Information and Community Board

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 ACCESSIBLE TAXICABS WILL BE AVAILABLE TO WHEELCHAIR USERS FOR THE FIRST TIME

WASHINGTON, DC—The National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board (TPB) approved funding to bring wheelchair accessible taxicabs to the District of Columbia for the first time. The approval of funding is based on the collaborative efforts and support from the DC Taxicab Commission and the DC Office of Disability Rights.

Presently, wheelchair users cannot rely on the 5,700 taxies available in the District, because none have accessibility features, such as ramps or lifts, to allow passengers into the vehicles. With the new funding, three taxicab companies will provide a total of 21 wheelchair accessible taxicabs.

According to Eve Hill, Director of the DC Office of Disability Rights, “Residents and visitors in the District have been asking for wheelchair accessible taxicabs and now we will be able to meet that need. In a city that relies heavily on taxi service, these taxis will mean greater freedom for people with disabilities.”
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Metro offers senior Smart Trip card 

Metro is making it easier for senior citizens age 65 and older to get their discount when riding Metro bus and Metrorail with a new senior Smart Trip card. 

The senior Smart Trip card is bright yellow, which makes it easy to identify as a reduced fare card. Reduced fare is automatically deducted from the card. To get the senior card, senior citizens must show proof of age such as a valid driver’s license, government-issued photo ID or passport with date of birth. 

The cards are available for purchase at all Metro sales outlets, regional commuter stores and public libraries in Prince George’s and Montgomery counties. Once customers purchase a senior Smart Trip card for $5, they can add value to the card at any Metrorail station and on any Metro bus. 

For more information about using Smart Trip, please visit www.wmata.com/riding/smartrip.cfm or call the SmarTrip® Office at 1-888-762-7874 between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m., Monday through Friday. 
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Community Links:
D.C. Office on Aging: www.dcoa.dc.gov
Report Adult Abuse: www.dhs.dc.gov
Food and Nutrition Information Center: www.nutrition.gov
DC Disability and Resource Center: www.adrcdc.org
Iona Senior Services (Ward 3 in D.C.): www.iona.org
Medicare Information: www.Medicare.gov
Medicaid Information: www.dhs.dc.gov
Social Security Administration: www.ssa.gov
Alzheimer’s Association (National Capital Area): www.alz-nca.org
Washington Elderly Handicapped Transportation Services: www.wehts.org