ADA Paratransit (RIDES)
In cooperation with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, the MST RIDES program offers a shared-ride, curbside-to-curbside transportation service to eligible ADA paratransit travelers. To qualify for the RIDES program, you must have a disability that prevents you from using the MST fixed-route bus system. To apply, you must submit an official RIDES application form as well as a professional verification form signed and completed by a licensed health professional. Some applicants may receive a conditional certification in which RIDES services may be provide under some conditions but not under others; depending upon the nature and extensiveness of the disability or disabilities.
RIDES services are provided on a reservation-only basis. The program requires that trip reservations be made no later than 5:00 pm the day before, or up to 14 days in advance of, the day of the requested service. There are no restrictions on the purpose of the trip.
RIDES services are available whenever MST’s regular fixed-route bus services are in operation. However, please keep in mind that MST’s regular fixed-route schedules are subject to change. Check the schedules section on this web site for up-to-date schedules and planned schedule changes.
RIDES services are provided within an ADA-defined service corridor that extends three-quarters of a mile on either side of any MST’s fixed-route bus route. Both the point of departure and the destination of each trip must be within the service corridor. Please consult the maps section on this web site to determine your relative location. Special RIDES service is available in limited areas of unincorporated North and South Monterey County, which are outside of MST’s regular service area. Also, some routes are exempt from the ADA-defined corridor. Ask a RIDES eligibility specialist for more details by calling the Monterey Mobility Management Center.
Based on the availability of RIDES vehicles and drivers, RIDES may need to schedule passenger trips up to an ADA-defined time window of one hour of the requested pick-up time. However, in most cases, the time window is much shorter. Remember, RIDES services are “shared rides” so there may be fellow passengers who may board and depart your RIDES vehicles during you travel.
Fares
| Exact Fare Required | |
| One-way, 2.7 miles or less | $3.00 |
| One-way, more than 2.7 miles or less than 19.7 miles | $5.00 |
| One-way, more than 19.7 miles | $7.00 |
All fares must be paid with exact cash or RIDES tickets. Rides ticket books are sold in books of 30 $1.00 tickets and are available at MST costumer service locations and online at the MST Store.
If you need assistance when you travel, one registered personal care attendant may ride with you for free. Other companions must pay full fare and may only ride when space is available. Our drivers are not permitted to enter private driveways, negotiate stairs or enter private homes or care facilities.
As an adjunct service to the regular RIDES program, certified RIDES passengers may call any taxi company for their transportation needs. See the Taxi Voucher page for more details.
MST RIDES Special Transportation (ST) Services
Curbside-to-curbside service is also available to registered RIDES ADA passengers residing in limited areas of unincorporated North and South Monterey County, which are outside of MST’s regular service area. The service is available for any trip purpose and is funded by the County of Monterey.
