Holistic Health Access Initiative
Connecting Boston’s Older Adults to Wellness Services with “Healthy Rides”
We believe in a holistic approach to overall health and wellbeing–that getting to medical appointments, accessing pharmacies, participating in wellness classes/programs at senior or community centers, and keeping up social connections–all contribute to being healthier and happier.
We also know that access to affordable, flexible transportation is often a challenge for Boston’s older residents. To help remove barriers, we’ve formed a collaborative initiative called the Holistic Health Access Initiative (HHAI). It’s a partnership between the Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts, Lyft, and the City of Boston.
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Still have questions? Contact:
Age Strong Commission
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1 City Hall Square
Room 271Boston, MA 02201
What Can The HHAI Pilot Program Connect Me To?
The HHAI pilot program offers free “Healthy Rides” to Boston’s older adults (age 60+) to connect to wellness services including:
- Medical Appointments
- Pharmacies
- Wellness Programs
- Senior/Community Centers
- Social Activities
- Support Groups
How Can I Book a Healthy Ride?
Older Boston residents may book their Healthy Ride by calling the Age Strong Shuttle at 617-635-3000 and saying “Healthy Ride.” If you already have a Lyft account set up on your smartphone, the Age Strong Shuttle staff can give you a promo code for your Healthy Ride. Add it to the “rewards” in your Lyft account, and order your Lyft ride as usual.
If you don’t have a Lyft account or smartphone, call the Age Strong Shuttle at 617-635-3000 and say “Healthy Ride.” The Shuttle staff can book a Healthy Ride for you. Give your name, phone number, and your pick-up and drop-off addresses. You’ll get a notification of your driver and ride status, when your ride is on the way.
- Healthy Rides are valid for free rides to wellness services within Boston.
- Each older adult may receive up to 5 complimentary rides, while supplies last.
- The Age Strong Shuttle can assist with Healthy Rides during their usual hours: Monday through Friday, 8 - 4 p.m. The staff can also help you book Healthy Rides up to one month in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQsYes. Just call the Age Strong Shuttle to schedule directly at 617-635-3000.
Yes. Just call the Age Strong Shuttle to schedule directly at 617-635-3000.
Visit the Lyft website for more details.
The Holistic Health Access Initiative (HHAI) is for Boston residents age 60+.
Yes, and medical appointments, pharmacies, exercise classes & support groups.
Promotional codes/funds can not be used for tips. Tips may be given via a Lyft account’s card or in cash.
Each Boston older adult is eligible for up to 5 free rides, while supplies last.
You can schedule your ride anytime, but calling to schedule is 8-4, Monday through Friday.
The Lyft rides do not, but the Age Strong Shuttle vans do.
Yes. Some of the Age Strong Shuttle staff are bilingual and also have access to a language translation line.
If you’re using your already set up Lyft account, you can apply the $25 toward the ride, then apply an additional Healthy Ride promotional code from Lyft to make up the difference (each older adult may receive up to 5 ride codes, while supplies last). If you’ve run out of codes, you can pay the difference yourself, through your account.
If you book it yourself through the Lyft app, visit the Lyft website for more details. If you book it through the Age Strong Shuttle, call 617-635-3000 for assistance (please note that the Age Strong Shuttle regular hours are M-F 8-4).
Additional Transportation Resources for Boston’s Older Adults
Boston’s Age Strong Commission provides free transportation to Boston’s older adults to medical appointments. Schedule in advance by calling 617-635-3000, Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m..
Wheelchair vans are available.
Age Strong offers discounted taxi coupons to Boston’s older adults and those with disabilities.
Read About It!
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Still have questions? Contact:
Age Strong Commission
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1 City Hall Square
Room 271Boston, MA 02201
