The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal law that gives people with disabilities equal access to public transit. It covers residents and visitors.
Accessible buses and trains
Public buses must be accessible: they have ramps or lifts, kneel down to the curb, and have spaces for wheelchairs. Ask the driver to lower the ramp.
Drivers must announce major stops, and many buses show stops on a screen.
Many train stations have elevators. The agency app or website lists elevators that are out of service.
Service animals (dogs trained to do a task for a person with a disability) are allowed on transit.
Agencies that receive federal money must offer at least half fare at off-peak times to people with disabilities, people aged 65 and older, and Medicare cardholders. Most agencies give a special reduced-fare card. You apply once with proof.
Paratransit is a shared ride service (often a van) for people whose disability keeps them from using regular buses or trains. Where a city runs regular buses, it must offer paratransit.
It serves trips that start and end within 3/4 of a mile of a regular bus route or train station, during the same hours.
The fare can be no more than twice the regular fare.
You book ahead, usually the day before. Rides are shared, and the van has a pickup window, so plan extra time.
Find the paratransit page of your local transit agency. You can find your city's agency under In your state.
Fill in the eligibility application. Many agencies ask for a health professional's statement and may do an in-person interview or test.
The agency must decide within 21 days of a complete application, or give you temporary service until it decides.
Visitors: US agencies must give visitors with disabilities paratransit for up to 21 days in a 365-day period. Bring your paratransit ID from home, or proof that you live elsewhere and, if your disability is not visible, proof of your disability.
Airlines must help passengers with disabilities. Ask for wheelchair help when you book.
Rideshare apps offer wheelchair-accessible vehicles in some cities.
Amtrak and intercity buses offer help with boarding when you book ahead.
Waiting to apply until you need a ride. Approval can take weeks.
Booking a paratransit ride too close to an appointment. Leave room for the pickup window.