If you’ve given up the car keys due to vision loss, did you know you might qualify for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) services to get around safely and affordably? This can include:
- Door-to-door rides through ADA paratransit
- Reduced-fare cards for buses and trains
- Subsidized rides with Uber or Lyft in some cities
How to apply
There is no single, national application. Each city manages its own services.
Contact your local transit agency. Search online using the key words
“[name of your city] ADA paratransit”
Then call the transit agency and ask for the ADA paratransit and reduced-fare applications.
When your request is approved, you’ll get
- a paratransit ID
- instructions on how to schedule rides or apply reduced fares
Uber or Lyft at a discount?
Yes, in some cities! If your local transit agency partners with Uber or Lyft, they may offer you:
- Flat-rate rides, as low as a few dollars per trip
- A set number of discounted rides each month
- A special account or app setup to access these services
To find out more, search:
“[Your City] Uber ADA paratransit”
or call your transit agency directly and ask.
Don’t hesitate to apply—it’s your right, and these programs are here to help.
More practical help on transportation with vision loss
If you’re having trouble finding your local paratransit services, reach out to your local Area Agency on Aging or try the Rides in Sight website.
In Hadley Presents episode Transportation with Vision Loss Hadley members Tara Perry and Dia Kraft share some of the creative solutions they've found for getting around without car keys.
Hadley’s podcasts are also available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, as well as by phone: 847-558-1317.
Have you applied for ADA services? What was your experience?