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Accessible airport transportation options in the United States
Accessible airport transportation options in the United States
Hello,
I need to give a talk about accessible transportation contrasting Japan (where I live now) and Canada (where I am from). However, I always went by car in Canada, so I’m not really an expert!
The last time I was in Canada and went home from the airport I used a hired wheelchair van.
Since Canada and the United States likely have very similar infrastructure, I thought I would post here too.
What public transit options are generally available at larger airports? Are there buses etc that stop at the airports? If so, are they regular buses, or the kind with steps up and room for suitcases below?
Thanks!
- 4 Replies
Maybe @richtc has some information?
I can speak to several airports in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Washington D.C., California, and Florida. Generally speaking, airports provide one (or more) of three accessible transit options in the United States: 1) Trains; 2) Taxis; and/or 3) Buses. In Philadelphia, for instance, all of these options are available. Trains generally have reserved seats for passengers in motorized/manual wheelchairs and luggage can be stored in the open space next to passengers. Accessible taxis boast ample trunk room and are a convenient but pricier option for many persons with disabilities. Buses are the mid-ground in terms of price. They usually feature storage space behind/above wheelchair accessible seating.
Buses and trains generally have slopes for entry. Drivers are instructed to assist passengers in boarding. Taxis have either manual or automatic ramps that can be triggered for passenger convenience. Depending on the city, there are also additional transport options like UberWAV. Really, the option you choose depends on a number of factors: price, timing, and proximity to your destination.
I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any additional questions.
Are the buses the type with room for luggage underneath, and seats up top? If so, can a wheelchair user get on them?
Yes, those buses are available. And usually they have a wheelchair lift.
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