Wheelchair accessible taxi service began as a pilot project in Washington D.C. starting Jan'10. Yellow Paratransit and Royal Taxi were both each awarded ten new ramp-equipped taxi vehicles as part of the pilot project.  All vehicles are now available for service. 

The accessible taxi vehicles are Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant and designed to serve persons who use wheelchairs and cannot use traditional taxi sedans.  While they provide priority service to persons who use wheelchairs, they are available for other passengers when not providing trips for passengers in wheelchairs.

If you use a wheelchair, cannot transfer into a sedan taxi, and want a taxi trip in D.C., this service is for you!  Call Yellow Paratransit at 202-544 1213 to request the service.

Please note that the two taxi companies are working together on the pilot; if you call one company and their wheelchair taxis are busy, that company will transfer your trip request to the other company.  Please do not call both companies for the same trip!

How to place a request

·          Tell the call-taker that you need a wheelchair accessible taxi.

·         Give the call-taker your pick-up and drop-off information, as needed for all taxi trips.

·         Choose a pick-up location where you can access the street.  This could be your closest street intersection with curb-cuts or sidewalk ramps, or a location with a driveway.  Since the vehicles wheelchair ramp is positioned at the rear of the vehicle, you must board the taxi from the street level.

·         Give the call-taker any additional information or special instructions that will help the driver find your pick-up location and provide your taxi trip.

 Tips for a Safe and Smooth Trip

·         You should request an accessible taxi in advance by contacting one of the participating taxi companies.  Keep in mind that there are a limited number of accessible taxis in D.C.

·         The D.C. accessible taxis are ADA-compliant and designed for standard-sized power wheelchairs and standard-sized scooters, measuring 30 inches wide by 48 inches long and weighing no more than 600 pounds when occupied.  The taxis will not accommodate an over-sized wheelchair, such as one with extra adaptive equipment attached.

·         Once you are on-board, the driver will secure your wheelchair with the accessible taxis securement equipment. This is for your safety.

·         Seatbelts are required for all passengers.  This is D.C. law!

Additional Tips for Accessible Taxi Use

·         Keep in mind the time of day and events that impact traffic.  During rush hour, bad weather, periods of high demand or other incidents and events affecting traffic, all vehicles including taxis are delayed, so please plan for additional time.

·         Be prepared to come out to the taxicab immediately upon its arrival. 

·         The accessible taxi service is designed to provide curb-to-curb transportation, just like traditional sedan taxi service.  This is not MetroAccess service (the ADA paratransit service for the Washington, D.C. region), where the driver comes to the door.

·         Help the taxi driver by asking him or her for assistance when you get on and off the vehicle or for other assistance, if you need it.  It is best to be specific about the type of assistance you need, if you need any assistance. 

·         If your driver provides good service, he or she will appreciate a tip.

·         If you find you do not need the accessible taxi you reserved, be sure to call the taxi company and cancel your trip. Don't be a No-Show!