ANNOUNCING THE ACTON RIDES TAXI PROGRAM

We are pleased to announce the Acton Rides Taxi program effective 9/1/23. This is a temporary, grant-funded program. 

The Acton Rides Taxi Program is a temporary, grant-funded, fully subsidized transportation program. We have contracted with two private taxi companies to provide taxi rides, which are fully subsidized by the Town of Acton. The objective of the program is to provide a supplemental option for rides for those in need when Acton’s public transit service is not running or is inadequate thereby increasing the mobility of our vulnerable populations. 

Who may use the Acton Rides Taxi Program?

Acton Residents who meet one of the following criteria:

• 50 years of age or older
• 18 years of age or older with a disability that limits driving
• 18 years of age or older with financial need
• Active Duty military, Reserves, National Guard, or Veteran of the armed forces
• Note: if you do not meet any of the above criteria, you are ineligible for this program.

Where can I go?

All rides must begin or end in the Town of Acton. Rides are available within 25 miles which means that Acton residents can use this service to reach even medical appointments in Boston. 

You can use the Taxi Service to book rides when Acton’s public transit system is not available. Rides can be booked during these hours: Monday-Friday, 3pm-11pm; Saturday-Sunday, 7am-9pm. 

Rides can be booked to any destination other than the airport as long as it there is no conflict with the listed limitations below:

Limitations

• There is a limit of six (6), one-way rides per month and a limit of two (2) one-way rides per day. 
• This is not an on-demand ride service.
• We do not go to the airport. 
• People who have undergone a medical procedure where they have received general, monitored or regional anesthesia are not eligible for that ride, consistent with taxi and livery company standard policies. 
• Taxi cabs are not equipped for non-emergency medical transport of individuals who need assistance due to physical or mental impairment. The drivers have little to no training or experience in transportation people who may need special accommodations due to medical conditions or disabilities. 
• Taxi cab drivers will not be able to stay with an individual after their ride.

Approved reasons for rides:

• Essential medical services including appointments, filling prescriptions & obtaining medical supplies
• Essential food and home services including grocery, food pantry, hardware, super stores etc. 
• Employment when no other options are available
• Social/Cultural/Educational when no other options are available
• Note: All approved reasons for rides are still subject to monthly ride limitations

What will I pay?

All rides are currently fully subsidized; there is no charge to use the service due to grant funding secured by the Town of Acton. Once the funding has been used up, the program will end. 

How will I become eligible to participate in Acton Rides Taxi Program?

Before you can book a ride, you must complete an application for the program. Those interested in using the program should not contact CrossTownConnect (CTC) Dispatch until they receive official notification via email that they are approved for the program. Failure to adhere to these rules may cause a suspension in eligibility to utilize the program. To apply, follow these steps:

1. Complete an application. You must provide an email address which you check regularly. If you need a support person's help with this, that is fine. 
2. Once you receive official approval via email, you can book rides with CTC Dispatch. Rides must be booked a minimum of 24 hours in advance. 
3. Contacting the taxi companies directly to schedule the ride is not permitted. 
4. Bringing unapproved riders is not permitted. Bringing a support companion is fine as long as this is indicated at the time of booking.
5. Be ready at your scheduled departure time so that the next rider is not delayed.
6. Ride safely with seatbelts on and be sure to thank the driver! Without them, we won’t have this program. 
    
    

If you have questions, need assistance with completing the application or any other questions or concerns, please send them to transportation@actonma.gov or call 978-929-6611. 

How will I book a taxi ride?

The CrossTown Connect (CTC) Dispatch Call Center arranges rides for Acton Rides Taxi Program as follows:

• Rides are booked on a first come, first serve basis; requesting a ride does not guarantee a ride is available at your desired day or time.
• Rides must be booked with dispatch at least 24 hours in advance of a ride
• CTC Dispatching hours are Monday to Friday 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
• CTC Phone Number: 978-844-6809
• Note: This is not an on-demand ride service; rides must be booked in advance. You can book a ride for an evening or a weekend; however, CTC Dispatch is not open evenings or weekends. 

Please Note: All riders are responsible for understanding and following the Transportation Policies and Procedures outlined in the Application for the program. Failure to comply with the policies and procedures outline in your application may result in suspension from the program. 

Application for participation in Acton Rides Taxi Program