
  • If you miss a trip or cancel less than one hour before your scheduled pickup, you may receive a no-show, and three no-shows in 30 days can result in temporary suspension of your service.

How to request certification for RIDE

To start the certification process, contact the RIDE Certification Unit by phone at 877-653-7433, by mail, or through the MTA website at new.mta.info. You will need to provide your name, address, phone number, and a description of your disability and how it affects your ability to use regular transit. RIDE will send you a medical form that your doctor must complete. The form asks specific questions about your mobility, balance, ability to navigate stairs, and ability to travel independently — not just a general diagnosis.

After you submit the completed medical form, RIDE reviews it and decides whether to certify you based on the information provided, or whether they need to see you in person for an assessment. If they request an assessment, you will go to a RIDE office in Manhattan, Queens, or Brooklyn where a RIDE staff member will observe how you move, whether you can use a wheelchair or walker, and whether you can follow directions. The entire process from submission to a decision typically takes four to six weeks.

Once you are certified, RIDE sends you a certification letter and a photo ID card. Your certification is usually valid for three years, after which you must recertify. If your condition changes significantly, you can request recertification sooner, or RIDE may ask you to recertify if they suspect your condition has improved.

Booking a trip and understanding pickup windows

Once certified, you can book trips up to 14 days in advance. The easiest way is through the MTA website at new.mta.info, where you enter your pickup location, destination, and preferred time. You can also call 877-653-7433 to book by phone. When you book, you choose a one-hour window — for example, 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. — and RIDE guarantees the van will arrive within 20 minutes of the start of that window. So if you book 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., the van will arrive between 9:00 a.m. and 9:20 a.m.

Each trip costs $2.75, the same as a subway fare. You pay the driver when the van arrives, or you can use a RIDE fare card that you load money onto in advance. RIDE accepts cash and card payments. If you need to cancel, you must do so at least one hour before your scheduled pickup time. If you cancel with less than one hour's notice or if you miss the trip entirely, RIDE records a no-show. Three no-shows in 30 days results in a 30-day suspension of your service.

What to expect during your trip

RIDE vans are wheelchair-accessible and equipped with lifts or ramps. The driver will help you board and find your wheelchair if you use one. Because RIDE picks up multiple passengers on the same van, your trip will take longer than a direct taxi or private car would. The van may make three to five stops before reaching your destination, and the total trip time depends on traffic and the number of other passengers. RIDE does not may provide a specific arrival time — only that the van will arrive within the 20-minute window at your pickup location.

You should be ready to board when the van arrives. If you are not outside or ready to board within five minutes of the driver's arrival, the driver may leave and record a no-show. Bring your RIDE ID card and have your destination address ready. If you have a personal care attendant or mobility aide who travels with you, they ride free on RIDE.

Temporary certification and conditional certification

If you have a temporary disability — such as a broken leg, recent surgery, or a short-term condition — you can request temporary certification that lasts 30 to 90 days. You still need medical documentation, but the process is faster because RIDE knows the condition will improve. Temporary certification requires a doctor's letter stating when you expect to recover.

Conditional certification means RIDE has certified you for certain trips only — for example, only for medical appointments, or only during certain hours. This happens when RIDE believes you can use regular transit for some trips but not others. If you receive conditional certification, your ID card will specify which trips you are certified for, and you can only book those trips.

What happens if your certification is denied or revoked

If RIDE denies your certification request, they send you a letter explaining why and telling you how to appeal. You have 30 days to file an appeal, which means submitting additional medical information or requesting a second in-person assessment. You can also ask your doctor to write a more detailed letter about your functional limitations.

If you are already certified and RIDE revokes your certification, it is usually because they believe your condition has improved enough that you can use regular transit, or because you have accumulated too many no-shows. You receive a letter explaining the reason and your right to appeal. During the appeal process, you can continue using RIDE until a final decision is made.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book a trip for the same day?

No. RIDE requires you to book at least one day in advance. The earliest you can book is the next calendar day. If you have a medical emergency, call 911 instead of RIDE.

What if the van doesn't show up?

If the van does not arrive within 20 minutes after the start of your scheduled window, call 877-653-7433 to report it. RIDE will send another van or provide you with a taxi voucher for that trip. Do not pay for your own taxi without first calling RIDE, or they may not reimburse you.

Can I bring a guest or companion on RIDE?

A personal care attendant or mobility aide rides free. A companion or family member can ride with you, but they must pay the $2.75 fare. RIDE limits the number of companions to one per trip in most cases.

What if my disability is temporary but I don't know how long it will last?

Request temporary certification and provide your doctor's best estimate of recovery time. When your temporary certification is about to expire, you can request an extension if you are still unable to use regular transit. Bring an updated letter from your doctor.

Do I need to recertify every year?

No. Standard certification is valid for three years. RIDE will send you a notice about 60 days before your certification expires, telling you how to recertify. Temporary certification requires renewal every 30 to 90 days depending on your condition.