Going to the doctor’s? …to the grocery store? …to visit a friend in a long-term care facility? Newton’s seniors have many choices for how to get where they want to go.
The City’s website has a new transportation page that sets out many options and provides details about MBTA bus routes and other modes. Some of the highlights for Newton’s seniors:
NewMo: This is an on-demand ride-share program offered by the City. To use it, you must first set up an account, either by calling the Senior Center at 617-796-1660 or by downloading the NewMo Newton app on your smart phone. If you use the app, you still need to call the Senior Center for a promo code to complete your account. You need to provide a debit or credit card for billing. Each ride costs $2 per person each way (with discounts if you receive certain state or federal benefits). Requesting a ride is easy: Either use the NewMo app or call the NewMo call center at 617-655-8019. You may also pre-schedule rides for all medical appointments in Newton and to medical facilities or certain other destinations. NewMo operates 7AM – 6:30PM on Mondays through Fridays, and 9AM – noon on Saturdays and Sundays. NewMo does not operate on federal holidays or on Patriot’s Day or Juneteenth.
MBTA Senior Charlie Card: This card, available to people 65 or older, offers steep discounts on MBTA fares. It is now much more convenient to obtain a card because you can now apply online. The card will be mailed to you, or you can go to the customer-service center at the Downtown Crossing station in Boston to pick it up. With the Senior Charlie Card, one-way fares are: Subway $1.10, Local bus $0.85, Express bus $2.10, Commuter rail $1.10 – $6.50, and Ferry $1.10 – $4.85.
Road to Recovery: This a program run by the American Cancer Society that may be able to provide a ride to any cancer-related medical appointment. The rides are provided by volunteers. People between 18-84 are welcome to apply to be volunteer drivers. To request a ride, call 1-800-227-2345 well in advance of your appointment date, as it can take several business days to schedule your ride.
Lyft and Uber: These are on-demand car service programs that are run by private corporations. Accessing them via their smartphone apps to schedule a ride is straightforward. The cost is displayed before you press the button to ask for the driver to come to where you are. Prices vary with type of vehicle and day and time.
