There are a variety of very wheelchair friendly transportation options in and around Houston. Whether you are looking to get to or from the Airport or visit city attractions - your guaranteed an accessible, comfortable transportation experience. Below you will find the information you need to make Houston easily accessible.

Wheelchair Jimmy Recommended

Houston METRO Bus

Phone: 713-635-4000
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The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) is the region’s largest public transit provider, offering safe, reliable and affordable transportation services. METRO operates more than 1,200 buses and 22.7 miles of light rail. METRO’s services also includes METROLift among others.

Bus Accessibility Features

All of our buses are accessible to people with disabilities. Buses feature the following (Visit website for more detail):

  • Ramps or lifts on all of our buses
  • Many METRO buses offer, upon request, a kneeling feature to assist with boarding. Standees on lifts are permitted under the ADA
  • Two priority-seating areas for the elderly and people with disabilities
  • Equipped with an easy-to-reach call bell and special securement belts designed to secure the mobility devices of patrons who use a wheelchair or scooter in two 30”x 48” wheelchair securement areas
  • Bus pads, sidewalk links, and curb cuts at most of our 9,000 bus stops
  • 20 transit centers connecting bus routes in neighborhoods across the region for safe and easy transfers

Jim's Comments:

All of the Houston Metro "fixed route" buses are wheelchair accessible. Great job Houston.

The Metro bus does connect Bush International Airport to downtown Houston. Take the 102 Bush Express Downtown from airport Terminal C and exit downtown at Pierce & Travis. Only $1.25.

Houston Metro Rail

Phone: 713-635-4000
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The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) is the region’s largest public transit provider, offering safe, reliable and affordable transportation services. METRO operates more than 1,200 buses and 22.7 miles of light rail. METRO’s services also includes METROLift among others.

Rail Trains

  • All METRORail accessible stations feature audio and visual announcements explaining when the next train is arriving
  • Rail cars are level with the station platform for easy boarding
  • There are audio and visual announcements of stops inside the rail cars
  • Each rail car offers four areas for wheelchairs. No securements are required on the train. Riders using wheelchairs also may choose to sit in any space
    that is available to them
  • The rail car doors open automatically and have a sensitive edge that prevents closing if an object or person is detected in their path
  • Major bus transit centers Northline, Downtown, Midtown, and in the Texas Medical Center connect the accessible METRORail with the accessible METRO bus service

Station Platforms

  • All platforms 100 percent ADA-compliant
  • Sloped ramp access from both ends of level boarding platforms
  • Accessible shuttle buses available when rail is not operational

Jim's Comments:

It's wonderful to find another major city where 100% of its rail platforms are wheelchair accessible.

The system is only 22.7 miles and only covers downtown Houston. It does not connect to the airports.

Houston METROLift

Phone: 713-635-4000
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METROLift is a complementary paratransit service offered by the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County in accordance with the ADA. METROLift provides transportation for persons with disabilities who cannot board, ride or disembark from a METRO fixed-route bus, even if that bus is equipped with a wheelchair lift or ramp.

 

 

Houston Taxis

Yellow Cab:
(713) 236-1111 Website
United Cab:
(713) 699-0000 Website

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Jim's Comments:

Yellow Cab and United Cab jointly operate their 10 wheelchair accessible taxis. They request you call an hour in advance, although during part of the day it's 20-40 minutes. And the do pickups from the airport.

Yellow Cab offers a new mobile app that you may want to download and try if you get to Houston. I'm not sure if it works for the accessible taxis.

Amtrak

seattle_amtrak902 Washington Ave, Houston, TX 77002
Phone: (800) 872-7245
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Jim's Comments:

Amtrak is essentially owned and operated by the U.S. Government. It is very aware of ADA regulations and is quite accommodating of wheelchairs. Seating for wheelchairs is limited so call in advance and inform Amtrak of any special needs. Seating is on the lower level on specific railway cars equipped with fully ADA compliant restrooms.

  • Certain cars are also equipped for overnight wheelchair passenger sleeping. There is a small separate room which includes an accessible bathroom. I've been in these cars and it's tight but accessible.
  • All trains are accessible from the loading platform by a removable ramp which the conductor puts in place for wheelchair passengers.
  • Dining and lounge areas are on the second level and are not generally accessible. Conductors, however, are available to bring food and beverages to passengers requiring assistance.

Accessible Van Rentals

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Jim's Comments:

Accessible van rentals are expensive but convenient (I drive one and rent them across the U.S.) and cost $100-$150 per day plus mileage. Many charge an additional $50-$90 for delivery and pick-up services. Some rental companies will not add hand controls or provide transfer/swivel seats, preferring to rent to able bodied persons who drive persons confined to wheelchairs.

Adaptive Driving charges $125-$140 per day and an airport pickup/delivery fee of $57-$162 (ea. way) depending on airport and time of delivery. They have transfer seats and hand controls. (Adaptive would be my first choice in Houston). Handicapped Van Rentals charge about $100 per day and an airport pickup/delivery fee of $75-$100 (ea. way). They do not offer hand controls for wheelchair drivers. Wheelers has a couple MV 1 vehicles which rent for $120 per day and combined pickup/deliver fee of $95 at Hobby airport and $150 at Bush International. The MV 1 works well for wheelchair travelers who are passengers, but the MV 1 is not equipped for wheelchair drivers who require transfer seats or hand controls.

Adaptive Driving Access
6836 North Sam Houston Pkwy W, Houston, TX 77064
Phone: (713) 874-9100
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Handicapped Van Rentals
10703 Rampart St, Houston, TX 77096
Phone: (713) 269-6052

Wheelers Accessible Van Rentals
8787 Tallyho Rd, Houston, TX 77061                                                               Phone: (866)-859-8880
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