Ride shares are a convenient alternative to using public transportation or paratransit services. They can help you get to work, appointments, and social activities.
Making a “Transportation Plan” at https://planfortheroadahead.com/ can help you decide what parts of your routine you might want to use ride share services for.
What ride-share services are there?
Uber
Uber wants to make getting around easy for everyone. You can accept the closest car or request a wheelchair-accessible van (UberWAV) or a Pet-Friendly Ride to meet your needs. Find these features in the Choose a Ride option under the More section by scrolling down.
Know your rights: drivers cannot refuse to transport you because of a mobility device (such as a foldable walker that would fit in their car) or a service animal. See Uber’s policy on service animals and assistive devices online or in the app by selecting “Accessibility” from the help menu.
Lyft
Lyft wants to give everyone access to rides and has made it easy to do so with its services. Access rides (LyftWAV) can be found in Settings and tapping on Wheelchair Access to activate it. Wheelchair-accessible vans are available in Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, New York City, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Portland, San Francisco, and Toronto. If you travel in another city, Lyft can direct you to another transportation service that can help.
Know your rights: drivers cannot refuse to transport you because of a mobility device (such as a foldable walker that would fit in their car) or a service animal. You can read Lyft’s wheelchair policy and accessibility tips.
ModivCare
ModivCare, which used to be called LogistiCare, helps get you to medical appointments. Talk to your doctor about it, as it is free if you receive medical assistance. Your doctor can complete a special form to get you the free ride-share service. If you can take public transportation, MotivCare can send you transit passes by mail to go to your medical appointments. ModivCare allows you to schedule multiple rides 30 days at a time. Rides can be set on the website or by phone. Please tell the service agent if you use a service or emotional support animal so they can accommodate you.
Urgent medical rides can be made with about 4-5 hours’ notice based on the time of the request.