Accessible Taxicab demo project

Go where you want to go.

There’s a new way for people who use wheelchairs to get around. Low-floor, ramp-equipped vans offer the first-ever ADA-compliant taxicabs for our area—and the service works very much like any other taxi.

• It's affordable: Same fare structure as other taxicabs.
• It's convenient: Call for your ride the same day.
• It's flexible: No fixed routes; 24-hour service.

Yellow Cab operates the service in cooperation with King County Metro.

Go when you want to go.

Wheelchair-accessible taxicabs operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Allow adequate lead time for these taxis to be dispatched to your location, especially if you are outside the City of Seattle. If your trip schedule is flexible, the best times to call for a ride on weekdays are from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and after 6 p.m. Ask how long the wait will be when you schedule your ride.

How it works.

If you use a wheelchair or another mobility aid requiring a ramp, this service is designed for you.

Professional, licensed taxicab drivers provide curb-to-curb service, assist you in using the ramp in loading, and secure your wheelchair with a universal wheelchair tie-down system.

Some size and weight restrictions apply**. Wheelchairs or scooters must not exceed 29.5 inches in width or 48 inches in length. Total weight, including the passenger, may not exceed 600 pounds. Vans can accommodate one wheelchair and additional passengers if there is space available.

** Accessible taxicab ramps are smaller than the lifts used on Metro Access vans. Customers who are able to ride Access may have mobility aids that will not fit on an accessible taxicab. Manual wheelchairs are limited by the driver’s ability to assist the passenger up the ramp.

What it costs.

Fares for accessible taxicabs are the same as standard taxi rates (see the chart below) and are computed by an electronic meter. There are no special rates or added fees for your wheelchair-accessible service. The meter is started after your wheelchair is secured and the taxi begins to move. It is stopped as soon as you arrive at your destination.

Major credit cards and cash are accepted. If you are eligible for Metro’s Taxi Scrip program, you can use scrip to pay your individual fare.

Metro Taxi Scrip

Metro Taxi Scrip is a book of tickets you can use to save 50% on taxi fares. A $10 book of scrip (tickets) may be purchased for $5. A limit of six books of scrip may be purchased per month. Scrip is not refundable and does not expire. Taxi scrip can be purchased at a Metro customer service office of by mail order.

To qualify for the program, you must:

• be a resident of King County, at least 18 years old and on a limited income.
• have a Regional Reduced Fare Permit (discounted bus pass for seniors or people with disabilities).

To request an application for the Metro Taxi Scrip program or a Regional Reduced Fare Permit, please contact 206-553-3060 (TTY users only, call 206-684-2029).

Where it goes.

Wheelchair-accessible taxicabs serve King County borders to the north and south, and Puget Sound to the west. To the east, most areas are served except for those lying east of the following zip codes:

• 98072 Woodinville
• 98053 Redmond
• 98074 & 98075 Sammamish
• 98029 Issaquah
• 98027 Preston
• 98038 Maple Valley/Hobart
• 98042 Kent/Covington
• 98092 Federal Way/Auburn/Pacific

Map shows the accessible taxicab service area

For wheelchair-accessible taxicab service, call 206-622-6500. TTY users only should call the statewide relay at 711.

If you have comments, commendations or complaints about King County’s wheelchair-accessible taxicab demonstration project, call 206-205-6569; TTY users should only call the statewide relay at 711.

The demonstration project was developed in partnership with King County Metro, King County’s Licensing Division and the City of Seattle’s Consumer Affairs Division.

Smoking is not permitted in accessible taxicabs.