Expanding Transportation Options

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 was designed to remove barriers that kept persons with disabilities from participating in all areas of life. In effect, it guaranteed that all forms of transportation, including buses and trains, must become accessible to all people.

A variety of services are available in Fairfield and
New Haven Counties that serve travelers with disabilities, including wheelchair accessible buses and paratransit/shared-ride vans.


South Central CT Transportation Guide
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (ConnDOT) has published "Getting On Board - The South Central Connecticut Accessible Transportation Guide" includes a listing of services available in southwestern Connecticut. To download the guide, click here.

Northwest CT Transportation Guide
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (ConnDOT) has published "Getting On Board - The Northwestern Connecticut Accessible Transportation Guide" includes a listing of services available in northwestern Connecticut.
PDF Version (3,638 KB)

For a free copy or copies, please call Rideworks at
1-800-ALL-RIDE (1-800-255-7433)

For complete information on the services available in your area, contact your local transit provider.

Public transportation users who are disabled with a mobility impairment or are at least 65 years of age may take advantage of ConnDOT's reduced senior/disabled fare policy. This ID Card may be used on all ConnDOT- sponsored buses. For information, contact your local transit provider at the number listed below.

ADA paratransit services are limited to those who cannot, because of their disabilities, get to bus stops or access buses. They operate within 3/4 mile of bus stops on local routes. To use ADA services, riders must be eligible and certified according to the Americans with Disabilities Act. Certification forms are available through transit district offices.

Shore Line East
ConnDOT's Shore Line East commuter rail service operates between Old Saybrook and New Haven. At least one car per train is wheelchair accessible.

Phone: 1-800-ALL-RIDE (toll-free in CT only) or
(203) 777-7433 (outside of CT)

MTA Metro-North Railroad
Metro-North railroad stations are wheelchair accessible. Consult the timetable for information on a specific station. A reduced fare program is available to the disabled. Disabled persons must present a valid MTA Disabled Identification Card. The reduced fare is not valid on Manhattan-bound morning peak hour trains.

Phone: 1-800-METRO-INFO (800-638-7646)
Hearing impaired call: 1-800-724-3322.

Amtrak
Amtrak provides service over two routes in Connecticut. The Northeast Corridor operates between Boston and New York City's Penn Station (and points beyond) via New London, New Haven, Bridgeport, and Stamford. The Hartford Line operates between Springfield and New Haven. "Amtrak's America," a travel planner containing rail travel information and a special section on services for disabled travelers.

To request a copy, call 1-800-872-7245.
Hearing impaired with access to TDD equipment phone
1-800-523-6590.

New Haven Area
CTTRANSIT buses are wheelchair accessible and are equipped with a kneeling feature, which allows the driver to lower the steps to make it easier for passengers to board.

For additional information:
New Haven area: 203-624-0151 (TDD 785-8930)

Paratransit van services are provided in the New Haven area by the Greater New Haven Transit District.
To request an application form and for additional information call (203) 288-6643 (TDD 203-288-7067)

Valley Area
Valley Transit District buses are wheelchair accessible. Valley Transit District's primary responsibilities are to provide Dial-A-Ride and ADA complementary paratransit van services in four towns throughout the Valley area - Ansonia, Derby, Seymour and Shelton.

Administrative/Customer Service:
203-735-6824 (TDD 734-4616)

Dial-A-Ride/ADA Paratransit Van Services:
203-735-6408 (TDD 734-4616)