The ADA requires that public transportation be accessible to people with disabilities.

TYPES OF TRANSPORTATION
• Fixed route system
Fixed route system is a system of transporting individuals (other than by aircraft), including the provision of designated public transportation service by public entities and the provision of transportation service by private entities, including, but not limited to, specified public transportation service, on which a vehicle is operated along a prescribed route according to a fixed schedule (bus system).
• Demand responsive system
Demand responsive system means any system of transporting individuals, including the provision of designated public transportation service by public entities and the provision of transportation service by private entities, including but not limited to specified public transportation service, which is not a fixed route system.
• Intercity rail transportation
Intercity rail transportation means transportation provided by Amtrak.
• Light rail
Light rail means a streetcar-type vehicle operated on city streets, semi-exclusive rights of way or exclusive rights of way. Service may be provided by step-entry vehicles or by level boarding.
• Over-the-road bus
Over-the-road bus means a bus characterized by an elevated passenger deck located over a baggage compartment, such as Greyhound.
• Para transit
Para transit means comparable transportation service required by the ADA for individuals with disabilities who are unable to use fixed route transportation systems.
• Wheelchair and a common wheelchair
A "wheelchair" is a mobility aid belonging to any class of three or four-wheeled devices, usable indoors, designed for and used by individuals with mobility impairments, whether operated manually or powered.

Criteria for determining ADA Para transit eligibility
• Person who cannot independently board, ride or disembark from an accessible fixed route bus
• Person who cannot use the fixed route system because the system is not fully accessible
• The person with a disability which cannot tolerate the environmental factors, such as heat or cold, cannot use a fixed route bus all the time.

Information retrieved from http://www.disabilityrightsca.org/pubs/541001.pdf
Transportation Information for People with disabilities

MTA
(213) 922-6235
Reduced Fare Office: (213) 680-0054
Hearing Impaired: TDD (800) 252-9040

MetroLink
Speech & Hearing Impaired: (800) 698-4TDD

Access Services
Reasonably-priced van & taxi services for the disabled for most of L.A. County
PO Box 71684, Los Angeles, CA 90071-0684
• If a certified Access Services riders contact: (800) 883-1295 or (Hearing Impaired) TDD (800) 826-7280
• If NOT a certified Access Services rider, contact Customer Service: (800-827-0829 or (Hearing Impaired) TDD (800) 827-1359

City Ride
Van & taxi services for seniors and the mobility impaired of the City of Los Angeles
(Any area code) 808-RIDE

Information below is for City of Irvine, CA. Other counties and cities may have similar services. Please visit their city web sites for more information.

ACCESS
OCTA's Shared Ride Service is for those unable to use the regular fixed route bus services due to functional limitations caused by their disabilities.

Eligibilities
Following the eligibility criteria of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), OCTA utilizes an official eligibility determination procedure. Applicants must apply in person to be evaluated for eligibility before service is granted.

Fare
The fare from the street of departure to the street of arrival without assistance is $2.70 one-way. The fare for door-to-door service with the assistance of the driver is an additional $5 each time assistance is given.
The accompanying person must pay the regular ACCESS fare, $2.70. Seats for accompanying individuals must be reserved and limited to one person per qualifying passenger. If the accompanying individual is proven to be necessary for the qualifying passenger, the accompanying individual rides free of charge.

Services
• Standard service: curb-to-curb service
• Door-to-door service: driver assisting passengers who need assistance
• ACCESS Customer Service for commuters with regular fixed route - work, school
• Same day taxi service: service is provided on the day of request
• You can reserve ACCESS service or same day taxi service 1 to 3 days in advance.
Have all the necessary information on hand when you call, and record and verify all the information provided by the operator.
Due to the number of ACCESS trip requests, OCTA is not always able to give riders the exact time they request. Therefore, OCTA may need to estimate an agreeable arrival time with the riders. For rapid response and efficient scheduling, the riders must be prepared to provide the following specific ride information.
• ACCESS ID number
• specific address for pickup
• specific address for drop-off
• time to be at the destination or time to be picked up by bus
• date of requested service
• mobility devices e.g. wheelchair
• accompanying service animal
• personal care assistants or accompanying individuals (limited to one per passenger)
ACCESS service info: 714-560-5956
Telephone: 714-560-5888, 949-857-7118 or 877-628-2232
Reservations: Mon. – Fri. 7AM – 5 PM, Sat. Sun.& Holidays 8 AM - 6 PM.
The caller must record OCTA operator's name, date of trip, and time, and confirm them with the operator. Visit Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority's web site for transportation support for disabilities in Los Angeles County.

TRIPS program
TRIPS is a transportation program for seniors with disabilities provided by the City of Irvine, available to Irvine residents over 18 who are unable to drive due to permanent physical or developmental disabilities. Passengers ride from their homes to their destination by bus for medical appointments, work, school, and social.

Eligibility
Available to Irvine residents over the age of 18 years with permanent physical or developmental disabilities. Pre-registration is required. Registration and eligibility determination takes about 2 weeks. Once registered, passengers can use wheelchair accessible vehicles.
Cost
Annual registration fee and additional fare per ride. Annual registration for the first year is $25 and $20 for subsequent years. Once registered, passengers pay $1.90 per ride. Senior pass for 3 months is available. Transportation outside Irvine area is available but limited. Contact TRIPS office for further information.
TRIPS office hours: Mon. – Fri. 7 AM – 6 PM
For reservations, call 949-724-7433 between 8 AM and 2 PM. It’s on a first come, first serve basis. You must call in advance to confirm schedule. Evening, weekend, and holiday services are contingent on demand.
For further information, call the TRIPS office at 949-724-7433 between 8 AM and 2 PM from Monday to Friday.