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The City of Chicago and metropolitan areas offer a complete line of public accessible trains, special transit buses and specially equipped vans that provide curb-to-curb service for persons unable to use the general public routes. There are additional options for private taxis, medicars, and transportation for medical transport.
Please note that wheelchairs and scooters must meet certain standards for size and design. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, the public transportation providers have limited space (not mandated) to accommodate “non-common” wheelchairs on either the accessible fixed route or ADA Para transit trips. The standards say that a wheelchair should be 30 inches wide (wheel rim to wheel rim) by 48 inches long and not weigh more than 600 pounds when occupied. If you have questions about a wheelchair, contact the CTA, Metra, Pace, or the RTA.
Public Transport -Chicago Area Resources
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Benefit Access Program Benefits - Benefits Access
Provides free rides on the CTA, Metra, and Pace to any person with a disability who is enrolled in the Benefit Access Program.
https://www2.illinois.gov/aging/benefitsaccess/pages/default.aspx
800.252.8966 (have SS# on hand)
Chicago Transit Authority - CTA Buses & Train Service
All CTA buses are equipped with lifts and ramps. Some EL stations are accessible to persons using wheelchairs with elevators. For information about services, CTA elevator status hotline, or to request maps and schedules.
https://www.transitchicago.com/
888.968.7282
TTY 888.282.8891
For New Riders | Pace Suburban Bus
Fixed–route, wheelchair accessible bus service throughout the suburban area and pre–arranged pickup service for those who are eligible, according to disability. Transportation is available in all suburban areas within three–quarter miles of the fixed route service.
https://www.pacebus.com/new-riders
Call 847.364.PACE (7223), option 3
ADA Paratransit Service Regional Transit Authority (RTA )
People who cannot use the CTA and Pace can apply for the RTA ADA Paratransit Certification. ADA Paratransit Certified customers are entitled to wheelchair accessible car or van service for both medical and non–medical use. To begin the process for certification:
- One can call 312.663.4357 to express interest in RTA’s Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Paratransit Certification Program and obtain a flyer explaining it.
- Once you review the flyer and have determined that Paratransit service is the best transportation option for you to pursue, you can call RTA Mobility Services Helpline, 312.663.4357 (HELP). Monday- Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- If you already have the flyer, you can let the RTA person know this when you call and that you would like to set up an interview.
https://www.rtachicago.org/riders/accessible-transit
Metra
Accessible commuter trains throughout the six–county metropolitan area. Trains are adapted for people with mobility, vision and hearing disabilities.
https://www.metrarail.com/
312.322.6777
Taxi and Medicar Transport
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Taxi Access Program (TAP)
https://www.pacebus.com/tap
Allows ADA Paratransit Service certified riders to use Chicago taxis at reduced rates. Users can call a taxi company to schedule a trip or hail a cab on the street. To enroll in TAP dial 833.722.3827. Passengers can request a wheelchair-accessible (WAV) taxicab ride in Chicago by calling 888.WAV.CABS (888.928.2227)
Rideshare Access Program (RAP)
https://www.pacebus.com/rap
RAP@pacebus.com
Rideshare Access Program (RAP) is a a new option for eligible RTA-certified ADA paratransit riders. To request enrollment in RAP, complete the RAP Enrollment Form. Within approximately two weeks after Pace’s approval of a request for enrollment in RAP, the subsidy will be available in the enrollee’s rideshare provider account to apply to the cost of a trip at the time of booking.
TrekIT
Download the app that sorts through non emergency medical transportation options. The app has the option to bill Medicare/Medicaid directly.
https://booking.trekworldusa.com/
833.873.5872
303taxi.com
Provides wheelchair-accessible vans with lifts and ramps for travel between Chicago and the suburbs, but not for travel between suburbs
https://303taxi.com/
847.303.0303
Connections to Care
Transportation to and from medical appointments. All passengers must be able to get into and out of a vehicle independently and live within the NW Suburban Cook County area. Not wheelchair accessible.
https://connectionstocare.org/need-a-ride/
847.222.9227
Wheelchair Transportation Medical Services Chicago Medivan
Provides non-emergency wheelchair transportation for medical and therapy appointments, nursing homes, and an online reservation and information request system.
https://acmedtran.com/
630.568.3850
All-Ways Medical Carriers
Non–emergency wheelchair accessible transportation for medical appointments, school transportation, airport shuttles, and appointments in northern suburbs of Chicago.
http://all-ways.us/
800.709.0700
847.279.2740
Fast Trak Medivan
Private company located in Mount Prospect, IL. Non–emergency wheelchair accessible transportation. The private pay service is available 24 hours a day, six days a week to transport persons in the northern suburbs and Chicago.
847.707.4137
http://www.fasttrakmedicar.com/
SCR Medical Transportation
Private transportation located in Chicago.
https://scrtransport.com/
773.768.7000
Transportation Services and Solutions [no website]
The central dispatch company for all companies that provides wheelchair accessible taxis and mini-vans in Chicago. Services are available 24/7. Vans have lifts for scooters and wheelchairs so people do not have to transfer. The fare is the same for accessible vans as for regular taxis. Reservations taken by phone only, not online.
708.924.4017
Q Transport [no website]
Private wheelchair accessible transportation for the elderly and people with physical disabilities. Provides 24/7 door to door assisted service in the Chicago area. Luxury vehicles available.
773.967.6401
Wheelchair Accessible Transportation
Provides transportation for persons with physical and cognitive challenges in Chicago and the suburbs. The company provides wheelchair and ambulatory transportation on a non-emergency basis around the clock.
https://www.specialneedschicago.org/home
630.668.9999
Uber
https://www.uber.com/
independent taxi rideshare – not for medical transport
Download the app to start services.
Ambulance Transport and National Transportation Resources
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Superior Ambulance Service
https://www.superiorambulance.com/
Ambulance and helicopter services for emergency medical needs in the greater Chicagoland and northwest Indiana area. Medi–Car also provides door–to–door non–emergency, wheelchair accessible transit service for patients with special needs throughout the Chicagoland area. Superior Ambulance also services areas of Illinois outside of Chicago, Indiana, and Michigan including helicopter service.
800.832.2000
Curb Mobility
Call 24/7 to request a WAV cab for immediate pickup or to pre-arrange a trip.
Centralized wheelchair accessible vehicle WAV taxicab dispatch service for Chicago.
https://gocurb.com/
888.928.2227 or download CURB app on your phone
Dial-A-Ride
http://www.dialaridetransit.org/
800.500.5505
Federal Transit Administration - Paratransit
Answers to frequently asked questions regarding paratransit and ADA issues
https://www.transit.dot.gov/regulations-and-guidance/civil-rights-ada/frequently-asked-questions
National Aging and Disability Transportation Center
The National Aging and Disability Transportation Center (NADTC) promotes the availability and accessibility of transportation options that meet the needs of older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers.
https://www.nadtc.org/about/about-nadtc-and-our-mission/
866.983.3222
Residential Disabled Parking Signs
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A person with a disability may apply to have a restricted parking space created in front of their home in Chicago, IL. Application forms may be obtained from the Department of Finance by calling 312.747.0114 or from the alderman of the ward in which the sign is being sought, and must be accompanied by the required fee.
Requirements and Conditions:
Disabled individuals who apply for signs must meet the conditions to qualify for a restricted parking space. The conditions include the following:
The applicant must reside on a residential street that is zoned R-1 through R-5.
The applicant must have either a current disabled Illinois license plate or a disabled placard issued by the Secretary of State when parking in the designated space.
Sign installation and maintenance costs must be paid by the applicant. For the first year, the cost for the sign is $70.00. In subsequent years, the annual maintenance fee is $25.00. Please note, the fee shall be waived if the applicant holds a valid, current disabled veterans state registration plate or permanent person with a disability license plate, parking decal or device issued pursuant to Section 3-609, 3-616 or Section 11-1301.2 of the Illinois Vehicle Code.
The applicant must observe and obey any other parking restrictions which may apply at the approved location (i.e. Street Cleaning signs, Rush Hour Parking restrictions, etc).
How to Apply:
Qualified applicants must complete an application form. You may obtain an application from your Alderman's Ward Office or call the Department of Finance at 312.747.0114.
Completed applications and the $70.00 installation fee may be submitted to the office of your Alderman, any City of Chicago Department of Finance facility, or via mail at
P.O. Box 803100
Chicago, IL 60680-3100
ATTN: Disabled Permit Section
If the Department of Finance recommends that the signs be installed, notice will be sent to the applicant, the Alderman's Ward Office, the Committee on Traffic Control and Public Safety and the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities. The City Council will review the findings of the Traffic and Public Safety Committee and vote on the passage of the permit. If the Department of Finance determines that signs cannot be recommended, notice will be sent to the applicant and the application fee will be refunded. The applicant may appeal the Department of Finance decision to the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities within 10 days of the denial.
The Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD) reviews and determines considerations for space requests.
https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/fin/supp_info/revenue/parking_forms/residential_disabledparkingsigns.html
Phone: 312.747.0114
This content is for informational purposes only and may not be comprehensive. Information contained does not imply an endorsement from Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, and does not replace the advice of a qualified healthcare professional. See here for further details.
