Clinical Social Work

The RIDE is the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) door-to-door, shared-ride paratransit service for greater Boston. To apply call The RIDE Eligibility Center (TREC) at 617-337-2727 to schedule an in-person appointment (transportation provided). Out-of-town visitors with disabilities may also be eligible to use The RIDE.

Natick and Framingham residents may be eligible for a similar program through the MetroWest Regional Transit Authority (MWRTA). Call 508-820-4650 to request an application.

Each community in Massachusetts is served by an Aging Service Access Point (ASAP). Some ASAPs can offer medical transportation in certain situations. Contact your local ASAP for more information: call 800-AGE-INFO. (800-243-4636). TDD/TTY 800-872-0166 or visit their website: www.800ageinfo.com.

Boston residents:

• Boston Senior Shuttle provides free curb to curb service within the city. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with the last shuttle leaving Mass General at 2:30 p.m. Telephone Number: 617- 635-3000.
• Mayor’s Taxi Discount Coupons- Boston residents who are age 65 or older or who have a disability can buy taxi coupon books worth $10.00 at a cost of $5.00. Coupons may be purchased at Boston City Hall, Room 271 (call for availability: 617-635-4366) or at your local senior center or elder housing complex.

If you have certain types of MassHealth and have no alternative transportation to medical appointments your health care provider may request approval for MassHealth transportation. Ask your health care provider if you may be eligible for a “Provider Request for Transportation (PT-1)”.

You may call our Oncology Resource Specialist at 617-724-0295 to learn about eligibility for community transportation assistance programs such as the ones listed here and cancer-specific programs. 

Long-distance medical shuttles operated by Regional Transit Authorities are available in some areas for transportation to medical facilities in Boston.

Download our Free Medical Air Transportation (PDF) List.

Medical escorts are volunteers who accompany you to appointments and help you get around. Some escorts can take notes for you or even drive you to appointments.

• Friendship Works - Serves Boston & Brookline residents who are age 60+ or are 55+ and have a vision or hearing impairment 617-482-1510
• Neighbor Brigade - Volunteer organization active in many Massachusetts communities
• A couple of Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) programs offer escorts. If you are over 60, or 55 and older and have a dementia diagnosis, ask your local ASAP
• Place of Worship - Ask if your place of worship has an escort program
• Home Care Alliance of MA - Many of these home health care agencies offer medical escorts for a fee.  Pick a county and then under Agency Services search for "Appointment Escorts"

Cambridge Residents - the City of Cambridge has limited funds that may assist on a case-by-case basis. 

• Call Door2Door transportation to ask about eligibility, check availability and schedule a ride at 617-625-1191, extension 2
• More information: cambridgema.gov/DHSP/programsforadults/ccpd/Transportation/communitytransportation