Travel instruction is the professional activity of teaching individuals with disabilities, older adults, and others how to use fixed-route public transportation independently and safely to access their environment and community. Find a program near you.
Travel instruction from your transit authority
Many transit authorities in Massachusetts offer travel instruction programs for individuals and/or groups.
| Transit Authority | Contact information for finding a travel trainer to help you | Tools to use on your own |
|---|---|---|
| Berkshire Regional Transit Authority (BRTA) | Videos about paying the fare on the BRTA | |
| Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority (CCRTA) | Videos about riding CCRTA | |
| Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transit Authority (GATRA) |
(508) 823-8828, ext. 225 |
|
| Martha’s Vineyard Regional Transit Authority (VTA) | www.vineyardtransit.com/accessibility/pages/travel-training | |
| MBTA |
https://www.mbta.com/accessibility/travel-training Contact the Mobility Center at (617) 337-2727 |
MBTA accessibility guides |
| Merrimack Valley Regional Transit Authority (MVRTA) | (978) 469-6878 | Videos about riding MVRTA |
| MetroWest Regional Transit Authority (MWRTA) | ||
|
Montachusett Regional Transit Authority (MART) (offered in partnership with local human service agencies) |
www.mrta.us/how_to_ride/travel-training | Videos about riding MART |
| Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA) | www.pvta.com/traveltraining.php | |
| Worcester Regional Transit Authority (WRTA) | www.wrtaparatransit.com/wrta-travel-training.htm |
Travel instruction from a human service agency
Some state agencies, human service agencies, or community agencies that serve seniors or people with disabilities may offer travel instruction as part of their suite of services. If you are interested in learning to ride transit and are currently working with an agency or caseworker, ask them if they offer this service.
Blind individuals can receive Orientation and Mobility training from the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind, which can include travel instruction among other activities.
Travel instruction from your local school district
Many schools offer some travel instruction or transportation exposure as part of their special education or transition curricula, especially for students who have a goal of independent travel in their Individualized Education Program (IEP). Talk to your school to find out what they offer, or to encourage them to incorporate public transit into the curriculum.
Travel training in action
