Acton Rides is a temporary, grant-funded pilot program that began on Friday, Sept. 1, allows participants to schedule free taxi rides during hours when the town's existing transportation services are not operating, such as evenings and weekends.

The program is intended to help individuals in need get rides to appointments and various locations across town. Some examples of rides residents may request include going to work, shopping (Target, Walmart, grocery stores, etc.), pharmacies, cultural and community events, farmer's markets, libraries, medical, dental and behavioral health appointments, banks, the post office, to and from the MBTA commuter rail, and children's services (childcare, Early Intervention, etc.).

Rides can be scheduled between 3 p.m. and 11 p.m. Monday-Friday and between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. All rides must begin or end in Acton and are capped at a maximum of 25 miles. At this time, rides will be limited to two rides per day, per eligible rider. 

Residents who are eligible to apply include:

•    Adults aged 50 and up 

•    Individuals with limited driving ability due to a disability 

•    Individuals with a demonstrated financial need 

•    Active-duty military members or veterans 

Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult. 

The program is provided on a first come, first served basis. 

Those who are interested can fill out an application. Completed applications can be sent electronically to transportation@actonma.gov, dropped off at or mailed to Town Hall, 472 Main St., or the Human Services & Senior Center building, 30R Sudbury Road. 

Those who need assistance with the application or have questions regarding the program should contact the Transportation Office at 978-929-6611 or email transportation@actonma.gov.