The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi on the Santa Fe Pick-Up Shuttle Route
If a trip to Santa Fe is in your future, then check out the Santa Fe Pick-Up (santafenm.gov/public-works/transit/santa-fe-pick-up), the free Santa Fe accessible shuttle.. Funded in partnership with Tourism Santa Fe, the Santa Fe Transit Department and NCRTD, this free shuttle bus runs from the the railroad station to downtown, with stops at popular sites along the way. A complete schedule is available on the website. The buses are all equipped with wheelchair ramps and tie-downs, and the drivers are available to assist wheelchair-users. So check out this free Santa Fe accessible transportation option on your next visit. And once you get off the bus, here’s a wheelchair accessible route to explore the Plaza area (https://emerginghorizons.com/a-wheelchair-accessible-santa-fe-walking-tour/).
Barrier-Free Travel the Grand Canyon for Wheelchair-users and Slow Walkers
If you’re looking for wheelchair-accessible Los Cabos transportation, then look no further than Transcabo. This local company can provide accessible transfers between the airport to any hotel or residence in Los Cabos or the surrounding area. Private accessible shuttle services are available to the major hotels between San Jose del Cabo, the Corridor and Cabo San Lucas. The lift-equipped accessible vans can accommodate five passengers, and they have plenty of room for luggage. You can order an accessible van on the website, without any additional phone calls. Visit www.transcabo.com for more information or to book your accessible van.
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The good news is, Daytona Beach is very accessible; in fact it’s known for it’s hard-packed sand beaches. You can drive on the beach, and wheelchair-users have no problems rolling over the almost cement-like sand surface. That said, if you’d like information on loaner beach wheelchairs, visit volusia.org/services/public-protection/beach-safety/beach-information-for-the-disabled.stml. There’s also information about accessible beach parking there.
And for a detailed information on Daytona Beach wheelchair accessible activities, including, accessible trails, dining, transportation and itinerary suggestions, visit daytonabeach.com/accessibility/. Compiled by local accessibility expert Steve Deal, this helpful resource includes copious information about each listing, so visitors will have no problems determining what will and what won’t work for them,
Check out these two great resources before your next Daytona Beach visit.
Barrier-Free Travel Favorite Florida State Parks for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
If a visit to the City of Brotherly Love is in your future, then surf on by visitphilly.com/accessibility, and check out this Philadelphia access guide. This joint project between Visit Philadelphia and Art-Reach – a local disability advocacy organization — offers wheelchair-users and slow walkers hard-to-find access information about the capital city. It contains details about accessible public transportation, taxis, and favorite attractions; and features a helpful section filled with local resources. There’s also a short section which lists some favorite accessible hotels, along with contact information for more specific access details. Information about local wheelchair and medical equipment rentals and accessible parking is also included. Best of all, this Philadelphia access guide has an excellent FAQ section, which offers helpful tips, such as details on the Access Philly Card, which offers discounts to cultural attractions to people with a disability. An excellent resource filled with information to help disabled visitors get around and enjoy all the Philadelphia has to offer.
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If you’re planning on a trip to Italy and use are a wheelchair-user or slow walker, here are a few resources to help you in the trip planning process.
Rome and Italy Tourist Services
Rome and Italy Tourist Services (www.romeanditaly.com) is able to organize customized accessible tours and excursions throughout Italy. The tours are conducted by English speaking guides in lift-equipped vans, and feature accommodations at accessible properties. Tours are available to Rome, Sicily, Tuscany, Pisa, Naples, Florence and more.
Day tours of Rome are also available, and a special adaptive device – a Wheely Trekky – is used for inaccessible archeological sites such as the Colosseum. Additionally, arrangements for the rental of adaptive equipment, including shower chairs, hoists, scooters and manual and power wheelchairs can be made. Accessible transfers to and from all the major Italian airports are also available. For more information e-mail info@romeanditaly.it. And if you arrive in Italy by ship, accessible shore excursions are also available.
ADR Assistance
If a flight to the Eternal City is in your future, then make sure and check out the ADR website for information about accessible transfers to and from the airport. Helpful information about accessible taxi, bus and train transfers at Fiumicino and Ciampino airports are listed on this website. Also included is some general access information and some helpful tips. https://www.adr.it/web/aeroporti-di-roma-en/adrassistance
Italy Accessible
Italy Accessible offers accessible tours of Rome, Florence, Venice, Tuscany and and the surrounding areas for wheelchair-users and slow walkers. This local tour operator arranges customized excursions in ramped minivans, with stops at accessible attractions and restaurants. Accessible lodging in hotels that have been inspected for access is also included. Day tours, as well as week-long adventures are offered. And if you’d like a customized tour, they can put that together too. For more information, visit www.accessibletourism.it.
Barrier-Free Travel 101 Accessible Vacations Travel Ideas for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
I use a power wheelchair and I don’t drive or own a vehicle at home. I live in a big city and pretty much rely on public transportation. When I do take a taxi, I must remain in my wheelchair, as I cannot transfer to a standard seat.
I’m planning on taking several trips in the US and although I know that accessible cabs and van hires are available in some places, their service seems spotty and expensive. With the advent of ride sharing services I’m wondering how reasonable it is for me to rely on them for my future travels. Are Uber and Lyft wheelchair-accessible? I’ve heard they have accessible vehicles in some areas, but that’s about it. Can you give me more information on what wheelchair-accessible ride share services are available in the US, and how I can go about reserving them for my future travels.
The short answer to that question is that both Uber and Lyft have limited accessibility for power wheelchair-users; however they do have other services that will work for folks who use manual wheelchairs, or just need a little extra assistance.
Technically these ride sharing services are not required to have wheelchair-accessible vehicles in all of their locations, as they are considered a service that subcontracts out transportation rather than a transportation company. In short, they operate a network, while the individual contactors maintain their own vehicles and provide rides to customers. That said, under a 2022 settlement agreement, they are prohibited from charging waiting fees if disabled patrons happen to take longer to board their vehicles.
So although there’s not across the board accessibility in all locations, both Uber and Lyft can offer some wheelchair-accessible services in select US cities. Here’s how to secure an accessible ride on them.
Uber
Uber provides two type of accessible vehicle options — Uber Assist and Uber WAV. Uber Assist is for people who can transfer from their wheelchair or just need a little extra help getting into the vehicle; while Uber WAV is for wheelchair-users who cannot transfer to a standard seat.
Uber Assist drivers are trained to give assistance to slow walkers and wheelchair-users. Drivers can assist with transfers, and they have room to accommodate folding wheelchairs, collapsible scooters and walkers in their vehicles. These vehicles are not adapted, and they do not have ramps or lifts. Still, if you just need a bit of assistance, then Uber Assist is for you. To see if it’s available, log into the app, select your pick up point and destination, and scroll down to see if Uber Assist is one of the choice. It’s now available in over 40 cities on Uber X rides.
Uber WAV, on the other hand, provides transportation in a wheelchair-accessible vehicle. These vehicles have ramp of lift access so riders do not need to transfer to a seat. You order it the same way you order any Uber vehicle — just open the Uber App and enter your location and destination. If Uber WAV is available in your area it will appear in the choices. It should be noted that because of limited availability, wait times for Uber WAV scan be longer than for standard vehicles.
Uber WAVs are available in these US cities.
Boston
Chicago
Los Angeles
New York
Philadelphia
San Francisco
Washington DC
Lyft
Lyft also provides wheelchair-accessible vehicles (WAV). These WAV rides can fit a fixed frame wheelchair, and have ramp or lift access. You can reserve one much in the same way you reserve an Uber WAV. Once you download the Lyft app, go to the settings tab and check “wheelchair-access”. After you do this you will see a ride type called “wheelchair” when you request a ride. Just click on that, and you are good to go.
As with Uber, Lyft only has wheelchair-accessible vehicles in select markets. If you request a ride in an area that doesn’t have wheelchair-accessible vehicles, Lyft will send you a list of local resources that can provide wheelchair-accessible transportation.
Lyft drivers will assist with boarding wheelchair passengers. Additionally, you don’t need to request an accessible vehicle if you can transfer to the vehicle and stow your assistive device in the trunk. Drivers will also assist with the storage of mobility equipment.
Lyft WAVs are available in these US cities.
Boston
Chicago
Dallas
Los Angeles
New York City
Philadelphia
Phoenix
Portland
San Francisco
Ask a Local
Of course, true wheelchair access with ride share companies is still limited. Additionally, because of driver turnover it’s not always consistent. For the most accurate updated information, it’s best to talk to someone local who uses these services on a regular basis. They will be able to tell you about the local availability of Uber and Lyft wheelchair-accessible vehicles. Alternatively, you can also ask someone who has visited the area recently.
Local Facebook groups are a good resource for this information. Search for them in or around your destination. Additionally, some Facebook accessible travel groups may have folks who have recently visited your destination and are willing to share updated local transportation information.
Finally, be sure to plan ahead and give yourself plenty of extra time, as the waiting times for WAVs may be longer than for standard vehicles. Hopefully as technology and the need expands, we will start to see reliable ride share options in even more cities.
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If you’re thinking about taking a cruise that stops in the Bahamas, then check out these wheelchair-accessible Bahamas tour and transportation providers. Make sure and plan ahead and make your reservations as soon as you book your cruise, because accessible choices are limited and they go fast. Some of the cruise lines use these providers too, so there is little to no availability for last minute bookings.
Bahamas Experience Tours
www.bahamasexperiencetours.com/transportation-services/
Based in Nassau, this local company can provide transfers and transportation in wheelchair-accessible vans. They also provide wheelchair-accessible Bahamas shore excursions for most of the major cruise lines. For more information, call (242) 397-5000 or e-mail info@bahamasexperiencetours.com.
Tavares Wheelchair Transportation
accessiblebahamas.com
Tavares Wheelchair Transportation can provide wheelchair-accessible transportation to any destination on Nassau/Paradise Island. They offer their services to both locals and visitors, and can provide airport transfers, transportation to attractions or local appointments, or personalized transportation services. They can also provide Hoyer life and hospital bed rentals. For more information about their wheelchair-accessible Bahamas options, fill out the contact form on their website.
Barrier-Free Travel 101 Accessible Vacations Travel Ideas for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
A project of the Paris Convention and Visitor Bureau, this online resource offers information on visiting Paris in a wheelchair.
It includes a detailed section about getting around, including information on wheelchair-accessible bus, metro, tramway and RER routes in the City of Lights. Also included is a list of adapted taxi companies, information about hiring a wheelchair-accessible vehicle with a driver, adapted van rental resources, and even the low-down on wheelchair-accessible airport transfers. Additionally there are links to local providers that can provide personal travel assistance, as well as information on accessible car parks.
Also included is detailed information about accessible lodgings, restaurants, tours, attractions and even self-guided walks. And if you still have questions, visit their comprehensive FAQ page. This well researched guide is an excellent resource for visiting Paris in a wheelchair. parisjetaime.com/eng/article/accessibility-a646
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Getting to and from your vacation destination is one thing, but getting around town without a car — especially if you use a wheelchair — can throw a wrench into even the best laid plans. That is, unless your vacation destination is Portland, Oregon, where accessible and affordable public transportation is abundant and easy to use. So here’s the skinny on how to get around town when you visit Portland in a wheelchair.
Ride the Streetcar
Getting around downtown Portland in a wheelchair is pretty easy, as there are wide sidewalks, plentiful curb-cuts and a fairly level terrain. Add in the Portland Streetcar (portlandstreetcar.org), which runs through the downtown area and connects to nearby business districts, and you have a very accessible way to see the city highlights.
The North – South Line runs from Nob Hill in the north, through the downtown area to the south waterfront; while the A and B loops circle the Lloyd District, Rose Quarter, Pearl District and downtown area. The A Loop runs in a clockwise direction, and the B Loop runs in a counterclockwise direction, so it’s easy to backtrack along the route.
Access is excellent on the Portland Streetcar, as every streetcar has has a ramp-equipped entrance. Boarding is a snap — just press the blue button to deploy the ramp, roll into one of the wheelchair-accessible seating areas and lock your brakes. When the streetcar arrives at your stop, push the blue button to deploy the ramp; and if you run into problems or have an emergency, just use the intercom near the accessible seating area.
Streetcar tickets can be purchased from machines at the platforms or at the Tri-Met ticket office in Pioneer Square. The fare for a 2.5-hour streetcar pass is $2, and the Hop pass (for the city bus) is also good on the streetcar.
Hop on a Bus
Getting around other areas of Portland in a wheelchair is easy too, thanks to the Tri-Met bus line (trimet.org/bus). Tri-Met buses run throughout the downtown area and connect with the Portland Streetcar, as well as offer access to outlying Portland neighborhoods. They are ramp or lift-equipped and many can also kneel, which makes boarding much easier for slow walkers. All buses have priority seating for disabled passengers and wheelchair tie-downs; and the drivers are happy to assist passengers — especially visitors.
If you need the ramp or lift deployed and you disability isn’t obvious, just ask the driver. Drivers are also available to help passengers on and off the the lift, and to secure assistive devices in the tie-downs.
Although Tri-Met buses accept cash, the best deal for visitors is the Hop card, which can be picked up and filled at the Tri-Met ticket office in Pioneer Courthouse Square. A 2.5-hour pass on the Hop card costs $2.80 and a day pass is $5.60 a day. Seniors and disabled passengers get a 50 percent discount, and if you decide to extend your stay in Portland, you can always add more money to your Hop card.
Airport Transfers
Getting to and from the Portland International Airport is easy too, thanks to MAX Rail (trimet.org/max), the city’s light rail system. It also connects downtown Portland with Beaverton, Clackamas, Gresham, Hillsboro, North/Northeast Portland and Milwaukie. And like the rest of Portland’s public transportation, all the MAX Rail lines are wheelchair-accessible.
All MAX Rail trains have accessible boarding areas, which are located in the center of the low-floor cars. The conductor will deploy the ramp for wheelchair-users, but slow walkers can also deploy the ramp by pressing the blue button. The accessible cars all have large accessible seating areas, and a ramp request button next to the doors.
The Hop card is also good on MAX Rail, and it can be purchased or refilled from machines at the station. The MAX Rail Airport Station is located near baggage claim on the lower level
Taxi Tours of Portland in a Wheelchair
Finally, if you’d prefer to just grab a cab, then contact Radio Cab (radiocab.net) for wheelchair-accessible service. Radio Cab offers 24-hour taxi service in lift-equipped vans, throughout the Portland Area. And the fares are the same as standard taxi fares.
Radio Cab also offers accessible day tours of the city with stops at Washington Park, the Rose Gardens, the Japanese Gardens and the Columbia River Gorge. Or if you’d like to get out and do a little wine tasting, Radio Cab can put together a wine tour to the Yamhill Valley and Hood River. And everything is customizable, as you can do as little or as much as you want on a personalized Radio Cab tour.
For more information or to book a Radio Cab call (503) 205-3317. It’s a very accessible way to enjoy all that Portland has to offer.
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Based in Krakow, Active Poland offers a number of accessible Poland tours for wheelchair-users and slow walkers. The customized Krakow tours can include everything from a stroll around town, to a museum hopping itinerary, and even attending concerts and festivals. All accessible tours are conducted in a wheelchair-accessible van with seating for one wheelchair-user and five other passengers.
Other tours that are doable for wheelchair-users and slow walkers include excursions to Auschwitz-Birkenau, the Bochnia Salt Mine, Zakopane and the John Paul II Trail. Active Poland can also book accessible accommodations and assist with restaurant and nightlife suggestions. Rental wheelchairs and stair lifts are also available. For more information on Active Poland accessible offerings, visit poland-active.com/en/Trips/Trips-For-Handicapped-In-Krakow,ig.
Barrier-Free Travel 101 Accessible Vacations Travel Ideas for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
