Paratransit Services

The term paratransit can mean "public or group transportation, as by automobile, van, or minibus, organized to relieve the congestion of mass transportation." In the Washington Metropolitan Area, paratransit describes the many alternative transportation options for senior citizens and persons with disabilities. Most area city and county governments have implemented, and are continuing to enhance, paratransit services for their residents based on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. Scroll down or choose a topic at left for information on the paratransit services provided by local area transportation systems. For general information about these transportation systems, visit our Local and commuter bus page.

Paratransit Services in Virginia

Arlington County

Arlington County is committed to the laws and regulations set forth by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. Complementary local and regional transportation services are provided for the disabled community. To further emphasize our commitment and also provide a variety of services, Arlington has encouraged local taxi fleets to purchase accessible/lift-equipped vehicles through a variety of programs, and there are now about 20 such vehicles in the County.

Arlington's pre-arranged reserved trip paratransit service is STAR - Specialized Transit for Arlington Residents.

Accessible Taxicabs in Arlington

Accessible taxicabs are now available for on-demand point-to-point service in Arlington for people who require mobility aids such as wheelchairs or scooters. These accessible vehicles will enhance the convenience and opportunities of travel for the public with physical disabilities. Because the strength of the taxi industry is demand-responsive service, the vehicles can be used for both ambulatory and non-ambulatory clients. The County Board approved issuance of special taxicab certificates for the exclusive use of wheelchair-accessible taxi vehicles.

Arlington Blue Top Cab has three accessible taxicabs available. These customized vans enable passengers to take a cab without transferring out of their wheelchairs. Wheelchairs are wheeled in and out of the vehicles via a side-loading ramp, and wheelchairs are secured to the van floor with straps. Accessible taxis are available by calling 703-243-8294 no less than 24 hours before pickup time. As with the rest of the fleet, fares are computed by electronic meter. Reservations for accessible taxicabs are not accepted through Blue Top Cab's web site.

Arlington Red Top Cab Company has 17 wheelchair-accessible cabs in operation. These are minivans with ramps that fit up to two wheelchairs, another passenger and the driver, or one wheelchair user with three other passengers and the driver. These accessible cabs offer transportation for persons unable to transfer or those who can transfer with difficulty. The vehicles are metered so the fare is the same as any other taxi. All the drivers who have been selected to operate these vehicles have participated in sensitivity training and other issues dealing with transporting persons with disabilities. For more information, contact Alina Otal, Paratransit Manager at (703) 247-5100 ext. 14. For requesting a trip call, call (703) 522-3333 or TDD (703) 522-3331 and ask for a wheelchair accessible cab.

Senior Citizen Red Top Cab Tickets: Senior Citizen/Disabled customers of Red Top Cab can save 10% on their fare when they purchase special ticket books from The Commuter Store. You can even tip the driver with these tickets! A $20 value for $18. You can order ticket books from CommuterDirect.com, or contact The Commuter Store.

Yellow Cab has wheelchair accessible cabs available with 3-hour advance request. Yellow Cab also honors Senior/Disabled tickets. 24 Hour Dispatch: (703) 522-2222

City of Alexandria

The Alexandria Transit Company's DASH system provides safe and reliable bus service within the City of Alexandria and connects with Metrobus, Metrorail, Virginia Railway Express, and the Fairfax Connector. DASH serves all Metrorail stations within the City of Alexandria and the Pentagon Transit Center (Upper Level Bay 13) during rush hour. A number of DASH buses are wheelchair accessible. To schedule a lift-equipped bus on your route, call 703-370-3274 by 3 p.m. the day before you want to make your trip. Reservation hours are Monday through Sunday from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Web: www.dashbus.com

The City of Alexandria sponsors a curb-to-curb transportation service for persons with disabilities who cannot use the fixed route service. For information, call (703) 838-3800. TDD calls are handled through the Virginia Relay Center by calling (800) 828-1120 from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The City of Alexandria Department of Human Services also provides several transportation options for senior citizens and persons with disabilities.

Senior Trolley A bus available to persons 60 and older on specially scheduled routes to shopping and senior centers. Donation requested. Charter service available for fee. Phone: (703) 838-0920.

Senior Taxi Service Senior Citizens Employment & Services. Available for trips to the doctor, dentist, drug store or grocery within the City of Alexandria. Call by 3 p.m. the preceding work day to reserve. Small fee. Phone: (703) 836-4414.

Health Department Van Shuttle between St. Asaph Street location and Casey Clinic. Phone: (703) 838-4884.

Medicaid Taxi Service Persons 60+ with Medicaid numbers may use taxi service for doctor visits. Call one day in advance. Phone: (703) 838-4403.

Virginia Medical Transportation Company Free transportation to doctor visits for people who have a Medicaid card. Call 3 hours in advance. Phone: (703) 578-6862.

Fairfax County

Fairfax Connector

All Reston/Herndon area Fairfax Connector buses, including RIBS — The Reston Internal Bus System, are wheelchair lift-equipped. To request a lift-equipped bus on other routes, call the Information Center 24 hours in advance (703) 339-7200.

Elder/disabled fares are valid at all times for riders in possession of an official WMATA ID or a Medicare Card. Senior citizens can obtain an ID card at Reston/Herndon library branches. Riders with disabilities can arrange to obtain an ID card at WMATA headquarters, 600 Fifth St. NW, Washington, D.C., by calling in advance (202) 962-1245, TTY (202) 628-8973.

FASTRAN Dial-a-Ride

Dial-a-Ride service is provided weekdays only for residents of Fairfax County, with almost all trips scheduled between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Rides should be scheduled in advance, as trips are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis and are limited. To schedule Dial-a-Ride trips, call weekdays between 8:00 a.m. and noon. Eligibility is based on household income, which cannot exceed $1,610 per month for a family of one, $2,176 per month for a family of two, etc., and riders must be residents of Fairfax County. A rider must be eligible before making reservations. For more information call (703) 222-9764, ext. 2, TTY (703) 324-7079.

If it is necessary to cancel a trip that has been scheduled, call the 24-hour cancellation line. Try to cancel before noon the day before. The cancellation line is available 24 hours and accepts recorded messages. Callers will be prompted to leave their name, identification number, and the date(s) of the trip(s) to cancel. Cancellation Line: (703) 324-7068, TTY (Virginia Relay) 1-800-828-1120.

TAGS Bus Service

Fairfax County and the Springfield Chamber of Commerce have joined forces to create the Transportation Association of Greater Springfield (TAGS). The result of this partnership is a new bus service that circulates throughout Springfield's business district. TAGS bus stops include:

• Franconia-Springfield Metro Station
• Springfield Mall
• Springfield Hilton
• Springfield Plaza Shopping Center
• Brookfield Plaza Shopping Center
• Backlick Center

The service is FREE. The buses follow a five-mile circular route from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, arriving every 15 minutes. All buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts. Phone: (703) 971-7727

City of Fairfax CueBus

City of Fairfax Cue Bus specialized transportation services for individuals who are unable to use the CUE Bus because of a disability are provided through the City Wheels and Metro Access programs. For wheelchair-lift-equipped bus, 24-hour advance notice preferred, please call (703) 385-7859.

A reduced fare of 25 cents is charged to all persons with disabilities and senior citizens age 60 and older possessing a City or Metro ID. Apply for ID’s by contacting the office of the Transportation Division at (703) 385-7859 (voice/TTY). For more information about Metro ID, call (202) 962-1245 or visit WMATA's website www.wmata.com/metroaccess/senior_disabled_id.cfm

City of Fairfax City Wheels

Residents of the City of Fairfax who have disabilities and are unable to use the CUE system (City of Fairfax bus system) can use the City Wheels program. City Wheels is an alternative transportation system that utilizes private taxicabs and lift-equipped vehicle companies. Persons must apply for eligibility for City Wheels. Once accepted, participants receive a numbered identification (ID) card. Coupons can then be ordered and paid for in advance. Participants also receive a list of the transportation companies offering alternative services. Participants select the company that can best serve their needs and use the coupons to pay for their trips. When arranging transportation, inform the dispatcher if you require door-to-door assistance or assistance transferring from a wheelchair. For more information, please call 703-385-7859, TTY (Virginia Relay) 1-800-828-1120.

City of Falls Church — Fare Wheels

Fare Wheels serves City of Falls Church residents. It uses private taxicabs and lift-equipped vehicles to provide rides. Participants must be residents of the City of Falls Church, at least 62 years of age, or permanently and totally disabled, with annual incomes not exceeding $30,000. An application, proof of disability and income are required to become eligible for service. Once approved, the individual receives 2 coupon books, an identification card and a reorder form. Maximum value of coupons is $35.00 per month. For more information call (703) 248-5005, TTY (703) 248-5194.

FRED — Fredericksburg Regional Transit

FRED provides accessible transportation to everyone by providing a deviated fixed route bus service. All vehicles are equipped with wheel-chair lifts. Drivers will assist persons on and off the bus when needed and make bus stop announcements regularly. Drivers are trained in passenger assistance, defensive driving, CPR, and wheelchair securement procedures to make your trip safe and enjoyable. One personal care attendant may ride for free. Route deviation requires twenty-four hour in advance notification. Please call FRED Central (540) 372-1222 with your request including: your name, phone number, location of pick-up, final destination, day of pick-up, time of pick-up, and estimated time of return. FRED staff reserves the right to determine final routing, scheduling, and place of pick-up and return.

Loudoun County Transit

The Loudoun County-sponsored system of commuter buses (LC Transit) provides weekday bus service to Washington D.C., the Pentagon Transit Center (Lower Level Bay L11) ,Rosslyn and West Falls Church Metro from stops in Purcellville, Hamilton, Leesburg, Sterling, Dulles South, Cascades, and  Lowes Island. The buses are operated by Veolia Transportation. All buses are wheelchair accessible. 703-771-5665 (Voice), (800) 828-1120 (TTY). Connector service within Loudoun is provided by Virginia Regional Transit.

Virginia Regional Transit also provides door-to-door, advance registration, and limited on-demand transportation in Leesburg and the Sterling Area (Sterling, Sterling Park, Sugarland Run, CountrySide, and Cascades. Other routes connect the communities of Purcellville, Leesburg, CountrySide, Cascades, Sugarland Run, Sterling, Sterling Park and Dulles. All buses are wheelchair accessible. Interested residents should call at least 24 hours in advance for an appointment, (540) 338-1610 or 1-877-777-2708.

OmniRide

OmniRide is PRTC's (Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission) commuter bus service. OmniRide offers convenient weekday (Monday - Friday ) service (excluding holidays) from locations throughout Prince William County along the I-95 corridor and Manassas area along the I-66 corridor to destinations that include the Vienna, West Falls Church and Franconia/Springfield Metrorail Stations, the Pentagon Transit Center (Lower Level Bays 1 and 2), Crystal City, downtown Washington, D.C., Capitol Hill, and the Washington Navy Yard.

Priority seating is available for mobility-impaired passengers who have been issued a Priority Seating Pass. These seats are located in the front of each bus and are clearly marked. Applications for Priority Seating Passes may be obtained by mail or by calling (703) 730-OMNI (-6664) or (888) 730-OMNI (-6664).

OmniLink is a local weekday bus service operated by PRTC in Eastern Prince William County and the Manassas area. It was designed to meet the transportation needs of the entire community, including individuals who may have difficulty walking to established bus stops. In addition to serving designated bus stops, OmniLink buses can leave the route to pick up or drop off passengers at locations up to 3/4 mile off the route when there is time available in the schedule. To determine if an off-route trip is possible, call Customer Service from 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM, Monday - Friday, (703) 730-OMNI (-6664) or (888) 730-OMNI (-6664).

All OmniLink buses are wheelchair-accessible and priority seating is available. TDD is available through the Virginia Relay Center at 711. Wheelchair passengers can board the buses at any regular stop or may call ahead for a special pick up. Even when boarding at a regular stop, customers should call in advance, as each bus can only accommodate two wheelchairs.

Paratransit Services in Maryland

Calvert County

Calvert County Government Transportation Services Calvert County, through the Transportation Division of the Department of Public Safety, serves the transportation needs of the general public as well as the elderly and persons with disabilities. The county provides a deviated fixed route system Monday through Saturday to link residents with major shopping, medical, and employment, as well as with public services available in Prince Frederick.

Howard County

HATS — Howard Area Transit Service is a general public transportation service owned and sponsored by Howard County, Maryland. The buses run between Columbia Shopping Mall, Hickory Ridge Village Center, Howard County Hospital, and Howard Community College. Reduced Fare (senior/disabled) Peak Hour $0.75, Reduced Fares for Seniors and persons with disabilities are —: Peak, $0.75 and Off Peak (9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.), $0.50. All buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts, call in advance for availability and route information, (410) 313-1919.

Montgomery County

Montgomery County's Transit System is one of the best in the country. It consists of RIDE ON, Metrobus, and Metrorail, carrying more than 1.5 million seniors and disabled passengers annually. Other special programs include Paratransit (MetroAccess) and Call 'N' Ride. Special identification cards for persons with disabilities are issued by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA). To apply for this card, call WMATA at (202) 962-1245. This card is accepted on all RIDE ON buses.

Call 'n Ride provides subsidized taxi trips for low-income persons with disabilities and seniors. To be eligible for the Call 'N' Ride Program, you must be at least 68 years of age. If you are less than 68 years of age, you must show proof of disability. Clients are provided a $50 monthly coupon book (each coupon in the book is valued at $1) at discounts according to income. You may use the coupons on taxicabs from companies under contract with the County. Coupons may be used to pay for the full cost of the fare or may be combined with cash to pay for your trip. Coupons can be purchased online at the link above. For information on, or eligibility requirements for the Call 'N' Ride Program call: (301) 948-5409.

Complimenting the transit system in Montgomery County, MetroAccess provides curb-to-curb service for disabled persons who are unable to use the regular transit systems and have been certified eligible to use paratransit service. Montgomery County has fully implemented MetroAccess with service hours mirroring those of the transit system, 5:30 a.m. - 12 midnight, 7 days a week. If you think you are eligible, complete an application and have it certified. For an application call MetroAccess headquarters at: (301) 562-5360 or TDD (301) 588-7835. Or call the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) at: (202) 962-2700 or TDD (202) 962-2033. MetroAccess Fare: $2.20 rush hour; $1.80 non-rush hour. To schedule a MetroAccess trip, call the MetroAccess reservation office at least one day in advance or up to 14 days before your trip at: (301) 562-5363 or TDD (301) 588-7835.

Prince Georges County

TheBus, a Prince Georges County bus service meeting your local transportation needs. Call-A-Bus is a demand response curb-to-curb service. Service is available to all residents of Prince George's County who are not served by or cannot use existing bus or rail services. However, priority is given to senior and disabled persons. Disabled persons must provide their own escort if needed. Service animals are allowed for the visually impaired.

Call-A-Cab is a transportation assistance program that provides mobility at a reduced cost for senior (age 55 and over) and/or disabled County residents. This program allows eligible residents to purchase coupon books that can be used to pay for rides with participating cab companies when Metrobus, Metrorail, and/or Call-A-Bus are not available.

Regional Paratransit Systems

MetroAccess

MetroAccess is the trade name for the regional Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) paratransit system coordinated by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA). MetroAccess includes WMATA and all the local bus systems and major jurisdictional paratransit services in the region. The development of this service is guided by the ADA Paratransit Plan for the WMATA region. For more information from WMATA, click here.

Metro provides reduced fares for senior citizens and persons with disabilities with special identification cards. For information on how to get a Metro Senior ID or a Metro Disabled ID card, go to the ID page. For information on the MetroAccess application form, go the MetroAccess application information page, or call (202) 962-2700 or TDD (202) 962-2033.

Regularly scheduled lift service is available on most Metrobus routes, and is identified on the schedules. If lift-equipped buses are not available on your route, you may use On-Call Service. This service provides a lift-equipped bus from one Metrobus stop to another with advance reservation. On-Call Service is available seven days a week on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration is not required. Call the wheelchair lift-equipped Metrobus number, 202/962-1825 to schedule on-call service, on weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and on weekends and holidays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For on-call service tomorrow, you should call today before 3 p.m.

There are many other features designed to make the system accessible to everyone including: Braille signs throughout Metrorail stations, on-board announcements identifying the stops, and text telephones (TDYs) in every Metro station.

D.C. Paratransit Info
Blog on D.C. Paratransit, not affilitated with WMATA

Maryland Transit Administration

Maryland MTA provides transit services in Maryland, including Express Bus and MARC Train Service to Oriole Park at Camden Yards and Raven's Football at PSINet Stadium.

MTA's Disability Services include Senior Transportation Service, Disability Transportation Service, Reduced Fares, and Paratansit Service. The MTA Information Center can provide customers with information regarding transit routes, schedules and fares. The information center telephone number is (410) 539-5000, TTY (410) 539-3497. An interactive phone system allows you to get information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Senior citizens, 65 years and older, with a valid MTA photo identification (ID) card, can ride for one-third the regular fare on bus, Light Rail and Metro subway and one-half the regular fare on MARC Train. Photo ID cards are issued at the MTA Certification Office, located in the lobby of 6 St. Paul Street. The office is open from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday. A reduced fare day pass is available. This pass allows customers to ride all day for $1.00. Express and premium charges may apply. Reduced fare monthly passes are also available for $14.00. The passes must be used with a valid MTA photo ID.

Approximately 60% of the MTA bus fleet is wheelchair lift equipped. Lift service varies on each bus line and may only be available at certain times of the day. The Call-A-Lift service provides lift-equipped buses on any route that does not have pre-scheduled accessible buses. To arrange a Call-A-Lift ride, e-mail the MTA or call MTA-LIFT (410-682-5438) by 4:00 p.m. the day before the planned trip.

The Metro subway is fully accessible to people with disabilities. Elevators and escalators at station entrances transport passengers to the mezzanine and platform levels. Station attendants are available to answer questions and provide assistance. Braille station guides are installed at all Metro subway station entrances.

All Light Rail trains are accessible to customers with disabilities. High-block boarding ramps are available at each stop and can be used by customers who are not able to use the steps to board the train.

There are seats in the front of each bus, as well as on the Light Rail or Metro subway that are designated as priority seats for seniors and people with disabilities. The MTA requires that these seats be made available to eligible customers upon request.

Bus and train operators are required to announce all transfer points, major intersections and points of interest. If you are not able to recognize your stop due to a visual or cognitive impairment, you may request that the operator announce your stop.

Paratransit is a specialized, shared ride, curb-to-curb service for people with disabilities who are not able to ride fixed-route public transportation, including lift-equipped buses. It is also available for people who cannot get to boarding/alighting locations due to a disability. Paratransit service is provided within — of of a mile of any fixed-route service in Baltimore City and Baltimore and Anne Arundel counties. The term "fixed-route service" refers to any bus, Metro subway or Light Rail routes operated by the MTA. Paratransit service is not offered within æ of a mile of any commuter bus route or MARC Train Service routes. The one-way cash fare on Paratransit service is $1.55. Many area employers and health care providers sell pre-paid books of 20 Paratransit ride tickets for $31.00. The tickets have no expiration date and may be used any time. Ask about them where you work or receive medical fare.