Accessible Transportation Comparison Sheet

Start with the rider’s actual needs

A service can be technically accessible and still be a poor fit for a particular rider. Write down what support is needed before comparing providers.

• Mobility equipment: cane, walker, manual wheelchair, power wheelchair, scooter, oxygen, or other equipment that must travel with the rider.
• Vehicle entry: ability to manage steps, need for a ramp or lift, transfer needs, and whether the rider remains in a wheelchair during travel.
• Pickup assistance: curb-to-curb, door-to-door, help with ramps or lifts, help locating the vehicle, or another support level offered by the provider.
• Supervision or accompaniment: whether the rider needs a caregiver, companion, personal care attendant, or another support person for the trip.
• Communication needs: hearing, vision, language, memory, cognitive, or phone-use needs that affect pickup alerts, driver communication, or navigating the trip.
• Waiting tolerance: whether long pickup windows, shared rides, transfers, weather exposure, or waiting outside would create a problem.

What to compare between transportation services

Ask the same questions of each provider so you can compare actual service rather than marketing descriptions.

• Eligibility: who qualifies, whether an application or certification is required, and how long approval takes.
• Service area: where the service can pick up and drop off, including whether medical destinations outside the immediate area are covered.
• Hours and days: whether early morning, evening, weekend, or holiday transportation is available.
• Reservation rules: how far ahead trips must be scheduled, whether same-day service exists, and how recurring rides are handled.
• Pickup window: how early or late the vehicle may arrive and how long the rider is expected to wait.
• Assistance level: what help drivers provide with boarding, ramps, lifts, securement, doors, or navigating from the pickup point.
• Mobility-device accommodation: vehicle space, lift or ramp capability, securement policies, and any dimensions or weight considerations the provider asks riders to confirm.
• Caregiver / attendant policy: whether another person may ride, whether advance notice is required, and what fare applies.
• Cost: fare, mileage charges, membership fees, companion fares, cancellation charges, and accepted payment methods.
• Return-trip flexibility: how pickups work when an appointment or activity has an uncertain end time.

Accessible transportation comparison sheet

Use one column for each service you are considering. Add notes that matter to the rider, even if they are not part of a provider’s standard description.

Questions specifically for wheelchair or scooter users

Confirm these details directly with the provider before the first trip, especially if the rider uses a larger or customized mobility device.

• Does the vehicle use a ramp, lift, or both, and can it accommodate this specific mobility device?
• Does the rider remain in the device during travel, or may the rider transfer to a vehicle seat if desired and available?
• What wheelchair or scooter securement procedures does the provider use?
• Does the driver provide assistance with the lift, ramp, and securement system?
• Is there room for additional mobility equipment, oxygen, bags, or a caregiver traveling with the rider?

Questions about caregivers, companions, and personal care attendants

These terms may have different meanings under a transportation program, so tell the provider exactly who will travel with the rider and why.

• Can a caregiver, family member, friend, or personal care attendant ride with the passenger?
• Must the additional rider be listed when the trip is reserved?
• Is there a fare for the additional rider?
• For ADA complementary paratransit, does the rider’s eligibility record identify use of a personal care attendant?
• Do the rider and accompanying person need to board and exit at the same locations?

Do a real-world fit check before relying on the service

A provider may look good on paper but still be difficult for a particular person to use.

• Try a lower-stakes trip before using the service for a critical medical appointment.
• Notice whether the pickup window and total trip time are manageable for the rider.
• Check whether the rider can comfortably communicate with the provider and driver.
• Confirm that the assistance actually provided matches what was described during booking.
• Keep at least one backup transportation option for essential appointments or time-sensitive trips.