Nassau County NICE Able Ride bus stop

- 2034 Green Acres Rd S, Valley Stream, NY 11581

For residents of Long Island, particularly those in Nassau County, maintaining independence and access to critical destinations requires dependable transportation solutions. The Nassau County NICE Able-Ride bus stop represents a crucial part of this infrastructure, serving as a hub for the region's dedicated paratransit system. Operated by the Nassau Inter-County Express (NICE Bus), Able-Ride is more than just a bus service; it is the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) complementary paratransit service, providing essential, shared-ride transportation for eligible individuals whose disabilities prevent them from using the regular fixed-route buses for some or all of their trips.

This service is fundamental to the quality of life for many New Yorkers living in Nassau County, offering a vital lifeline for personal, educational, recreational, and business-related travel. While the name refers to a "bus stop" at a specific address, the NICE Able-Ride system operates as a door-to-door (or origin-to-destination upon request) service across the service area, making travel logistically simpler and far more accessible than navigating traditional public transit. It represents a commitment by Nassau County to providing equitable transit options for all of its citizens.

It is important for new and existing users to understand that Able-Ride is a shared-ride service. This means vehicles will often transport multiple passengers, which can impact travel times. The service is comparable to the fixed-route bus service, meaning it operates during the same days and hours. This ensures that when fixed-route buses are running, the essential complementary service is also available for those who need it most. Potential users must apply and be certified as eligible for the paratransit service before they can book trips.

The listed location for the Nassau County NICE Able-Ride is 2034 Green Acres Rd S in Valley Stream, NY 11581. This address corresponds to a major transportation hub and transfer point within the Nassau County area—specifically, the Green Acres Mall.

While the Able-Ride service itself is door-to-door, meaning the vehicle picks up and drops off passengers at their requested locations within the service zone, this specific address highlights an important logistical point. The Green Acres Mall is a designated transfer point for passengers traveling between the Nassau County NICE Able-Ride system and New York City Transit's Access-A-Ride (AAR) paratransit system. For those Long Islanders who need to travel into Queens or other parts of New York City, this location serves as a crucial, accessible connection point.

As a major transit point, the area is confirmed to offer key accessibility features, including:

• Wheelchair Accessible Entrance: Ensuring that the transfer point itself is easily navigable for mobility device users.
• Wheelchair Accessible Parking Lot: Providing convenient parking options for family members or caregivers who are dropping off or picking up passengers.

The service area for Able-Ride is defined by ADA regulations, covering trips that begin and end within three-quarters (3/4) of a mile of an operating NICE fixed-route bus service. This ensures that the paratransit service complements the established public bus network throughout Nassau County.

The NICE Able-Ride service is specifically designed to meet the transit needs of people with disabilities who cannot utilize the fixed bus routes. The services are structured to maximize freedom of movement within the service area:

• Shared-Ride Paratransit Service: Providing transportation for eligible riders, with trips for any purpose, including personal, medical, educational, and social visits.
• Door-to-Door Service: Drivers are generally required to provide assistance from the passenger’s door to the vehicle and from the vehicle door to the destination door, as needed and requested.
• Booking Flexibility: Trips can be arranged up to seven days in advance, allowing passengers to plan their schedules effectively.
• ADA Compliance: Service is available during the same days and hours as the fixed-route bus service, ensuring travel access whenever public transit is operational.
• Inter-County Transfers: Facilitating transfers to neighboring paratransit systems, such as Suffolk County's SCAT and New York City's Access-A-Ride, at designated accessible transfer locations like the Green Acres Mall stop.
• Personal Care Attendant (PCA) Travel: Allowing a certified Personal Care Attendant to ride at no additional charge to assist the passenger.

The features of the NICE Able-Ride system are focused on providing a secure, convenient, and reliable public transportation option for the disability community of Nassau County.

• Accessible Fleet: Vehicles are equipped with essential accessibility features such as non-skid flooring, securement areas for mobility devices, wheelchair lifts or ramps, and increased interior height for comfortable maneuvering.
• Online Booking and Real-Time Info: Riders can utilize an Able-Ride Web Booking feature via phone, tablet, or computer to book and edit trips, and to get real-time arrival information, enhancing trip management and control.
• Affordable Flat Fares: The service offers a low, flat fare for one-way trips, making it an economically viable alternative to private, non-emergency medical transportation or taxis. Discounted ticket books are also available for frequent users.
• Wide Range of Destinations: Unlike some private services focused only on medical trips, Able-Ride provides transportation for any reason—a critical highlight for social inclusion and independence.
• Compliance and Oversight: As an ADA-mandated service, Able-Ride operates under federal guidelines, offering an established application and appeal process to ensure fair eligibility determination.

For information regarding eligibility, scheduling a trip, or general inquiries about the NICE Able-Ride service:

Address (General Service Area Hub): 2034 Green Acres Rd S, Valley Stream, NY 11581, USA (Green Acres Mall Transfer Point)

Phone (Reservations & Information): (516) 228-4000

Mobile Phone: +1 516-228-4000

Reservations must be made by calling the Able-Ride line. For those who are deaf or hard of hearing, it is recommended to use their preferred relay service provider or the free 711 relay. Reservations can typically be made up to seven days in advance, weekdays and weekends, during designated reservation hours.

For certified residents of Nassau County, NICE Able-Ride is worth choosing because it represents an invaluable, public-supported transportation solution specifically designed for those with mobility challenges. It is the most economical, officially mandated option available as a complementary service to the fixed-route bus network. While some user reviews may mention delays—a common challenge for all shared-ride public paratransit services—its cost-effectiveness, mandated operating hours, and vast service coverage within Nassau County make it indispensable. The focus on ADA compliance ensures a minimum standard of accessibility that private companies may not consistently meet.

Moreover, the ability to use the service for any reason—not just medical appointments—is a huge advantage for community inclusion and participation. The designated transfer point at places like the Green Acres Mall in Valley Stream provides a necessary, accessible gateway for travel coordination across county lines to NYC's Access-A-Ride, drastically extending a passenger's range of travel. For those eligible residents prioritizing affordable, extensive coverage and the full backing of a public transit system dedicated to accessibility, NICE Able-Ride remains the most foundational and comprehensive choice for getting around Long Island.

Nassau County NICE Able Ride bus stop

2034 Green Acres Rd S, Valley Stream, NY 11581, USA