On this page, we first present a paper on transportation resources in Massachusetts as of November 2018. Then we list links to national and state-level blindness organizations.
Transportation Updates and Resources
This note was prepared by Meg Robertson, COMS, former Director of the Orientation and Mobility Department, Massachusetts Commission for the Blind. She presented it at the BSCB Annual Fall Conference on November 17, 2018 at the Carroll Center for the Blind, Newton, Massachusetts.
Paratransit Services in Massachusetts
Many Transit Authorities have been providing some para transit services for over 30 years. There are 15 Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs) in Massachusetts. For a RTA list go to
This page lists all transit authorities with up-to-date contact information:
Para transit service is a shared-ride system, for individuals who cannot use fixed route transit, some or all the time due to a physical, cognitive or mental disability. To apply for Para transit, one must contact the local Regional Transit Authorities (RTA) and apply for the service. Once eligible, one may also access other transit authorities if traveling to other area in state and/or out-of-state.
One does not have to live in the Paratransit community to apply. For example, of you live in a community which does not have paratransit but travel to one, you can apply to that transit system and once found eligible can access it when you are in that community.
One companion may also ride with eligible rider if space is available & pays a fare. (A PCA does not count as a companion & does not pay a fare.)
ADA Paratransit has three categories of eligibility (taken From ADA Paratransit Eligibility)
- Unable to navigate the System independently
- Needs an accessible vehicle
- Inaccessible bus routes & bus stops
- Lack of stop announcements
- Obstacles which prevent Individual from reaching transit system
- Terrain, weather, safety or other obstacles which may hinder due to disability
There are 3 types of eligibility:
- Unconditional (all Trips)
- Conditional (some Trips)
- Temporary (short term)
Depending on the Transit system, you may be eligible for para transit but your trip may not be. Many transit systems to do not enforce this rule, at this time. However, one should be aware that not all trips may be eligible to use para transit. An example is that there is a bus stop in front of your house and the bus drops you off in front of your destination, that trip may not be eligible for para transit ride if there are no other factors preventing you from taking the bus.
A Para Transit rider may also use the main line transit system. It is not an either-or system.
Para transit issues include, the trip usually must be set up 24 hours in advance though this may vary with each RTA. It is a shared ride system so not direct service and fares usually cost more than taking the fixed route system.
Para transit is a destination to destination service so if the RTA usually only provides curb to curb service, it can provide door to door service if the disability requires this assistance.
The MCB O&M department now recommends that consumers should apply for para transit as a back-up transportation option, even if one never uses it. An example is when an independent traveler breaks a leg and can no longer walk, one may then use para transit to continue to get around the community.
Additional Transportation Options
Local Council on Aging van ride service: They may provide assistance to people with disabilities who are not elders within the town or city limits. (Seniors are considered 60 or over, even is still working.)
The Massachusetts Human Service Transportation Department: will assist with finding transportation options. 617-847-3744.
MassRides is the Executive Office of Transportation’s statewide travel options program: Provides free assistance to commuters, employers, and students and is also a ride-matching service: 888-4-COMMUTE (888-426-6883)
Mass 211 has information about transportation and other services statewide: call 2-1-1
If a Veteran, contact local Veteran worker in the city or town.
*Job commuting, check with worksite/HR Dept. for ride-sharing options. One may wish to negotiate with the company to see if they will provide assistance.
YesWeVan !: Southcoast transit resource:
For other ride sharing options check out: Craigslist; Church/local volunteer organizations: Taxi/Cab or Uber/Lyft services or hire own driver
Senior Resources
GoGoGrandparent: Allows older adults to utilize on demand transportation companies like Lyft while keeping family and loved ones notified. GoGoGrandparent 855-464-6872 Fee for Services
Other Resources
Chestnut Hills Rides & Errands: Covers Greater Boston and other areas, call for information on other areas at 617-874-0487.
Association for Public Transportation: Massachusetts Transit Links
Route Planning Resources
Google has a service like MapQuest but now has added Transit, in search options. Go to Google, click on maps section (top of page), type address, click on type of transit (car, public transit or walking) to find a route.
NextBus Different Massachusetts transit authorities participate in this program.
Navigation Apps
BlindSquare:
VoiceVista (previously Microsoft Soundscapes):
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/voicevista/id6450388413
Good Maps Outdoors:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.goodmaps.outdoors&hl=en_US&gl=US
This NLS reference guide from 2020 also lists a variety of apps:
https://www.loc.gov/nls/services-and-resources/informational-publications/gps-and-wayfinding-apps/
Transit Apps
Check out other Smart Phone Apps, search MBTA or Massachusetts Transit
“Blindways” Landmarking Boston MBTA bus stops only.
“Citymapper”
“Moovit”
“RideScout”: includes description of route with time and price comparisons for public transit, driving, pay services like Uber and taxis, biking, etc.
“Transit App”
“Where’s my Bus?”
Taxi App: “CURB”
For more information please contact the MCB O&M department at 617-626-7581. Please email any other suggestions, to Meg.Robertson@state.ma.us.
Links to other National and State organizations
National
American Foundation for the Blind
Massachusetts
Massachusetts Commission for the Blind
Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually-Impaired (MABVI)
National Federation of the Blind of Massachusetts
VIBUG – Visually Impaired and Blind User Group