Free Rides Available As Newton NewMo Service Celebrates 100,000th Ride

NEWTON, MA — Newton community members have a chance to utilize a free ride through the city’s NewMo transportation program as the program celebrates its 100,000th ride, Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller announced earlier this month.

NewMo launched three years ago as a transportation service for seniors. It expanded in October of 2021 to offer service to any interested riders looking for a way to get around Newton.

Just over a year later, NewMo's 100,000th ride celebration means anyone utilizing NewMo until Feb. 15 will automatically get their one free ride when they book a trip.

NewMo operates as a ridesharing service, offering riders an opportunity to book rides from their phone and get picked up in a matter of minutes to travel within Newton.

The first five trips for a new rider using the service are already free. Additional trips then usually cost $2 per ride, though there is a $0.50 rate available to qualifying low-income Newton residents. Individuals can utilize NewMo by booking rides in the NewMo app or by calling 617-655-8019.

Individuals can apply for the low-income NewMo rate by contacting [email protected].

NewMo runs throughout Newton on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. NewMo also operates from 9 a.m. to noon on weekends for those over the age of 60, also providing door-to-door service instead of its typical corner-to-corner service. The program has wheelchair accessible vehicles available upon request.

Fuller announced new NewMo data on Jan. 13, reporting 12,000 people had registered to use the service. Ridership doubled over the past year, with NewMo now operating upward of 300 trips each weekday, according to Fuller.

“This flexible, friendly and affordable service makes it possible for people to get to appointments, to work, to public transit stations, and to school without the expense or environmental impacts of using a personal vehicle,” Fuller said.

Learn more about NewMo here.