Accessible Taxi and Paratransit in Chicago: How to Book and Ride

Getting around Chicago shouldn’t be a struggle-especially if you use a wheelchair, have a mobility device, or need help with boarding. The city offers several accessible transportation options, from wheelchair-accessible taxis to door-to-door paratransit services. But knowing how to book them, when to schedule rides, and what to expect can be confusing. This guide breaks it down plainly-no jargon, no fluff.

What’s Available in Chicago?

Chicago has two main accessible transit systems: the accessible taxi fleet and CTA’s Paratransit service (called CTA Access Services). Both are required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), but they work very differently.

Accessible taxis are part of the city’s regular taxi network. Around 15% of Chicago’s licensed taxis are wheelchair-accessible. These vehicles have ramps or lifts, securement systems, and enough space for standard wheelchairs and mobility scooters. They operate like regular cabs-you can hail them on the street, call a dispatch, or use ride-hailing apps.

CTA Access Services, on the other hand, is a door-to-door service for people who can’t use regular buses or trains due to a disability. It’s not a taxi. You can’t just hop in whenever you want. You must book rides in advance, usually at least one day ahead. It’s designed for people whose disabilities prevent them from using fixed-route transit.

How to Book an Accessible Taxi

Booking an accessible taxi in Chicago is simple if you know where to look.

• Call a dispatch: Most taxi companies in Chicago have accessible vehicles. Call 1-800-522-4722 (Chicago Taxi Dispatch) and ask for a wheelchair-accessible vehicle. You can also call individual companies like Yellow Cab, Checker Taxi, or United Taxi-they all have ADA-compliant cars.
• Use ride apps: Uber and Lyft both offer accessible vehicle options in Chicago. When you open the app, tap the car icon and select Uber WAV (Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle) or Lyft Access. These vehicles have ramps, space for one wheelchair, and a trained driver. Availability is usually good during business hours, but can be limited late at night or in far-out neighborhoods.
• Flag one down: Look for taxis with the Wheelchair Accessible decal on the door. These are marked with a blue and white symbol. Not all accessible cabs display it, but most do.

Expect to pay the same metered rate as a regular taxi. No extra fees for accessibility. Drivers are required to wait up to 10 minutes if you need help boarding or securing your chair. If they refuse, report them to the City of Chicago’s Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection.

How to Use CTA Access Services (Paratransit)

CTA Access Services is for people who can’t use buses or trains because of their disability. It’s not for everyone-only those who qualify.

To get started:

1. Apply: Go to transitchicago.com/access and download the application. You’ll need to fill out a form and have a healthcare provider verify your disability. The process can take 10-14 days.
2. Get certified: Once approved, you’ll receive a CTA Access Services ID card. Keep it with you. You’ll need it to book rides.
3. Book your ride: Call 312-688-8888 between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. You can book rides up to 14 days in advance, but you must call at least one full business day ahead. Same-day rides are rarely available.
4. Be ready: Drivers will arrive within 30 minutes of your scheduled time. They’ll help you with your mobility device and load it into the vehicle. You can bring one personal care attendant at no extra cost.

CTA Access Services costs $3.50 per one-way trip-the same as a regular bus or train fare. You can use a Ventra card or pay cash. The service runs seven days a week, but hours vary by neighborhood. Always confirm your pickup time the day before.

What You Can Bring

Both accessible taxis and paratransit can handle:

• Standard manual and power wheelchairs (up to 30 inches wide and 600 pounds total weight)
• Transportation scooters (if they fit in the vehicle and can be secured)
• One personal care attendant
• One assistive device (walker, cane, oxygen tank)

They cannot accommodate:

• Wheelchairs larger than 30 inches wide
• Multiple mobility devices (unless space allows and approved in advance)
• Large medical equipment like ventilators or dialysis machines

If you’re unsure whether your device will fit, call ahead. Drivers can’t refuse a ride based on equipment size unless it violates safety rules.

What to Do If Your Ride Doesn’t Come

Missed rides happen. If your accessible taxi or CTA Access vehicle doesn’t show up:

• For taxis: Call the dispatch company immediately. If they don’t resolve it within 15 minutes, ask for a supervisor. You can file a complaint with the City of Chicago’s Taxi and Limousine Division.
• For CTA Access: Call 312-688-8888 and ask for a supervisor. They’re required to offer you a replacement ride within 30 minutes, or reimburse you for a taxi fare.

Keep records. Note the time you called, who you spoke to, and what they promised. If this happens often, you can request a formal review of your service.

Pro Tips for Regular Riders

• Plan ahead: Don’t wait until the last minute. CTA Access needs 24-hour notice. Taxis are more flexible, but demand spikes on weekends and holidays.
• Have backup: Keep a list of three accessible taxi companies and their phone numbers. Save the CTA Access number on your phone.
• Use the Ventra card: Load it with funds for CTA Access. You can also use it on regular buses and trains if you’re able to transfer.
• Know your rights: Drivers can’t charge extra, refuse service, or make you wait longer than 10 minutes. If they do, report it.

What’s New in 2026?

This year, Chicago expanded its accessible taxi program. Over 200 new wheelchair-accessible vehicles were added to the fleet, mostly through partnerships with ride-hailing apps. The city also launched a real-time tracking tool for CTA Access vehicles-available through the CTA mobile app. Now you can see your ride’s location and estimated arrival time, just like a regular taxi.

There’s also a pilot program in some neighborhoods that lets users request accessible rides via text message. Just send your pickup location and time to 414-444-CTA. It’s still being tested, but it’s working well for people without smartphones.

When to Use Which Service?

Here’s how to pick:

• Use an accessible taxi if you need a ride on short notice, want door-to-door service without waiting, or are traveling outside CTA’s service area.
• Use CTA Access Services if you qualify for paratransit, need frequent trips, or want to save money over time. It’s cheaper than taxis if you ride often.

Many people use both. For example: take CTA Access for weekly doctor visits, and use an accessible taxi for weekend outings or urgent errands.