The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority has been running a pilot program supplementing paratransit services in the Boston area with Uber and Lyft rides to boost efficiency and save money.
Through THE RIDE, as the MBTA’s paratransit service is called, customers call a day in advance to book their trip and schedule pickup.
Looking to improve the experience via alternate, lower-cost providers, the city wrapped up negotiations with Uber and Lyft about six months ago. Users receive the same-day service as every other rider, most having smartphones to hail them in a few minutes.