Transportation & Mobility Equity Programs

Transportation contributes to many broad societal outcomes, such as employment, wealth, and health. However, there are disparities and inequities in Brookline’s’ ability to reach destinations. Underserved and underrepresented communities in Brookline include low-income communities, communities of color, indigenous communities, older adults, people with disabilities, women and youth, and people with limited car access. Brookline residents have access to various programs to help improve transportation and mobility access for all

MBTA Youth Pass Program

The MBTA Youth Pass Program offers discounted MBTA passes to eligible Brookline residents between the ages of 12-25. Applicants need to provide documents showing their age, residency, and participation in a program indicating that they meet the income requirement.

MBTA Senior Pass Program

The MBTA Senior Pass Program offers discounted MBTA passes to eligible Brookline residents 65 and older. These cards are valid for 8 years.

MBTA RIDE Program

The MBTA RIDE Program is a paratransit service providing door-to-door, shared-ride public transportation to Brookline residents who can’t use the subway, bus, or trolley all or some of the time due to a temporary or permanent disability.

Income Eligible BlueBike Membership

Discounted Blue Bikes bike share memberships are available to Brookline residents aged 16 or older who either participate in qualifying public assistance programs or who meet income guidelines (up to 400% of the federal poverty line).

Rideshare Programs

These programs each offer 4 subsidized rides per month to older adults in Brookline and is limited to income eligible seniors, aged 60 and over (individual $78,300 maximum; couple $89,500 maximum). Each Brookline Program will offer four discounted rides per month of up to $10 per ride. The passenger will pay the first $2; the discount will pay up to the next $10.

Lyft is a ridesharing transportation company that offers curb-to-curb service nationwide. The discount 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.

GoGo Grandparent is a national company that provides dispatch service for Uber/Lyft vehicles in our area from your landline or “flip” phone. This option will be available 24/7 but is limited to trips within Brookline and select medical facilities. Residents who do not qualify for the subsidized program with GoGo can choose to sign up with the company on their own. Call: (855) 464-6872 or (888) 755-1775.

BSC Medical Transportation

The Brookline Senior Center is working with Modern Ride (a local taxi dispatch service) to continue to provide free medical transportation services to older residents using existing taxi services in the area. Requests for medical transportation should continue to be left on the Brookline Senior Center Medical Transportation Line at (617) 879-4878 at least 3 business days in advance of the appointment. Your request will be confirmed within 24 hours. This service is available for rides within the Town of Brookline and to select medical facilities and vaccination appointments Monday – Friday from 9AM–5PM. To make a reservation call: (617) 879-4878.

Transportation to the Senior Center

For transportation to the Brookline Senior Center, residents of the Town can call the Van reservation Line at (617) 730-2750 at least one business day in advance.

Brookline’s HELP Program

Brookline’s HELP Program can connect older adults to escorts and limited transportation. This is a paid service with home care workers vetted by Council on Aging social workers. A home visit is required to participate in the HELP Program. While the Senior Center is closed, staff will be conducting telephone assessments of new clients. Please call (617) 730-2752. Currently, the HELP Program is offering free transportation to eye care appointments through the Trusted Transportation Program. Call the HELP Program to find out more.