1. Home
  2. MTA Accessibility
  3. Access-A-Ride Paratransit Service
  4. Take a trip on Access-A-Ride

Take a trip on Access-A-Ride

Updated Apr 16, 2026

On this page

Here’s what to expect on the day of your trip — from pickup to drop-off — including information on designated stops, transfer points, and feeder service options. 

Before your trip

We recommend that, no later than 5 p.m. before the trip, you:

  • Check your AAR OMNY ID card account balance to ensure you have enough funds.
  • Check your trip details including addresses and pickup locations, times and dates.
  • Confirm the trip booking includes PCA and any guest(s) as needed, and specifies the correct payment types:
    • Customers: cashless via OMNY or pay driver the exact applicable fare in cash
    • PCA: free (when accompanying the AAR customer and travelling to and from the same locations)
    • Guest(s): exact applicable fare in cash
  • Check the weather.
    • AAR may continue to operate during adverse weather conditions, but there may be times when local road conditions prevent us from reaching you. For weather and service messages, please call AAR at 877-337-2017 or check the National Weather Service website. 

On the day of your trip

  • Be ready to travel at the start of your pickup window, and be prepared to wait up to 30 minutes after your scheduled pickup time.
    • You’ll receive your pickup window when you book.
    • The 30-minute waiting period begins at your scheduled pickup time and ends 30 minutes later.
    • Drivers must wait for five minutes after your scheduled pickup time, even if they arrive early, or after your scheduled pickup time.
  • Track your vehicle’s estimated arrival time and location via MY AAR or by calling us.
    • On MY AAR, select the trip from the “All of Your Trips” page. The “Itinerary” section provides information about the pickup and arrival times, location details, and vehicle information for your trip
      • Vehicle information will appear 30 minutes before your scheduled trip.
    • Call AAR at 877-337-2017, select your language preference, and press option 3. Agents are available 24/7. 

What to do if an AAR vehicle is late

If your scheduled pickup time has passed and the AAR vehicle has not arrived, you can call Travel Services for updated trip status. A representative will check the Automatic Vehicle Location Monitoring System and tell you the vehicle's location or ETA, the carrier's name and the vehicle's number. If the ETA is later than 30 minutes after your scheduled pickup time, you may request that a representative attempt to find you alternative transportation from a nearby AAR vehicle or authorize you to use taxi/car service. If the original vehicle's ETA is near, you may wait for the original vehicle. 

During your trip

  • Drivers will assist you in boarding and exiting the vehicle safely.
  • For safety reasons, we strongly recommend that you wear your seatbelt or seatbelt/shoulder harness.
  • Additional guests may be accommodated on a space-available basis.
  • Service animals are welcome. 

Maximum ride times

This is the maximum amount of time that you can anticipate traveling based on your trip:

  • 0 to less than 3 miles: 50 minutes
  • 3 to less than 6 miles: 1 hour, 5 minutes
  • 6 to less than 9 miles: 1 hour, 35 minutes
  • 9 to less than 12 miles: 1 hour, 55 minutes
  • 12 to less than 14 miles: 2 hours, 15 minutes
  • Greater than 14 miles: 2 hours, 35 minutes

After your trip

Designated AAR pickup locations

Some busy areas have designated AAR stops for safer, easier boarding.  
These locations are marked with signs and are approved for AAR pickup and drop-off.

Designated stops are available by borough:

If you’d like to suggest a new designated stop, submit a request through the MTA's contact form, or call us. Suggestions are reviewed for accessibility, safety, and demand before being submitted to NYC DOT for final approval. 

Transfer locations to other paratransit services

AAR provides service only within the five boroughs of NYC and within a three-quarter-mile corridor beyond fixed route service across the NYC border, to nearby areas of Nassau and Westchester counties.

AAR has transfer locations to accommodate travel between the Bronx and Westchester County and/or Queens and Nassau County. To transfer to other services, you must have established paratransit eligibility with AAR and the adjacent service.

Customers are responsible for coordinating their connecting trips with AAR and Able-Ride or Bee-Line. Each paratransit system operates independently, so there are no free transfers. 

Transfer locations betwen NYC and Nassau County

  • Northwell Health, Center for Advanced Medicine (450 Lakeville Rd, Door D, New Hyde Park)

  • Green Acres Mall (in front of Panera Bread, 2034 Green Acres Rd South, Valley Stream)

Book a trip with Able-Ride for service in Nassau County.  

Transfer locations betwen NYC and Westchester County
  • 4340 Boston Rd, the Bronx (at Ropes Avenue/IHOP)
  • 5661 Riverdale Av, the Bronx (at West 258 St)

Book a trip with Bee-Line ParaTransit for service in Westchester County. 

Travel between major transportation hubs

Transportation hubs within the AAR service area allow you to connect with accessible transportation, like buses or commuter rail, that can then connect you to Paratransit services in other regions:

  • Herald Square (33rd Street and 6th Avenue): Amtrak, LIRR, NJ Transit, PATH
  • Moynihan Train Hall / Penn Station (on 33rd St. and 8th Ave.): Amtrak, LIRR
  • Grand Central Terminal (East 43rd Street and Lexington Avenue): Metro-North
  • Port Authority Bus Terminal (42nd Street between 8th and 9th Avenues)

Feeder service

Feeder service combines AAR with fixed-route buses or subways. Riders with conditional eligibility who can walk or wheel short distances can use feeder service.

Here’s how it works:

  • Your trip begins on an AAR vehicle.
  • You transfer to a fixed-route bus for part of your journey.
  • You then walk or wheel the remaining distance to your destination, within your travel limits.

Feeder service is a one-fare trip, making it a flexible option for many riders.