The MTA’s Access-A-Ride (AAR) program is exclusively for Paratransit customers. The AAR MetroCard® gives Paratransit customers the opportunity and flexibility to take a total of four free trips a day using the subways, local buses, Select Bus Service (SBS), and Staten Island Railway (SIR). Below you'll see the answers to frequently asked questions about AAR MetroCard and its benefits.
Does the program affect my current Paratransit eligibility status?
No. The AAR MetroCard issued by NYC Transit will serve as both your Paratransit customer identification card to use when you ride Access-A-Ride and as a MetroCard if you opt to use public transit.
Can I use my AAR MetroCard to pay for Paratransit trips?
No. You cannot use your AAR MetroCard to pay for Paratransit vehicle trips or voucher trips. The fare for Paratransit vehicle trips remains the same as the full fare on public transit. Please show your AAR MetroCard to the driver when you board a Paratransit vehicle and pay the regular fare.
How do I use my AAR MetroCard to ride on public transit?
First, remember, you can ride free of charge for up to four trips a day. A day is a 24-hour calendar day, from midnight to 11:59 p.m. Like any other MetroCard, you get an automatic free transfer between the subway and a local bus route, SIR, and a local bus, or between two local bus routes.
Your AAR MetroCard is also valid on Select Bus Service (SBS) routes. With SBS you get your ticket to ride before you board the bus.
Insert your AAR MetroCard into the MetroCard Fare Collector at the bus stop. You will receive a paper ticket that you must retain and be prepared to present to a fare inspector when asked. If you have Personal Care Attendant (PCA) Certification, after you get your ticket, insert your AAR MetroCard again to get one for your PCA.
On local buses, “dip” your AAR MetroCard into the farebox and it will pop up again. If you use a lift to enter a bus, show your card to the bus operator. In the subway, “swipe” your AAR MetroCard through the turnstile.
If you use an assistive device for mobility, or travel with a service animal, you can enter/exit ADA-accessible subway stations by dipping your AAR MetroCard in an AutoGate farebox, which will read your card; your card will then pop up. The AutoGate will open to either allow you entry or exit. Customers will not be charged when exiting. Get more information about how to travel using subways and buses.
Can I add time or value to my AAR MetroCard if I want to take more than four public transit trips a day?
No. Your AAR MetroCard is a special MetroCard designed to provide you with a total of four free trips a day (a day is a 24-hour calendar day, from midnight to 11:59 p.m.) on local buses, subways, and SIR, plus transfer privileges as previously noted.
The AAR MetroCard does not have the capability to accept added value or time. Once you have taken the maximum number of daily trips with your AAR MetroCard, you pay for additional rides in the subway or on SIR by purchasing another MetroCard, or by paying exact change on the bus. However, you can pay reduced fare for these additional trips.
On buses, show your AAR MetroCard to the bus operator and pay a reduced fare by depositing exact change in coins (no bills or pennies, please) in the farebox. If you enter a bus via the lift, follow the previous instructions to pay the fare with someone’s assistance, or get a postage-paid envelope from the bus operator and pay by mail.
In the subway, or at a SIR station, show your AAR MetroCard to a station agent in a booth, and purchase a special Reduced-Fare Round-Trip MetroCard (cash only). This MetroCard is encoded with two rides, plus free transfers. The card cannot be refilled, is non-negotiable, non-redeemable, and nontransferable. The $1 new card fee does not apply.
I do not use a wheelchair; however, my disability makes it difficult for me to climb bus steps, even if the bus operator activates the bus kneeler. What should I do?
Ask the bus operator to activate the wheelchair lift or lower the front entrance ramp to help you board and exit.
Does my PCA travel free when I take subways, SIR, and bus trips with my AAR MetroCard?
Yes. If you have PCA Certification, which your AAR MetroCard will indicate, your PCA rides free of charge via Paratransit or public transportation. On public transit, just swipe or dip your card twice – once for you, and again for your PCA.
I want to travel by bus or subway, but am not familiar with all my travel options. Can I get help?
Find more information about accessible travel.
Where do I report a lost or stolen AAR MetroCard?
Immediately report a lost or stolen card by calling AAR at 1-877-337-2017.
How can I find out more about the AAR MetroCard program?
Paratransit will notify customers as the program evolves. Learn more about the AAR MetroCard program.