[Massachusetts-NFB] Updates to The RIDE’s Driver Assistance Policy

[adam.roberge93 at gmail.com]

Hi Stephen,

I already was aware of those changes, but I appreciate your work.

This seams more promising from what they were saying before.

Adam

 

 

From: Massachusetts-NFB <massachusetts-nfb-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of stephen yerardi via Massachusetts-NFB
Sent: Tuesday, December 16, 2025 9:24 PM
To: of Massachusetts NFB <massachusetts-nfb at nfbnet.org>
Cc: stephen yerardi <spyerardi at gmail.com>
Subject: [Massachusetts-NFB] Updates to The RIDE’s Driver Assistance Policy

 

Hello everyone,

Apologies for the lateness in sharing this update, but I wanted to make sure people were aware of a positive and meaningful change to MBTA The RIDE’s Driver Assistance Policy that took effect on December 1, 2025.

After customer feedback, The RIDE updated its baggage and driver assistance rules to better balance safety with practical assistance.

Drivers may now assist with personal items that can be carried in one arm and in one trip while safely assisting the rider, with a total weight limit of fifteen pounds.

Examples include one or two small shopping bags, a paper grocery bag, a light backpack, a purse, or a car seat that meets these same limits.

Drivers will determine what they can safely carry while assisting a customer.

Any items that exceed these limits must be carried by the customer or by a PCA.

Other parts of the policy remain unchanged.

Personal items must fit within a rider’s personal space, and no additional seats or space are reserved for bags or packages.

Buggies and carts are allowed if they fit within the rider’s personal space, or if larger, are emptied, collapsed, and secured in a van or placed in the trunk of a sedan.

Violations of the policy may result in a no show and no replacement vehicle being sent.

Drivers provide door to door service, including offering an arm or assistance over a single step or curb.

Drivers do not carry people or mobility devices, but will load devices such as walkers into the trunk when needed.

Although this change has already taken effect, I wanted to be sure our community was informed, as it represents a practical improvement for many riders.

 

Sent from my iPhone

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