Transportation & Mobility · Surprise rank #369
Can’t Use Regular Transit? Get Subsidized Door-to-Door Rides
ADA Paratransit (Access-A-Ride, Able-Ride, SCAT) provides heavily subsidized, accessible door-to-door transportation for those whose disabilities prevent them from using standard transit.
Who
People with qualifying disabilities who cannot use ordinary fixed-route transit.
Where: Separate programs serve NYC, Nassau and Suffolk.
What to do
Start here: Apply through MTA Access-A-Ride, NICE Able-Ride or Suffolk County Accessible Transportation for the area where trips are needed.
Eligibility: Functional eligibility and service-area rules differ by system; an application and certification are required.
What you get
People whose disability prevents use of ordinary transit may qualify for subsidized shared rides in NYC, Nassau or Suffolk.
Benefit: Scheduled accessible rides within the applicable transit service area.
Possible value: Potentially hundreds to thousands of dollars annually compared with taxis or private transportation.
Good to know
Important: Trips are shared, reservations and pickup windows apply, and one system approval does not transfer automatically to another.
Availability: Applications are accepted year-round; reservations are required for trips.
Why people miss it: People often assume a visible or permanent mobility disability is required.
Sources reviewed: Aug 2, 2026