Free Taxis to Groceries & Medical Appointments
The Taxi to Health Program ended on October 31, 2024.
Can I use any vouchers I still have?
No, the vouchers expired October 31, 2024. Drivers will not accept them, and you will be expected to pay out of pocket.
Where else can I get help with transportation?
If you are 60 years or older, or have a permanent disability, you may be able to use:
- the City of Somerville’s Senior Taxi Program. Contact the Council on Aging to learn more: 617-625-6600 x 2319.
- Door2Door by SCM Transportation. Contact 617-625-1191, M-F (9a-1p) to learn more.
If you need help getting to medical appointments, ask your doctor’s office if you can use PT1 or if they can suggest other resources.
If you use the MBTA, you may be eligible for a reduced cost fare program:
- Children 11 and younger ride for free.
- Somerville public school students grade 7-12 get a free pass through their school.
- Adults 18-64 can apply for the new income-eligible reduced fare program if they are enrolled in certain state assistance programs. Learn more and apply here.
- Adults with disabilities may be eligible for reduced fares through the TAP program. Learn more and apply here.
- Anyone 65 or older is eligible for a reduced fare senior pass. Learn more and apply here.
Contact the office of Food Access and Healthy Communities for help with any of these resources: 617-625-6600 x 4321.
Contact Information
What was the Taxi to Health program?
The City of Somerville provided vouchers for free taxi rides to grocery stores and food pantries in Somerville, and to non-emergency medical appointments in Somerville and surrounding areas. You were eligible for the free taxi rides if:
- you were a Somerville resident between the ages of 16-59.
- you relied on public transit.
- you had a limited income.
The program was funded temporarily through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). It ended in October 2024 due to lack of funds.
Interested in learning more about the Taxi to Health Program?
- Find a summary of program impact from 10/22-09/23 and an exploration of alternative models here. Check back for an updated summary of impact in summer 2025.
- Understand why this program exists: Right before the pandemic, OFAHC worked with researchers at Tufts and MIT to study different ways food access could be improved when income and transportations are barriers. Find the article here.
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