Transportation is vital to all of our lives. Without it we would have great difficulty getting to work or school, and participating in the communities.

With passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), public transportation has become more accessible to individuals with disabilities and will become even more so in the future. The ADA has different provisions for existing and new transportation systems. Now all new buses and trains must be accessible. If the transit system is not completely accessible or environmental barriers exist, an alternative must be available such as special transit buses or specially equipped vans that provide curb to curb service (ADA Paratransit Service) for persons with disabilities. ADA Paratransit is also available to those individuals who due to the nature of their disability cannot use the public transportation system even if it is 100% accessible.

Public Transportation in the Chicago Metro Area

Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) The RTA is an umbrella agency for the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra Commuter Rail, and Pace Suburban Bus. RTA information on travel times, routes, maps, and brochures is available by calling 836-7000 or TTY: 312-836-4949 from any area code. The RTA Reduced Fare Program enables persons over the age of 65, qualified veterans, and qualified persons with disabilities to ride all RTA services at a reduced rate. Inquiries can be submitted through the RTA website. RTAo perators are available daily from 5 am to 1 am, seven days a week to provide information about buses, trains, or stations that are accessible. http://www.rtachicago.com

CTA

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) provides about 2,000 buses on 154 routes, which are fully accessible to customers with disabilities. The buses are equipped with lifts and ramps. More than 1,000 rapid transit cars operate on eight routes and 222 miles of track. Some rail stations are accessible to persons using wheelchairs. Rail service is available to O’Hare International Airport and Midway Airport. Persons with a Reduced Fare Card can pay about half the regular fare to use the CTA. For questions and comments about CTA’s services or to request maps, brochures, and schedules, call 888-968-7282, TTY: 888-282-8891. Call the Elevator Status Hotline at 888-968-7282 for information on the condition of elevators in particular rail stations. http://www.transitchicago.com

Metra

Metra operates 12 commuter train lines that are fully accessible to customers who have vision, hearing, and mobility disabilities. Operating throughout the six-county metropolitan area, Metra has 163 fully accessible stations and 25 partially accessible stations. Persons who have purchased a Reduced Fare Card from the RTA pay about half of the regular fare for the route they are traveling. For information on routes, schedules, fares, or accessibility, contact Metra at 312-322-6766 and 312-322-6777 or TTY: 312-322-6774 or their web site at http://www.metrarail.com

PACE

Pace operates a fixed-route, wheelchair accessible bus service on 240 routes in 220 communities. Customers who have been certified for ADA Paratransit Service may use the fixed route service at about half the regular fare if they have purchased a Reduced Fare Card. Pace also operates pre-arranged curb-to-curb service for persons with disabilities who have been certified as eligible. This transportation runs in all suburban areas within ¾ mile of the Pace fixed route service. There are different cash fares for persons who use Chicago Special Services, Cook and DuPage County service, and Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will County services. The Pace Dial-a-Ride paratransit service on non-fixed routes uses small vans and buses. Users should contact the designated operator for their area to arrange a trip. Call 847-364-PACE to obtain the phone number of the operator in your community, obtain the ADA Paratransit Service Guide, or obtain information on other paratransit issues; or go to http://www.transitchicago.com for phone numbers or to obtain a Pace ADA Paratransit Service Guide.

ADA Disability Reduced Fare Permit Card

RTA has a Reduced Fare program for people with disabilities and seniors who qualify. An application is required. To obtain an application:

• • Call the RTA at 312-913-3110 or TTY: 312-836-4949
• • Go to the RTA web site at http://www.rtachicago.com
• • Go to the downtown RTA site at 165 N. Jefferson in Chicago (open M-F 8:30 am-5 pm).

Eligibility Requirements

• • Any disabled person who receives Social Security or SSI benefits
• • Veterans who receive 100% service-related disability benefits. Veterans who receive less than 100% benefits may qualify
• • Disabled applicants who have significant difficulty with the following:
  
  Walking more than a block
  Getting on or off a standard bus or train
  Standing in a moving vehicle
  Using stairs or escalators
  Sitting down or standing up in a moving vehicle
  Reading signs or symbols because of a disability
  Hearing announcements while in public transit vehicles or facilities
  

Application Requirements

• • Passport type color picture
• • Photocopy of one of the following photo ID”s: driver’s license, State of Illinois ID card, U.S. Immigration Alien Registration Card, passport page with photo, other official government ID with photo and date of birth
• • Proof of disability - a physician completes the disability form and attaches a letter with the diagnosis; or a current payment receipt from Social Security with the word disabled.
• • Valid Medicare card with a receipt that shows “Disabled Individual.” This documentation is available by calling the Social Security Administration at: 800-772-1213.
• • Veterans validation - veterans who are 100 % disabled may submit a letter from the VA stating that they have a complete disability.

Curb to Curb Special Services Program (ADA Paratransit Service) Persons with disabilities or conditions that prevent them from using fixed route buses or rail transit service in Chicago and certain nearby suburbs may be eligible for the Curb-to-Curb Program. ADA Paratransit Services operate during the same days and hours and along the same routes as mainline services in the area you are traveling.

One service that the RTA provides to individuals with disabilities is the ADA Certification Program, which determines who is eligible to use the regional ADA Paratransit Service (curb to curb transportation).

Curb to Curb Special Services Program Certification People who have a disability or health condition that prevents them from using fixed route CTA, Pace buses, or the CTA train service can apply for the Regional Transportation Authority ADA Paratransit Certification.

To apply, call the ADA Paratransit Certification Program 312-663-4357; TTY: 312-913-3122 and request an application. After completing the application to the best of your ability, call 312-663-4357 to set up an interview. The operator will arrange transportation to the interview office if necessary. Also, you will be instructed on what to bring.

ADA Paratransit Certified customers are entitled to wheelchair accessible car or van service from their residences for both medical and non-medical use. Fares vary, so call for the exact amount. A certified personal care attendant may travel for free with the disabled person. A noncertified companion must pay a fare.

For information on Curb to Curb Special Services (ADA Paratransit) for Chicago and the suburbs, contact PACE at 800-606-1282. TTY:888-847-0093. It is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Individuals and families schedule rides by calling one of the following carriers early in the morning the day before the trip.

Public Aid Transportation

For some individuals with an active Illinois Department of Public Aid medical card, transportation services to medical appointments can be provided and covered by Public Aid. Services include wheelchair accessible Medicar vans with lifts, service cars, and ambulances.

Arrangements are handled by First Transit and must be reserved two days in advance. To request a ride, call First Transit at 877-725-0569; TTY 800-526-0844 Monday – Friday, 8 am – 5 pm.

When scheduling a ride, be prepared to provide:

• • ID number from medical or KidCare card
• • Name of the doctor, dentist, clinic, or lab
• • Date, time, and address for the appointment
• • Name of the company you want to give you a ride

First Transit will decide if you need the ride and will give you the name/phone number of the company that will take you to the appointment. (See the related resource on Cook County Transportation Providers for names of companies)

Taxi Access Program (TAP)

The Taxi Access Program (TAP) allows RTA’s ADA Paratransit Service certified riders the opportunity to travel in Chicago taxicabs at reduced rates anywhere within the City of Chicago. People can call the taxi company of their choice any time of the day or night to schedule a trip that same day.

For wheelchair accessible taxis in Chicago, call 1-800-281-4466, and the nearest wheelchair equipped taxi will be sent to you.

Certified ADA Paratransit service riders can purchase vouchers to be used to pay for their taxi rides. A certified ADA Paratransit customer must purchase his or her own vouchers by showing a valid ADA Paratransit Identification Card and valid photo identification.

Vouchers are sold at the Merchandise Mart, 7th Floor, CTA Cashier window, at 350 N. Wells St., Chicago from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. And at the Currency Exchange on the southeast corner of Chicago and LaSalle streets, 777 N. LaSalle St., Chicago.They can also be purchased by mail or on the Internet at http://www.pacebus.com To order vouchers by mail, call Pace Passenger Services at 312-341-8000 or TTY: 847-364-5093 and request a mail order form. You can pay by money order, certified check, or a major credit card. Cash and personal checks are not accepted.

Or you can order vouchers from a Chicago Department of Aging (CDOA) office for pick-up a week later. Hours are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Central/West Regional Center, 2102 W. Ogden Av., 312-746-5300 Northeast Regional Center, 2019 W. Lawrence Av., 312-744-0784 Northwest Regional Center, 3160 N. Milwaukee Av., 312-744-6681 Southeast Regional Center, 1767 E. 79th St., 312-747-0189 Southwest Regional Center, 6117 S. Kedzie Av., 312-747-0440

The vouchers cost $1.75 each for a ride that is valued up to $13.50. So if the meter shows a fare of $15, the rider will need to give the driver a voucher and $1.50. If the fare is less than $12, the rider gives the driver the voucher to pay for the ride. Tips are not included in the voucher price. You can use cash, certified check, money order, or a major credit card to pay for vouchers.

Directions for using a TAP Voucher When you take a taxi, you give a voucher and your ADA Paratransit Identification Card to the driver. At the end of the ride, the driver fills in the voucher information and gives it to you for your signature. The driver then will give you a copy of the voucher as your receipt.

How to Schedule a TAP Trip

• * Call the taxi company of your choice at least 30 minutes before you would like to be picked up.
• * Mention that you will pay for the ride with a TAP voucher.
• All taxi companies are required to accept TAP vouchers.
• * If you need a wheelchair lift-equipped taxi, call toll free 800-281-4466.

• * TAP vouchers may be used within the City of Chicago 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You may use up to four vouchers in one day.

Attendant Subsidy Program

This program enables a person with a disability and an attendant to ride the CTA bus and rapid transit systems at a reduced fare. To qualify for this program, a rider must have an ADA Paratransit Reduced Fare Permit card.