MBTA The RIDE Service has Changed for Framingham & Natick Residents
A similar version of the following story was e-mailed to the department on July 6, 2009.
As of July 1, 2009, RIDE service in the Framingham/Natick areas is no longer served through the MBTA (Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority). Instead a nearly identical service will be provided through MWRTA (MetroWest Regional Transportation Authority). Current service users from these areas have been mailed a notice by the MBTA that explains the change. While the change affects all aspects of transportation to/from these areas, those that use the service to get to medical appointments in Boston are most affected.
Member ID numbers will remain the same and will continue to be used by the MWRTA.
Accounts: Service users will have to create an account with the MWRTA by sending in a check or money order to: MetroWest Regional Transit Authority 37 Waverley St, Framingham, MA 01702. They are also able to set up their account in person, however only check and money orders will be accepted at this time. In the future, credit and debit cards will be accepted.
Funds cannot be transferred from the MBTA to the MWRTA directly. Participants in the RIDE program will have to request that the MBTA refund their remaining money. Note: service users who will be traveling to Boston should keep sufficient funds in their MBTA account (see below).
Traveling to Boston:
When traveling to Boston, a transfer is required from the MWRTA service area to the MBTA service area. This involves changing vehicles. The transfer point is the Wellesley Farms commuter rail stop. An MWRTA employee has informed us that patients will not be left alone at any point. The drivers will wait for one another and patients will have help getting off and on the various vehicles.
Due to the transfer, users must set up two accounts-- one with the MWRTA and the other with the MBTA. Each account will be charged for the portion of the trip that they service. It is important to remind patients to put money into BOTH accounts.
When making travel arrangements, people need only make one reservation with either agency and the information will be passed on.
MWRTA contact information:
MetroWest Regional Transit Authority
37 Waverley Street
Framingham, MA 01702
(508) 820-4650
(508) 935-2222
1-888-996-9782MWRTA’s FAQ page: http://www.mwrta.com/index.cfm?event=FAQ
Application
- Application for Determination of ADA Paratransit Eligibility (To be completed by applicant)
- Part B: Professional Verification of Functional Limitation Affecting Mobility (To be completed by Physician or other Licensed Health Care Professional)
-Thanks to Dorienne Rosenberg for sharing this information with the department.
7/09 rev 3/10