Key findings
- Town and city governments that publish medical rides
- 11 of 15
- 9 of 10 in Suffolk, 2 of 5 in Nassau
- Notice the programs ask for
- 1 to 14 days
- 5 of the 7 that state a notice period want 3 days or more
- Published medical-ride hours that end by 3 PM
- 4 of 5
- Of the 6 that publish days, only Huntington runs on Saturday and none on Sunday
- Suffolk's towns run rides; most of Nassau doesn't publish one. Every Suffolk town except Brookhaven publishes a medical-ride program, and Suffolk County's Office for the Aging lists each one's number. In Nassau, only North Hempstead and Glen Cove do, and the county's own Directory of Services says its Office for the Aging cannot provide county-wide transportation. The Town of Hempstead's senior services page describes senior center mini-buses only.
- The town line is the edge of the map. 5 programs say their rides stay inside the town, and 3 more cross it only for named destinations, such as North Hempstead's list of hospitals or East Hampton's two Southampton days. Suffolk's Office for the Aging puts it plainly: in general, these vehicles do not cross town lines, and medical appointments get priority. Shelter Island is the exception, with rides on and off the island.
- Book days ahead, sometimes weeks. The notice each program asks for: Huntington and North Hempstead the day before, Babylon and East Hampton 3 days, Southampton 5 days, Smithtown a week and Islip two weeks. Glen Cove, Riverhead, Shelter Island and Southold publish no notice period.
- Mornings and weekdays. Where a town publishes its medical-ride hours, the day ends early: the last appointment slot is 11 AM in Babylon, 12:30 PM in Southampton, 2 PM in Smithtown and 3 PM in East Hampton. Babylon's transportation page lists morning appointments only (its FAQ allows up to 1:30 PM). Of the programs that publish hours, only Huntington's HART paratransit runs past 3 PM (to 7 PM) and on Saturday.
- Cheap or free, but limited. Shelter Island is free; Babylon, East Hampton, Islip and Southold ask only for a suggested contribution; Huntington and Smithtown charge a set fare; North Hempstead discounts a taxi fare and pays the rest. Glen Cove, Riverhead and Southampton publish no cost. Islip, Southampton and Huntington all say seats go first come, first served.
- Official listings disagree in 4 places. Nassau County's transportation page still sends Medicaid members to Modivcare, although the State Department of Health and MAS list MAS's Downstate line for Nassau and Suffolk, and the county's two listings for Riverhead give two different numbers, neither matching the Town's. Details are below.
Not sure where to start? Call one of these
These offices give information and referrals, not rides. They can point you to the program for your address and tell you about other services for older adults on the same call.
- Nassau County Office for the Aging (and NY Connects for Nassau): (516) 227-8900. Lists NICE bus, Able-Ride paratransit and the town and city programs. Its Directory of Services says the office cannot provide county-wide transportation. NY Connects counselors for Nassau answer on the same number. Official page.
- Suffolk County Office for the Aging (and NY Connects for Suffolk): (631) 853-8200. Lists each town's Essential Transportation number and says the vehicles generally do not cross town lines and medical appointments get priority. Its 2026 guide also lists a provider it calls SYJCC (631-462-9800 ext. 147) for Commack, Hauppauge, Kings Park, Nesconset, Ronkonkoma, St. James, Smithtown, Deer Park, Dix Hills and Huntington. Official page.
- NY Connects (New York State Office for the Aging): 1-800-342-9871. Free, unbiased information about long term services and supports for people of any age or disability, with a searchable resource directory. Official page.
- Eldercare Locator (U.S. Administration for Community Living): 1-800-677-1116. A national public service that connects older adults and their families with local services. Official page.
- Medicaid members: rides to covered appointments are arranged by Medical Answering Services (MAS) at no cost to you; the Downstate line for Nassau and Suffolk is 1-844-666-6270. See how it works.
Every program at a glance
One row per town or city government. Tap a place for the full entry below, with eligibility, trips, hours and the official source.
| Town or city | Medical rides | Book ahead | Cost | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hempstead Nassau · town | Not confirmed | Not stated | Not stated | (516) 485-8100 |
| North Hempstead Nassau · town | Yes | Day before | Discounted | 311 or (516) 869-6311 |
| Oyster Bay Nassau · town | Not confirmed | Not stated | Not stated | (516) 797-7916 |
| Glen Cove Nassau · city | Yes, details not published | Not stated | Not stated | Medical Transport (516) 676-2846; Senior Center (516) 759-9610 |
| Long Beach Nassau · city | Not confirmed | Not stated | Set fare | Transportation (516) 431-1001; Senior Services (516) 431-3890 |
| Babylon Suffolk · town | Yes | 3 days | Free, suggested contribution | (631) 422-7618 or (631) 893-1056 |
| Brookhaven Suffolk · town | Not confirmed | Not stated | Free, suggested contribution | (631) 451-9191 |
| East Hampton Suffolk · town | Yes | 3 days | Free, suggested contribution | (631) 324-4443 |
| Huntington Suffolk · town | Yes | Day before | Set fare | (631) 427-8287 |
| Islip Suffolk · town | Yes | 14 days | Free, suggested contribution | (631) 224-5686 |
| Riverhead Suffolk · town | Yes | Not stated | Not stated | (631) 727-3200 ext. 290 |
| Shelter Island Suffolk · town | Yes | Not stated | Free | (631) 749-1059 |
| Smithtown Suffolk · town | Yes | 7 days | Set fare | (631) 265-8811 or (631) 265-8826 |
| Southampton Suffolk · town | Yes | 5 days | Not stated | (631) 728-1110 |
| Southold Suffolk · town | Yes | Not stated | Free, suggested contribution | (631) 298-4460 |
"Medical rides" means the official page names medical appointments as a trip the program provides. "Free, suggested contribution": the town asks for a voluntary, anonymous donation and does not refuse riders who cannot give. Checked October 12, 2026.
Nassau County programs
Town of Hempstead
Senior center mini-buses
Department of Senior Enrichment
Medical rides: Not confirmed
- Who qualifies
- Senior center members; the Town's 14 senior centers serve residents 55 and over, and membership is free
- Trips
- Between home and the senior center in your zone; shopping, banking and special events for senior center members
- Where rides go
- Your geographic zone
- Days and hours
- Not stated on the official page
- How far ahead
- Not stated on the official page
- Cost
- Not stated on the official page
- Phone
- (516) 485-8100
- Source
- Official page. Checked October 12, 2026.
The Town page describes senior center transportation only. Ask the Department of Senior Enrichment whether a medical ride is available in your zone.
Town of North Hempstead
Project Independence Taxi Transportation Program
Department of Services for the Aging (Project Independence)
Medical rides: Yes
- Who qualifies
- Town residents 60 and over, and residents 21 and over with a disability who qualify
- Trips
- Discounted taxi rides to medical, dental and treatment appointments; free food shopping rides two days a week (10 AM to 2 PM, up to 3 bags)
- Where rides go
- Medical destinations in the Town, plus the LIJ campus, Nassau University Medical Center, Memorial Sloan Kettering Nassau, the St. Francis DeMatteis Center and destinations in Garden City
- Days and hours
- Weekdays except major holidays; the Town suggests 10 AM to 2 PM, when taxis are less busy
- How far ahead
- Call 311 (or 516-869-6311) at least one day ahead, before 4 PM; the 2026 brochure says to call between 8 AM and 4 PM
- Cost
- Deeply discounted each way; the Town pays the rest of the fare (tip not included). Shopping rides are free.
- Phone
- 311 or (516) 869-6311
- Source
- Official page · Project Independence Taxi Rides Brochure 2026 (PDF) · Transportation Options · Project Independence Info. Checked October 12, 2026.
Wheelchairs and walkers ride only if you can get into the taxi on your own and the chair folds into the trunk; drivers do not physically assist. An aide rides free. The Town's pages disagree on two points: the medical section of the transportation page lists the cost as free while its introduction and the 2026 brochure say discounted, and the older Transportation Options page says seven days a week while the brochure says weekdays.
Town of Oyster Bay
Senior Citizen Services Division (referrals)
Department of Community and Youth Services
Medical rides: Not confirmed
- Who qualifies
- Town residents 60 and over
- Trips
- The Town page lists no ride program; the Division points seniors to county, state and private services. Nassau County's transportation page lists a Town shopping bus to malls and food stores in some communities (516-797-7900).
- Where rides go
- Not stated on the official page
- Days and hours
- Not stated on the official page
- How far ahead
- Not stated on the official page
- Cost
- Not stated on the official page
- Phone
- (516) 797-7916
- Source
- Official page · Transportation. Checked October 12, 2026.
Nassau County lists the Oyster Bay senior center at the Life Enrichment Center as a county-funded center with transportation (see the senior center table).
City of Glen Cove
Glen Cove Senior Center transportation and Glen Cove Medical Transport
Glen Cove Senior Center (City of Glen Cove)
Medical rides: Yes, details not published
- Who qualifies
- Senior center members 60 and over; the center buses members who live in Glen Cove, Glen Head, Glenwood Landing and Sea Cliff
- Trips
- Curb-to-curb rides to the center, food shopping, and medical transportation run with the City of Glen Cove
- Where rides go
- Glen Cove, Glen Head, Glenwood Landing and Sea Cliff
- Days and hours
- Not stated on the official page
- How far ahead
- Not stated on the official page
- Cost
- Not stated on the official page
- Phone
- Medical Transport (516) 676-2846; Senior Center (516) 759-9610
- Source
- Official page · Resources (phone numbers) · Senior Center and Adult Day Program · Transportation (Loop Bus). Checked October 12, 2026.
The City also runs the Glen Cove Loop Bus, a wheelchair-lift fixed route with a stop at Glen Cove Hospital (516-676-4402). The official pages do not say who qualifies for Medical Transport, how far ahead to call or what it costs.
City of Long Beach
City Para Transit and senior bus fares
Department of Transportation; Senior Services (Magnolia Senior Center)
Medical rides: Not confirmed
- Who qualifies
- Para Transit: riders certified under the ADA whose disability prevents them from using the fixed-route bus (age alone does not qualify). Senior fare: riders 60 and over.
- Trips
- Para Transit: curb-to-curb shared rides for certified riders. City buses carry riders 60 and over at a senior fare outside weekday rush hours.
- Where rides go
- City buses serve Long Beach and Point Lookout
- Days and hours
- Not stated on the official page
- How far ahead
- Para Transit requires an application signed by a licensed professional; the City decides within 21 days
- Cost
- Senior bus fare $1.00 in the City (60 and over, except 6 to 9 AM and 4 to 7 PM on weekdays)
- Phone
- Transportation (516) 431-1001; Senior Services (516) 431-3890
- Source
- Official page · Para Transit Application 2026 (PDF) · Fares · Senior Services. Checked October 12, 2026.
No senior medical-ride program appears on the City site. Nassau County lists the Point Lookout senior center, which serves Long Beach, as a county-funded center with transportation.
Suffolk County programs
Town of Babylon
Senior Transportation Services (Essential Services Transportation Program)
Department of Human Services
Medical rides: Yes
- Who qualifies
- Town residents 60 and over who do not own or have access to a car and cannot afford taxi services; Town staff verify this at an interview
- Trips
- Medical appointments including physical therapy, Town Hall for taxes and exemptions, the Social Security office in West Babylon, and supermarket shopping
- Where rides go
- Inside the Town of Babylon only
- Days and hours
- Morning appointments only: round trips for 8:30 to 10:30 AM appointments; an 11 AM appointment must be finished by 12:15 PM
- How far ahead
- At least 3 days' notice; the Town FAQ says 7 to 10 days guarantees the appointment, and the senior services page says one week
- Cost
- No charge; suggested anonymous voluntary contribution of $1.00 per round trip
- Phone
- (631) 422-7618 or (631) 893-1056
- Source
- Official page · FAQs, Essential Transportation · Senior Citizen Services. Checked October 12, 2026.
The three Town pages give three notice periods (3 days, one week, 7 to 10 days). The hours differ too: the transportation page says morning appointments only, while the FAQ urges appointments between 9 AM and 1:30 PM on the day set for your area, with anything after 1:30 PM one way only. Call as early as you can and confirm the time.
Town of Brookhaven
Senior nutrition and Jitney transportation
Division of Senior Citizen Services
Medical rides: Not confirmed
- Who qualifies
- Residents 60 and over (nutrition program)
- Trips
- Jitney bus service to the Town's senior centers; rides to the two nutrition sites (Mastic and Mount Sinai) "may be available for those who qualify"
- Where rides go
- Not stated on the official page
- Days and hours
- Not stated on the official page
- How far ahead
- Not stated on the official page
- Cost
- Suggested voluntary and anonymous contribution of $1 for transportation to the nutrition program
- Phone
- (631) 451-9191
- Source
- Official page · Division of Senior Citizen Services · Transportation (Mobility and Disability Specialist). Checked October 12, 2026.
Brookhaven is the only Suffolk town missing from the county's Essential Transportation list. The Town's Mobility and Disability Specialist takes referrals for residents with mobility challenges.
Town of East Hampton
Senior Transportation Program
Department of Human Services
Medical rides: Yes
- Who qualifies
- Residents 60 and over with no other means of transportation; disabled residents under 60 may also qualify. Register first by phone.
- Trips
- Medical appointments, grocery shopping, the East Hampton and Montauk senior nutrition programs, Wellness 60+ classes and senior clubs
- Where rides go
- Local appointments, plus Southampton on Mondays and Wednesdays
- Days and hours
- Local: Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 3 PM. Southampton: Monday and Wednesday, 10 AM to 2 PM
- How far ahead
- Medical rides 72 hours ahead; nutrition program and club rides by 2 PM the day before
- Cost
- Suggested voluntary and anonymous contribution (no amount published)
- Phone
- (631) 324-4443
- Source
- Official page · Department of Human Services, Description of Services (PDF). Checked October 12, 2026.
Door-to-door service. Be ready 20 minutes before the pickup time; the van can arrive up to 20 minutes either side of it.
Town of Huntington
HART Paratransit (Huntington Area Rapid Transit)
Department of Transportation and Traffic Safety; the Senior Division refers seniors to HART
Medical rides: Yes
- Who qualifies
- Town residents 60 and over who cannot provide their own transportation (the lower-priority "Town Eligible" level), or riders with an ADA-qualifying disability. Enrollment by application first.
- Trips
- Any purpose, including medical; non-ADA requests are screened so essential trips come first
- Where rides go
- Inside the Town of Huntington only; SCAT handles ADA-qualifying trips that leave the Town
- Days and hours
- Monday to Friday 6:55 AM to 7 PM, Saturday 9 AM to 6:55 PM; no Sunday service
- How far ahead
- Up to 14 days ahead and no later than the day before; requests Monday to Saturday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
- Cost
- $4.00 per one-way ride (exact fare); a certified personal care attendant rides free
- Phone
- (631) 427-8287
- Source
- Official page · HART Paratransit User's Guide (PDF) · HART Paratransit Program brochure (PDF) · Senior Division brochure (PDF). Checked October 12, 2026.
Shared ride, curb to curb. Pickups for non-ADA trips can be an hour or more from the time you ask for, so HART tells riders with a set appointment time to request an earlier pickup.
Town of Islip
Transportation Program
Division of Senior Citizen Services
Medical rides: Yes
- Who qualifies
- Islip seniors (the Town's senior services are for residents 60 and over) with no access to private or public transportation who cannot afford taxi fare
- Trips
- Senior centers, medical and health care facilities, government services and food shopping
- Where rides go
- Inside the Town of Islip only
- Days and hours
- Not stated on the official page
- How far ahead
- At least two weeks before the ride; first come, first served, limited availability
- Cost
- Suggested confidential, voluntary, anonymous contribution of $2.00
- Phone
- (631) 224-5686
- Source
- Official page · Senior Citizen Services. Checked October 12, 2026.
Details come from the Town's Seniors Connect newsletter (September/October 2026), linked from its Senior Citizen Services page.
Town of Riverhead
Dial a Ride
Senior Citizen Services Center
Medical rides: Yes
- Who qualifies
- Town residents 60 and over (the senior center's eligibility; the Dial a Ride page states no separate rule)
- Trips
- Weekly food shopping, monthly banking and medical appointments; daily rides to the senior center for those unable to drive
- Where rides go
- Inside the Town limits
- Days and hours
- Not stated on the official page
- How far ahead
- Reservations in advance (how far ahead is not stated)
- Cost
- Not stated on the official page
- Phone
- (631) 727-3200 ext. 290
- Source
- Official page · Senior Citizen Programs (phone extensions). Checked October 12, 2026.
Suffolk County's two listings give different numbers for Riverhead (631-724-444 ext. 290 on its web page and 631-722-3200 ext. 290 in its 2026 guide). The number here is the one on the Town's own page.
Town of Shelter Island
Senior Transportation (AAA Transportation Programs)
Shelter Island Office for Senior Services
Medical rides: Yes
- Who qualifies
- Adults 60 and over
- Trips
- Medical appointments first, then food shopping, pharmacy needs and other errands
- Where rides go
- On-island and off-island
- Days and hours
- Not stated on the official page
- How far ahead
- Arrange in advance by calling 9 AM to 4 PM (how far ahead is not stated)
- Cost
- Free
- Phone
- (631) 749-1059
- Source
- Official page. Checked October 12, 2026.
Town of Smithtown
Transportation for Seniors
Senior Citizens Department
Medical rides: Yes
- Who qualifies
- Smithtown residents 60 and over who are registered members of the Senior Citizens Department and have no other means of transportation
- Trips
- Doctors, the senior center, grocery shopping by neighborhood, the library, banks, the post office, Town Hall and the hospital
- Where rides go
- Inside the Town of Smithtown only
- Days and hours
- Doctor appointments Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 2 PM; curb-to-curb pickups start at 7:30 AM and returns at 1:30 PM
- How far ahead
- One week ahead, by phone Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 3:30 PM
- Cost
- $1 each way
- Phone
- (631) 265-8811 or (631) 265-8826
- Source
- Official page · 2025 Transportation Brochure (PDF). Checked October 12, 2026.
Curb-to-curb service only.
Town of Southampton
Senior Shuttle (essential services transportation)
Senior Services Division
Medical rides: Yes
- Who qualifies
- Town residents 60 and over, or residents with a disability; register in advance with the Senior Shuttle Office
- Trips
- Non-emergency medical visits, shopping, banking, the post office, the drug store, government agencies and hospital or nursing home visits to a sick spouse
- Where rides go
- Not stated for medical rides; shopping runs go to Riverhead on Tuesdays and Hampton Bays on Wednesdays
- Days and hours
- Medical appointment times Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM, first come first served; no holidays
- How far ahead
- Medical appointments well in advance, at least 5 days' notice if possible
- Cost
- Not stated on the official page
- Phone
- (631) 728-1110
- Source
- Official page · Senior Services. Checked October 12, 2026.
For riders who must stay in a wheelchair, the Town offers medical rides on a bus with a hydraulic lift. If the rider needs any help, the Town asks that a responsible adult come along.
Town of Southold
Essential Medical Transportation
Southold Town Senior Services (Human Services / Senior Center)
Medical rides: Yes
- Who qualifies
- Southold Town residents 60 and over
- Trips
- Medical appointments; regular weekday rides for grocery shopping, local trips and lunch at the Human Resource Center
- Where rides go
- Between Orient and Riverhead
- Days and hours
- Not stated on the official page
- How far ahead
- Not stated on the official page
- Cost
- Suggested contribution of $10 per medical trip; voluntary and anonymous, and no one is refused for not paying
- Phone
- (631) 298-4460
- Source
- Official page · Transportation flyer (PDF). Checked October 12, 2026.
Nassau County senior centers that list transportation
Nassau's Office for the Aging funds 18 senior centers that are open to residents 60 and over with no dues or fees. 13 of them list "Transportation Available." The county page does not say which trips that covers, so ask the center whether it includes medical appointments. Where the town or city publishes no medical ride, as in Hempstead, Oyster Bay and Long Beach, these centers are worth a call.
| Center | Communities served | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Freeport SC at the Salvation Army | Freeport, Roosevelt | (516) 623-2008 |
| Glen Cove SC | Glen Cove, Glen Head, Glenwood Landing, Sea Cliff | (516) 759-9610 |
| Great Neck SC | Great Neck, Lake Success, Manhasset | (516) 487-0025 |
| Hempstead SC at Union Baptist Church | Garden City, Hempstead, Lakeview, Uniondale | (516) 565-1568 |
| Herricks SC at Herricks Community Center | Albertson, East Williston, Garden City Park, Herricks, Mineola, New Hyde Park, Roslyn Heights, Searingtown, Williston Park | (516) 305-8976 |
| Hewlett SC at New Horizon Counseling Center | Cedarhurst, Hewlett, Inwood, Lawrence, Woodmere | (516) 374-2670 |
| North Merrick SC at Brookside School | Bellmore, East Meadow, Hicksville, Levittown, Merrick, North Bellmore, North Merrick, Plainedge | (516) 571-8675 |
| Oceanside SC at St. Anthony's Parish | Baldwin, East Rockaway, Island Park, Lynbrook, Oceanside, Rockville Centre, Valley Stream | (516) 764-9792 |
| Oyster Bay SC at The Life Enrichment Center | Bayville, Brookville, East Norwich, Lattingtown, Locust Valley, Muttontown, Oyster Bay, Oyster Bay Cove | (516) 922-1770 |
| Point Lookout SC | Atlantic Beach, Lido Beach, Long Beach, Point Lookout | (516) 432-5555 |
| Roslyn SC at Trinity Episcopal Church | East Hills, Greenvale, Jericho, Old Westbury, Port Washington, Roslyn, Roslyn Heights, Roslyn Harbor, Manorhaven | (516) 944-9654 |
| Wantagh SC at St. Jude's Church | Bethpage, Farmingdale, Massapequa, Massapequa Park, Old Bethpage, Plainview, Seaford, Wantagh, West Amityville | (516) 797-5357 |
| West Hempstead SC at St. Thomas Church | Garden City, Bellerose, Elmont, Floral Park, Franklin Square, Malverne, West Hempstead | 516-481-3322 |
From the Nassau County Office for the Aging's senior centers page, checked October 12, 2026. Centers without "Transportation Available" are in the CSV.
What we could not confirm
We counted only what an official page says. These are the gaps:
- Town of Hempstead: no medical-appointment ride on the official pages we read. The Town page describes senior center transportation only. Ask the Department of Senior Enrichment whether a medical ride is available in your zone.
- Town of Oyster Bay: no medical-appointment ride on the official pages we read. Nassau County lists the Oyster Bay senior center at the Life Enrichment Center as a county-funded center with transportation (see the senior center table).
- City of Long Beach: no medical-appointment ride on the official pages we read. No senior medical-ride program appears on the City site. Nassau County lists the Point Lookout senior center, which serves Long Beach, as a county-funded center with transportation.
- Town of Brookhaven: no medical-appointment ride on the official pages we read. Brookhaven is the only Suffolk town missing from the county's Essential Transportation list. The Town's Mobility and Disability Specialist takes referrals for residents with mobility challenges.
- Glen Cove: the official page does not state who qualifies for Medical Transport, how far ahead to book, cost or suggested contribution, days and hours and whether rides leave the town.
- Islip: the official page does not state days and hours.
- Riverhead: the official page does not state how far ahead to book, cost or suggested contribution and days and hours.
- Shelter Island: the official page does not state how far ahead to book and days and hours.
- Southampton: the official page does not state cost or suggested contribution and whether rides leave the town.
- Southold: the official page does not state how far ahead to book and days and hours.
- Everything else: volunteer driver groups, faith-based programs and village services that appear only on nonprofit, news or directory websites are left out, because we could not check them on a government page.
Where official listings disagree
Each of these comes from comparing two official pages. When they conflict, trust the program's own page, and confirm by phone.
- Medicaid rides in Nassau. Nassau County's Office for the Aging transportation page still sends Medicaid members to the Modivcare consumer line. The New York State Department of Health and Medical Answering Services (MAS) both list Nassau and Suffolk under MAS's Downstate contact center, 1-844-666-6270. Source 1, Source 2, Source 3.
- Riverhead's ride line. The Town of Riverhead lists 631-727-3200 ext. 290. Suffolk County's web page lists 631-724-444 ext. 290 (a digit short) and its 2026 guide lists 631-722-3200 ext. 290. Source 1, Source 2, Source 3.
- North Hempstead medical-ride cost and days. The Town's transportation page lists medical rides as free in one section and discounted in another; the 2026 brochure says discounted. The older Transportation Options page says seven days a week; the brochure says weekdays except major holidays. Source 1, Source 2.
- Babylon's notice period and hours. Babylon's transportation page asks for at least 3 days' notice, its senior services page says one week, and its FAQ says 7 to 10 days guarantees the appointment. The transportation page also says morning appointments only, while the FAQ schedules appointments up to 1:30 PM. Source 1, Source 2, Source 3.
When a private medical ride makes more sense
A town program is the right first call for a routine weekday visit close to home. That is what they are built for. A private medical ride fits better in a few situations:
- The appointment is in another town. Babylon's rides stay inside Babylon, so a West Babylon resident's visit to Good Samaritan University Hospital in West Islip falls outside the program. Smithtown's stay inside Smithtown, which leaves out Stony Brook University Hospital.
- The visit is in the afternoon, on a weekend, or comes up at short notice. A next-morning follow-up after a discharge, or a 3:30 PM specialist slot, usually does not fit a program that wants days of notice and ends its day by early afternoon.
- The rider needs help past the curb. Most town rides are curb to curb. North Hempstead's taxi drivers do not physically assist, HART's drivers do not go beyond the curb, and Smithtown offers curb-to-curb service only. Someone with memory loss or a new walker may need a driver who comes to the door.
- The trip repeats every week. Dialysis three times a week or a course of radiation needs the same pickup every time, and several town programs fill seats first come, first served. Our Long Island Dialysis Access Report shows how far each town is from a dialysis chair.
- It is a procedure day. Before you rely on a shared van after a colonoscopy or cataract surgery, read our guide to getting home after a procedure.
- The rider must stay in a wheelchair. HART's buses have lifts, and Southampton offers lift-bus medical rides. Elsewhere, ask the town. DachiPlus drives ambulatory riders and wheelchair users who can transfer to a seat; for a rider who must stay in the chair, we arrange the trip through licensed wheelchair-van partners.
DachiPlus serves Nassau and Suffolk, Mon–Sat 6 AM – 8 PM. Private trips are priced by distance from our published rates: see the private pay rate card or check your route in the fare estimator, or call (516) 754-7777. Our senior medical transportation page explains how we handle door-through-door help, family bookings and recurring visits.
If you have Medicaid
New York Medicaid covers rides to medical appointments at no cost to the member, arranged by Medical Answering Services (MAS), the State's transportation manager for Nassau and Suffolk. Call 1-844-666-6270. The Department of Health asks members to request a ride at least 72 hours ahead, and MAS lists three days for routine appointments. For a recurring treatment, the doctor's office or treatment center requests a standing order through the MAS portal (members cannot enter their own); it lasts up to six months and the office renews it. You can ask MAS for DachiPlus by name: MAS assigns trips by the right type of transportation first, then by your choice of provider. Our MAS guide walks through the call.
Methodology
Scope. The 13 towns and 2 cities of Nassau and Suffolk Counties, plus the Nassau and Suffolk County Offices for the Aging, NY Connects and Medical Answering Services. Long Island here means Nassau and Suffolk.
Sources. On October 12, 2026 we read the senior services and transportation pages on each government's own website, and the brochures, guides and newsletters those sites publish: North Hempstead's 2026 taxi brochure, East Hampton's 2026 transportation sheet, Smithtown's 2025 brochure, Islip's September/October 2026 Seniors Connect, Huntington's HART paratransit guide and brochure, and the Suffolk Office for the Aging's 2026 Program and Services Guide. Glen Cove's senior center site counts because the City's own page sends readers there. We did not use third-party directories, nonprofit or news sites, and we did not phone the programs.
Rules. A program counts as offering medical rides when its official page names medical appointments as a trip it provides. Glen Cove counts, although its pages publish no rules for its Medical Transport. A field the page does not mention is reported as "not stated," never guessed. Notice periods are the minimum the page asks for (72 hours counts as 3 days); hours are the published medical-appointment window.
Computation. The records sit in a file in the site's code, and a script computes every count on this page and writes the CSV, so the page updates when a record changes. The script can also re-fetch each source and flag any page whose wording has changed. No DachiPlus trip, rider or call data is used.
Limitations
- Programs change hours, phone numbers and rules, and do not always update every page. Call before you count on a ride.
- "Not stated" means the official page is silent, not that no rule exists. A program may set a notice period or ask for a contribution that it does not publish.
- Village, nonprofit and faith-based ride programs are outside this directory unless a town, city or county page lists them.
- A listed program is not a guaranteed seat. Several say capacity is limited and first come, first served.
- Some government sites block automated checks, so their entries are re-checked by hand at each refresh.
How to cite this directory
DachiPlus. "Long Island Senior Transportation Directory." October 2026. https://dachiplus.com/resources/long-island-senior-transportation-directory/. Data: official town, city and county websites in Nassau and Suffolk Counties, checked October 12, 2026.
Senior centers, libraries, hospitals and community groups are welcome to share the directory and the CSV with credit and a link to this page. If a program has changed, tell us and we will re-check the official page.
Frequently asked questions
Does Nassau County give seniors free rides to medical appointments?
Not county-wide. The Nassau County Office for the Aging's Directory of Services says the office cannot provide county-wide transportation, and its transportation page points to NICE buses, Able-Ride paratransit and the towns. Of Nassau's 5 town and city governments, 2 publish a medical-ride service: the Town of North Hempstead's Project Independence (311 or (516) 869-6311) and the City of Glen Cove's Medical Transport ((516) 676-2846). For anywhere else, call NY Connects for Nassau at (516) 227-8900. Medicaid members get rides at no cost through Medical Answering Services (MAS) at 1-844-666-6270.
What is Project Independence transportation in North Hempstead?
It is the Town of North Hempstead's taxi program for residents 60 and over, and residents 21 and over with a disability who qualify. Deeply discounted each way; the Town pays the rest of the fare (tip not included). Shopping rides are free. Medical rides run on weekdays to medical offices in the Town and to named destinations outside it, including the LIJ campus and Nassau University Medical Center. Call 311 or (516) 869-6311 at least one day ahead, before 4 PM. You must be able to get into the taxi on your own; drivers do not physically assist.
How far ahead do I need to book a town senior ride on Long Island?
It depends on the town. The programs that publish a notice period ask for Huntington and North Hempstead the day before, Babylon and East Hampton 3 days, Southampton 5 days, Smithtown a week and Islip two weeks. Glen Cove, Riverhead, Shelter Island and Southold do not publish one, so call early. Islip, Southampton and Huntington's HART say seats go first come, first served, so booking as soon as the appointment is set gives you the best chance of a seat.
Will a town senior van take me to a hospital in another town?
Usually not. Babylon, Huntington, Islip, Riverhead and Smithtown say their rides stay inside the town, and Suffolk County's Office for the Aging notes that in general these vehicles do not cross town lines. North Hempstead, East Hampton and Southold make named exceptions, and Shelter Island drives off-island. For a specialist or hospital outside your town, ask about Able-Ride or SCAT if you are eligible, use Medicaid transportation through MAS if you have Medicaid, or book a private medical ride.
Can I reuse the data in this directory?
Yes. The full directory is a free CSV download on this page. Please credit "DachiPlus, Long Island Senior Transportation Directory (October 2026)" and link to this page. Programs change, so check the official page in each entry before you rely on it.
Sources
- NYS Department of Health: Medicaid Transportation program overview (MAS, counties served, 72-hour request)
- MAS: Contact Center numbers by region (Downstate: Nassau and Suffolk)
- MAS: New York Medicaid transportation (authorized trips at no cost; routine appointments 3 days ahead)
- NYS DOH: Medicaid Transportation Standing Order Policy, effective October 1, 2020 (published by MAS)
- eMedNY: NYS Medicaid Transportation Policy Manual (trip assignment by mode, then enrollee choice)
- NY Connects (NYS Office for the Aging)
- Eldercare Locator (U.S. Administration for Community Living)
Official town, city and county pages (44)
- Town of Hempstead: Senior center mini-buses
- Town of North Hempstead: Project Independence Taxi Transportation Program
- Town of North Hempstead: Project Independence Taxi Rides Brochure 2026 (PDF)
- Town of North Hempstead: Transportation Options
- Town of North Hempstead: Project Independence Info
- Town of Oyster Bay: Senior Citizen Services Division (referrals)
- Nassau County Office for the Aging: Transportation
- City of Glen Cove: Glen Cove Senior Center transportation and Glen Cove Medical Transport
- Glen Cove Senior Center: Resources (phone numbers)
- City of Glen Cove: Senior Center and Adult Day Program
- City of Glen Cove: Transportation (Loop Bus)
- City of Long Beach: City Para Transit and senior bus fares
- City of Long Beach: Para Transit Application 2026 (PDF)
- City of Long Beach: Fares
- City of Long Beach: Senior Services
- Town of Babylon: Senior Transportation Services (Essential Services Transportation Program)
- Town of Babylon: FAQs, Essential Transportation
- Town of Babylon: Senior Citizen Services
- Town of Brookhaven: Senior nutrition and Jitney transportation
- Town of Brookhaven: Division of Senior Citizen Services
- Town of Brookhaven: Transportation (Mobility and Disability Specialist)
- Town of East Hampton: Senior Transportation Program
- Town of East Hampton: Department of Human Services, Description of Services (PDF)
- Town of Huntington: HART Paratransit (Huntington Area Rapid Transit)
- Town of Huntington: HART Paratransit User's Guide (PDF)
- Town of Huntington: HART Paratransit Program brochure (PDF)
- Town of Huntington: Senior Division brochure (PDF)
- Town of Islip: Transportation Program
- Town of Islip: Senior Citizen Services
- Town of Riverhead: Dial a Ride
- Town of Riverhead: Senior Citizen Programs (phone extensions)
- Town of Shelter Island: Senior Transportation (AAA Transportation Programs)
- Town of Smithtown: Transportation for Seniors
- Town of Smithtown: 2025 Transportation Brochure (PDF)
- Town of Southampton: Senior Shuttle (essential services transportation)
- Town of Southampton: Senior Services
- Town of Southold: Essential Medical Transportation
- Town of Southold: Transportation flyer (PDF)
- Nassau County Office for the Aging: Directory of Services (PDF)
- Nassau County Office for the Aging: Supportive Services (NY Connects number)
- Suffolk County Office for the Aging (and NY Connects for Suffolk)
- Suffolk County Office for the Aging: Program & Services Guide for Senior Citizens, 2026 (PDF)
- Suffolk County Office for the Aging: home page (NY Connects)
- Nassau County Office for the Aging: Senior Centers
Need a ride the town program can't give?
DachiPlus drives older riders to medical appointments anywhere in Nassau and Suffolk.
Medicaid members: call MAS at 1-844-666-6270 at least three days before the appointment and ask for DachiPlus, or ask the doctor's office to request a standing order for recurring visits.
Private pay: call DachiPlus at (516) 754-7777 or check the fare estimator.