Dial-A-Ride
Transportation Services
Local Transportation Programs by Community
About
In addition to CATA's fixed routes, ADA Paratransit, and CATA On Demand, we partner with local communities and organizations to provide transportation that helps residents access medical care, shopping, social activities, wellness programs, and other essential destinations.
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CATA's Dial-a-Ride service and community programs provide shared, door-to-door transportation for eligible seniors (60+) and adults with disabilities. CATA Dial-a-Ride service is available in all CATA communities, details by community are included below.
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There is a one page application for customers to register with CATA prior to using CATA services.
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Click below to download an application, get answers to frequently asked questions, or select your community to learn about the transportation services available to you.
Eligibility & Applications
Dial-A-Ride & Other Community Programs
Dial-A-Ride and other community programs are available to adults 60 years of age and older and adults (18+) with a physical, mental, or cognitive disability. Service areas and trip eligibility vary by community.
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To begin using Dial-A-Ride and other community programs, complete a Dial-A-Ride Application. Riders 60 and older must provide proof of age. Applications may be downloaded below or requested by calling 978-283-7916.
Completed applications may be mailed or delivered to:
Cape Ann Transportation Authority
3 Pond Road
Gloucester, MA 01930
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Download an Application
How to Use These Services
Dial-A-Ride & Other Community Programs
Apply for the service.
Complete a Dial-A-Ride application before scheduling your first trip. Riders 60 and older must provide proof of age.
Reserve your ride.
Trips may be scheduled up to one month in advance by calling 978-283-7916. Advance notice is required and varies by community.
Be ready for pickup.
Most trips have a 30-minute pickup window. For example, a 10:00 AM pickup means your vehicle may arrive between 9:45 AM and 10:15 AM. Please be ready at the beginning of your pickup window. Drivers will wait up to five minutes after arriving.
For pickups from work or other locations where you cannot leave early, your pickup window begins at your scheduled release time. If you finish work at 5:00 PM, your pickup window will typically be 5:00 PM to 5:30 PM.
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Manage your reservation.
If your plans change, please cancel at least 60 minutes before your scheduled pickup to avoid a no-show.
Ride responsibly.
Riders may bring up to three bags and one small personal cart that can be managed in one trip and stored safely without blocking aisles.
Review the Rider Guide.
Hours of service, holiday schedules, community-specific information, and additional policies are available in each community's Rider Guide (available to download in each community's section below).
Gloucester
Available Services
Community Dial-A-Ride
Eligible Gloucester residents may use CATA's Dial-a-Ride and ADA Paratransit services for medical appointments, shopping, errands, social activities, and other trips within Gloucester and Rockport. Reservations are required and must be made in advance. Service is generally available Monday–Friday during daytime hours. Please refer to the Gloucester Rider Guide for reservation requirements, scheduling information, current schedules, hours, and holiday information.
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Grocery Shopping
There are several options for grocery shopping in Gloucester.
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CATA's Dial-a-Ride can take you to any grocery store in town, just register with us first and then make your reservation.
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CATA's regular fixed route buses also provide service to the grocery stores. The #1 Eastern Avenue goes to both Stop & Shop and Shaw's. The #2 Business Express serves all five GHA senior housing complexes, Central Grammar, and the John J. Meany Housing and goes to Market Basket. The #2a Gloucester Crossing Express provides service for Prospect Street (Curtis Clark & McPherson Park) and Washington Street and goes to Market Basket. The #4 Thatcher Road goes to Stop & Shop.
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If you need help navigating any of these options or want to talk through which may be the best option for you, give us a call at 978-283-7916 and we'll be happy to help.
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Cape Ann Seniors on the GO!
In partnership with the Gloucester Council on Aging, CATA provides transportation for Monday FUNday activities and other wellness programs that encourage healthy living, social engagement, and access to community resources. Contact the Rose Baker Center for Aging Well at 978-325-5800 for additional information.
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Out-of-Town Medical Transportation
Contact the Rose Baker Center for Aging Well at 978-325-5800 for out-of-town medical transportation needs.
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Dialysis Transportation (Monday–Saturday)
Transportation is available to the North Shore Regional Dialysis Center in Beverly for eligible patients receiving first- or second-shift dialysis treatments. For additional information, please contact Dispatch at 978-283-7916 or let the Dialysis Center know you're interested in using the CATA van.
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For more information, download service PDFs below or call Dispatch: 978-283-7916​
Rockport
Available Services
​Community Dial-A-Ride
Eligible Rockport residents may use CATA's Dial-a-Ride and ADA Paratransit services for medical appointments, shopping, errands, social activities, and other trips within Rockport and Gloucester. Reservations are required and must be made in advance. Service is generally available Monday–Friday during daytime hours. Please refer to the Rockport Rider Guide for reservation requirements, scheduling information, current schedules, hours, and holiday information.
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Rockport Wednesday Shoppers
Transportation to local grocery stores is available to residents of Rockport on Wednesday mornings. Pickups start around 9am and return trips start around 11am. Grocery stores include Shaw's, Stop & Shop, and Market Basket in Gloucester. Reservations are required and must be made in advance.
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Out-of-Town Medical Transportation
Contact the Rockport Senior Center at 978-546-2573 for out-of-town medical transportation needs.
Dialysis Transportation (Monday–Saturday)
Transportation is available to the North Shore Regional Dialysis Center in Beverly for eligible patients receiving first- or second-shift dialysis treatments. For additional information, please contact Dispatch at 978-283-7916 or let the Dialysis Center know you're interested in using the CATA van.
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For more information, download service PDFs below or call Dispatch: 978-283-7916​
Ipswich
Available Services
Ipswich Medical Bus
In partnership with the Ipswich Council on Aging, CATA provides transportation for Ipswich residents traveling to out-of-town medical appointments in Essex, Hamilton, Wenham, Beverly, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Gloucester, Rockport, Rowley, Salem, Peabody, and Danvers. Please refer to the Ipswich Rider Guide for reservation requirements, scheduling information, current schedules, hours, and holiday information.
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Other Transportation Needs
Please contact the Ipswich Senior Center at 978-356-6650 for information on the Ipswich Senior Center transportation program and offerings.
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Friday Market Basket Rowley Trips
Transportation to the Rowley Market Basket is available on Friday mornings. Pickups start at 9:30am and the return trip is at 11am. Reservations are required and must be made in advance.
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​Dialysis Transportation (Monday–Saturday)
Transportation is available to the North Shore Regional Dialysis Center in Beverly for eligible patients receiving first- or second-shift dialysis treatments. For additional information, please contact Dispatch at 978-283-7916 or let the Dialysis Center know you're interested in using the CATA van.
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For more information, download service PDFs below or call Dispatch: 978-283-7916​
Essex
Available Services
Community Dial-A-Ride
Door-to-door transportation for Essex seniors traveling to medical appointments, shopping, social activities, and other destinations. Transportation is available across the greater Cape Ann area. Reservations are required and should be made in advance. Service is generally available Monday–Friday during daytime hours. Please refer to the Essex Rider Guide for reservation requirements, scheduling information, current schedules, hours, and holiday information.
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​Essex Senior Center Trips
In partnership with the Essex Senior Center, CATA provides transportation for activities and other wellness programs that encourage healthy living, social engagement, and access to community resources. Contact the Essex Senior Center at 978-768-7932 for additional information.
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Thursday Market Basket Gloucester Trips
Transportation to the Gloucester Market Basket is available on Thursday mornings. Pickups start at 9:00am and the return trip is at 10:45 am. Reservations are required and must be made in advance.
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​Dialysis Transportation (Monday–Saturday)
Transportation is available to the North Shore Regional Dialysis Center in Beverly for eligible patients receiving first- or second-shift dialysis treatments. For additional information, please contact Dispatch at 978-283-7916 or let the Dialysis Center know you're interested in using the CATA van.
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For more information, download service PDFs below or call Dispatch: 978-283-7916​
Hamilton
Available Services
Community Dial-A-Ride
Door-to-door transportation for Hamilton seniors traveling to medical appointments, shopping, social activities, and other destinations. Transportation is available across the greater Cape Ann area. Reservations are required and should be made in advance. Service is generally available Monday–Friday during daytime hours. Please refer to the Hamilton Rider Guide for reservation requirements, scheduling information, current schedules, hours, and holiday information.
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Hamilton Senior Center Trips
In partnership with the Hamilton Senior Center, CATA provides transportation for activities and other wellness programs that encourage healthy living, social engagement, and access to community resources. Contact the Hamilton Senior Center at 978-468-5595 for additional information.
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Friday Market Basket Rowley Trips
Transportation to the Rowley Market Basket is available on Friday mornings. Pickups start at 9:00 am and the return trip is at 10:45 am. Reservations are required and must be made in advance.
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​Dialysis Transportation (Monday–Saturday)
Transportation is available to the North Shore Regional Dialysis Center in Beverly for eligible patients receiving first- or second-shift dialysis treatments. For additional information, please contact Dispatch at 978-283-7916 or let the Dialysis Center know you're interested in using the CATA van.
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For more information, download service PDFs below or call Dispatch: 978-283-7916​
Manchester-by-the-Sea
Available Services
Community Dial-A-Ride/ADA Transportation
CATA provides Dial-a-Ride services in Manchester-by-the-Sea to complement the transportation services provided by the Manchester Council on Aging.
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Eligible Manchester residents may use CATA's Dial-a-Ride for medical appointments, shopping, social activities, and other destinations across the greater Cape Ann area. Reservations are required and must be made in advance. Service is generally available through CATA on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday during daytime hours. Please refer to the Manchester Rider Guide for reservation requirements, scheduling information, current schedules, hours, and holiday information.
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Other Transportation Needs
Please contact the Manchester-by-the-Sea Council on Aging at 978-526-7500 for information on the Manchester Council on Aging transportation program and offerings.
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​Dialysis Transportation (Monday–Saturday)
Transportation is available to the North Shore Regional Dialysis Center in Beverly for eligible patients receiving first- or second-shift dialysis treatments. For additional information, please contact Dispatch at 978-283-7916 or let the Dialysis Center know you're interested in using the CATA van.
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For more information, download service PDFs below or call Dispatch: 978-283-7916
FAQs
Who is eligible for Dial-A-Ride?
Dial-A-Ride is available to adults 60 years of age and older and adults (18+) with a qualifying physical, mental, or cognitive disability. Service areas and trip eligibility vary by community.
How do I apply for Dial-A-Ride Services?
Complete a Dial-A-Ride application and submit it to CATA. Riders 60 and older must provide proof of age. You may find more information and the application here.
How far in advance should I schedule my ride?
Reservations may be made up to one month in advance. Most communities require at least one or two business days' notice. Please refer to your community's service information for specific reservation requirements.
Where can I travel using Dial-A-Ride?
Trip destinations vary depending on your community. Most riders may travel for medical appointments, shopping, errands, social activities, and other everyday destinations. For specific information visit our Our Communities page and check your town's Rider Guide!
Is Dial-A-Ride available outside my community?
Some communities offer transportation to neighboring towns and regional destinations. Please review your community's service area for available destinations.
How much does Dial-A-Ride cost?
Dial-A-Ride is currently fare free through December 31, 2027. Future fares are subject to change.
What happens if I miss my ride?
Please cancel at least 60 minutes before your scheduled pickup. Repeated no-shows may result in a temporary suspension of service.
Is ADA Paratransit or Dial-A-Ride right for me?
Dial-A-Ride serves adults 60 and older as well as eligible adults with disabilities.
ADA Paratransit is specifically for individuals whose disability prevents them from using CATA's fixed-route bus service.
Some riders with disabilities may qualify for both programs. If you're unsure which service is right for you, call 978-283-7916 and we'll be happy to help determine the best option.
What if I have a complaint about ADA service?
Dial-A-Ride and ADA customers may submit service comments, complaints or recommendations by telephone to 978-283-7916 by email CustomerService@canntran.com, or by U.S. Mail to:
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Cape Ann Transportation AuthorityÂ
3 Pond Road
Gloucester, MA 01930
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All Dial-a-Ride and ADA comments, complaints or commendations will be responded to within 48 business hours. Customers are encouraged to leave their full name, address and phone number.
Complaint Form:
NEED TO ADD.
What if I'm ready before my scheduled return time?
Because rides are scheduled in advance and shared with other passengers, return trips generally cannot be moved earlier. If your appointment ends sooner than expected, contact dispatch and CATA will do its best to accommodate you.
Are the vehicles wheelchair accessible?
Yes. All CATA vehicles, including all vans and buses, are wheelchair accessible
Can someone ride with me?
Personal Care Attendants (PCAs), companions, and service animals may travel with eligible riders. Please let dispatch know when making your reservation.