Public transportation is used by millions of people for work, school, shopping, recreation, and staying active in the community. With passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990, public transportation has gradually become more accessible to individuals with disabilities. Now, all new buses and trains must be accessible, and local public transportation systems must provide accessible transportation. 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 completely accessible.

Regional Transportation Authority (RTA)

www.rtachicago.com
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 at 836-7000 (from any area code); TTY 312-836-4949. Operators are available everyday from 5:00 am to 1:00 am for information about accessibility and programs for persons with disabilities and seniors.

People with Disabilities Ride Free Program
www.rtachicago.com/peoplewithdisabilitiesridefree
The People with Disabilities Ride Free Program provides free rides on the CTA, Metra, and Pace to any person with a disability who is enrolled in the Illinois Circuit Breaker program (800-624-2459; www.illinois.gov/transit). For more information on the People with Disabilities Ride Free program, call 312-913-5414 ; TTY 312-913-3111.

Seniors Ride Free Program
www.rtachicago.com/seniorsridefree
This program is available to all persons over the age of 65 who live in the RTA area (Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will Counties) for free rides on the CTA, Metra, and Pace. For more information, call 836-7000 from any area code.

Curb to Curb Special Services Program Certification
People who cannot use the CTA and Pace can apply for the RTA ADA Paratransit Certification by calling 312-663-4357; TTY: 312-913-3122. ADA Paratransit Certified customers are entitled to wheelchair accessible car or van service for both medical and non-medical use. A certified personal care attendant may travel for free with a disabled person; non-certified companions must pay a fare.

CTA

http://www.transitchicago.com
All CTA buses are equipped with lifts and ramps. Most rail stations are also accessible to persons using wheelchairs. Rail service is available to O’Hare and Midway airports. For information about services or to request maps, brochures, and schedules, call 888-968-7282; TTY 888-282-8891; ctahelp@transitchicago.com. The Elevator Status Hotline, 888-968-7282, has updates on rail station elevators.

An attendant subsidy 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.

Metra

http://www.metrarail.com
Metra operates a fully accessible system throughout the six-county metropolitan area. Trains are adapted for people with mobility, vision and hearing disabilities. For information call 312-322-6766; 312-322-6777; TTY 312-322-6774; email jferneborg@metrarr.com.

Pace

www.pacebus.com
Pace provides a fixed-route, wheelchair accessible bus service throughout the suburban area. It also operates a pre-arranged curb-to-curb service. For persons who have been certified as eligible, transportation is available in all suburban areas within three-quarter miles of the fixed route service. Users should call the designated operator for their area to arrange a trip at 800-606-1282; TTY 888-847-0093; email passenger.services@pacebus.com.

Public Aid Transportation

Transportation to medical appointments can be covered for people with disabilities who have a Department of Public Aid medical card. Services include wheelchair accessible vans with lifts, service cars, and ambulances. Arrangements are made by First Transit and must be reserved two days in advance. To request a ride, call First Transit, 877-725-0569; TTY 800-526-0844, Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.

When scheduling a ride, be prepared to provide an ID number from medical or Kid Care card, name of the doctor, dentist, clinic, or lab, date, time, and address for the appointment. First Transit determines eligibility and provides the name and number for a transport company.

Taxi Access Program (TAP)

The Taxi Access Program (TAP) allows ADA Paratransit Service certified riders to use most Chicago taxicabs at reduced rates. Users can call a taxi company to schedule a trip or hail a taxi on the street. For wheelchair accessible taxis in Chicago, call 800-281-4466.

Certified ADA Paratransit service riders can purchase TAP vouchers at the Merchandise Mart CTA Cashier window, 350 N. Wells St., Chicago; Currency Exchange, 777 N. LaSalle St., Chicago; at http://www.pacebus.com; or by calling Pace Passenger Services, 312-341-8000; TTY 847-364-5093 and requesting a mail order form. Payment can be made by money order, certified check, or credit card; personal checks and cash are not accepted. Vouchers can also be ordered from a Chicago Department of Senior Services office for pick-up.

Passengers give vouchers to the taxi driver at the end of each ride. The driver completes the voucher and the passenger signs and retains it as a receipt. Tips are not included in the voucher price and it is customary to tip taxi drivers.