City Travel Transportation Options Metro Chicago Bus, Commuter Trains, Taxis, Cars & Vans Kris Cichowski Jillian Beemer Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago

Transportation Options  Regional Transportation Authority  Bus – CTA / PACE  Metra Commuter Trains  Taxi Access Program  Accessible Van Rental  Adaptive Vehicles  Driver Rehabilitation

Public Transportation CTA Buses, Subway, El  Website helps you plan a route and identify bus, subway stops.   Selected subway and El stations provide elevators for access.  Elevator status hotline  100% Chicago buses equipped with lift / ramp and wheelchair seating area.  Reduced fare riders have defined routes.  Top right corner of website has “Accessible CTA” link to view video for riders with disabilities.

Suburban & Commuter Service PACE  Suburban bus system  Dial-a-Ride provides prearranged curb to curb service  To schedule a trip – PACE Metra Commuter Rail or  Identify accessible rail stations  Some stations have platform gaps that require a threshold – confirm with ticket agent if needed.

Shared-Ride or Curb-to-Curb ADA Paratransit application  To obtain an application, call  To arrange an interview, call  Bring application form and photo ID  Receive Paratransit card in mail  Reserve rides one day in advance  To schedule Curb to Curb service,  Once accepted, card valid for all trips

RTA - Free Rides Senior Citizens Seniors Ride FREE  Eligibility requirements:  65 years or older and have a picture ID (government issued)  Sign up at one of 200 RTA Customer Service Centers throughout the state.  To locate a service center near you  Call (your local area code)  Provide your zip code to operator for nearest location.  Go to local service center to obtain registration form.  Complete registration form with passport size photo – 1 ½” square

RTA - Free Rides Senior Citizens Seniors Ride FREE  To register online  Scroll down to the very bottom of the page for pre-registration section.  Enter contact information and submit.  Registration form will arrive in mail.  Complete form and return with photo.  Free ride card will arrive by mail.  When traveling, show card at ticket office or with onboard personnel to obtain a free ride ticket.

RTA - Free Rides Persons with Disabilities Persons with disabilities can ride FREE on the CTA, Metra, and Pace buses and trains if enrolled in the Illinois Circuit Breaker Program  Household Income requirements  $22,218 – single person  $29,480 – two people  $36,740 – three people  Apply in person in one of six county RTA Service Centers or online.  Call for center locations and application requirements or  Check website to verify application requirements based on the county of residence.

RTA - Free Rides Eligibility for Persons with Disabilities Circuit Breaker Online process  Apply online at  Complete online application.  Application process takes 30 days.  Will receive a magnetic stripe card called “Circuit Permit”.  Use with ticket agent, conductor, or bus driver for a free ride.

Taxi Access Program (TAP)  Chicago taxicabs at reduced rates  Must have ADA Paratransit card  Purchase taxi vouchers  In person – Merchandise Mart, 350 N. Wells  Payment by credit card or money order  By mail – request application,  Online –  Wheelchair accessible taxis, call  Give voucher and your ADA Paratransit ID card to driver.  At end of ride, driver fills in voucher info and asks for your signature.  Driver gives you a copy of the voucher as your receipt.

Parking  Disability Parking Placards  Application requires doctor signature  Application available online via LIFE web   type “Parking” in search box  Select Form based on your State of residence, i.e. IL, MI, IN, etc.  Verify parking enforcement times, for example :  Chicago meter parking is free if you have a placard or disability parking plates

Accessible Van Rental Rental and vehicle adaptations for personal vans / cars / minivans, i.e. hand controls, automatic doors, ramps, etc. are available from a variety of places: Wheelchair Getaways Midwest Mobility Mobility Works

Driver Rehabilitation Programs  Requires a physician referral.  Occupational Therapist provides clinical evaluation.  Driving instructor provides driving evaluation and training if needed.  Rehabilitation Engineer may develop adaptive equipment such as special seating, vehicle or wheelchair modifications.  Driver must have valid driver’s license or permit.  Cost varies and is not always covered by insurance.  Go to in search box – Driver Rehabilitation Program, to find a location near you.

Select a Transportation Option that Meets Your Needs  Know your route.  Take advantage of transportation access features.  Plan ahead.  Have fun exploring the city.