Senior Transportation Services

TRIPPS (Transportation, Resources, Information, Planning & Partnership for Seniors)

The TRIPPS (Transportation, Resources, Information, Planning & Partnership for Seniors) program began in 2015 in Brookline and Newton, Massachusetts, with the underlying concept that most seniors need individualized, personal support in order successfully access safe, reliable transportation.

If you are in need of transportation assistance or have any questions, please contact Maria Foster, Transportation Coordinator for the Council on Aging at (617) 730-2644 or at [email protected].

In 2021, with the support of MassDOT, TRIPPS developed a series of videos and materials to help older adults access transportation-related smartphone apps like Uber & Lyft. Find the materials developed on our Transportation Resources & Guides Page.

In addition, here is a listing of some current transportation programs offered through the Brookline Council on Aging:

Need a Ride to the Senior Center?

If you need a ride to the Senior Center, please call the Senior Center Van Reservation Line at (617) 730-2750 at least one business day in advance. The cost of the ride is free, but we do accept donations to help offset the cost of gas. As always, we appreciate your support!

Medical Transportation

The Brookline Senior Center is working with Modern Ride (a local taxi cab company) to continue to provide free non-emergency medical transportation services to older residents. Transportation requests to medical appointments should be left on (617) 879-4878, at least 3 business days in advance. Please leave your name and phone number with detailed appointment information. Your request will be confirmed within 24 hours. This service is curb-to-curb and available for rides within the Town of Brookline and to select medical facilities (including the Longwood Medical Area, Harvard Vanguard-Kenmore, Mass General, Mass Eye & Ear, Faulkner Hospital, Boston Medical Center, the VA Hospital, and St. Elizabeth’s). Call to check on availability. It will also serve those looking to get to vaccine appointments. Hours are Monday-Friday from 9:00am-5:00pm.

Brookline Transportation Program with Lyft

This program offers 4 subsidized rides per month on Lyft to older adults in Brookline. The program is currently limited to income eligible seniors, aged 60 and over (individual $78,300 maximum; couple $89,500 maximum). Lyft is a ridesharing transportation company that offers curb-to-curb service nationwide. The Brookline Program will offer four discounted rides per month of up to $10 per ride. The passenger will pay the first $2; the coupon will pay up to the next $10. The coupon will automatically download each month into the Lyft app on your smartphone. This option will be available 24/7 without any restrictions on miles or pick up location.

For more information on the above program, contact Maria Foster, Transportation Coordinator for the Council on Aging at (617) 730-2644 or at [email protected].

Learn more about how to use Lyft at our Transportation Resources & Guides Page. 

Brookline Transportation Program with GOGO

This program offers 4 subsidized rides per month with GoGo, a national company that provides dispatch service for Uber/Lyft vehicles in our area from your landline or “flip” phone. The program is currently limited to income eligible seniors, aged 60 and over (individual $78,300 maximum: couple $89,500 maximum). The Brookline Program will offer four discounted rides per month of up to $10 per ride. The passenger will pay the first $2; the coupon will pay up to the next $10. This option will be available 24/7 but is limited to trips within Brookline and to select medical facilities.

For more information on the above program, contact Maria Foster, Transportation Coordinator for the Council on Aging at (617) 730-2644 or at [email protected].

MBTA "The Ride"

The MBTA provides supportive door-to-door service for those older adult passengers with a disability unable to access the MBTA buses, subways and trains. Reservations for "The Ride" can be made by calling the MBTA. Reservations must be made 1 day in advance and the cost is typically $3.35 per ride.

You must be eligible to utilize the ride. For eligibility information, contact (617) 337-2727.

Learn more at our Transportation Resources & Guides Page.

Home and Escort Linkage Program (H.E.L.P.)

The H.E.L.P Program provides escorts and limited transportation.

Learn more at our HELP program page, or contact (617) 730-2752.

Parking Access for Resident's Caregivers (P.A.R.C.)

The PARC Program was developed by the Brookline Council on Aging (COA) in conjunction with the Brookline Transportation Department to address the parking needs of caregivers who serve the residents of Brookline.
Follow this link for more PARC program information.