Disability-Friendly Transportation Services in Minneapolis
Share
Introduction
For many people with disabilities in Minneapolis, accessible transportation is essential for maintaining independence and participating in daily life. Did you know that approximately 13.7% of Minneapolis residents have a disability? This significant portion of the population relies on accessible transportation options to access employment, healthcare, education, and social activities. Fortunately, Minneapolis offers a variety of public and private transportation services designed to meet the needs of people with disabilities. This article provides a comprehensive guide to these services, including details on cost, service area, types of disabilities accommodated, booking procedures, and contact information.
Public Transportation Services
Metro Mobility
The Metropolitan Council operates Metro Mobility, a shared-ride public transportation service specifically designed for people who are unable to use regular fixed-route buses due to a disability or health condition. This service provides door-to-door transportation for any purpose within its service area.
Cost:
Metro Mobility offers a tiered fare system based on the time of day, day of the week, and the specific zone where the trip takes place.
- Peak Fare: $4.50 (Monday-Friday, 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.)
- Off-Peak Fare: $3.50
- Downtown Fare Zone: $1 (for trips entirely within downtown St. Paul or Minneapolis)
- Nicolet Mall: Free (for trips entirely along Nicolet Mall)
- Trips exceeding 15 miles in length and originating outside the ADA service area may be subject to an additional $0.75 surcharge.
Importantly, Metro Mobility-certified riders can board any Metro Transit bus or train for a fare of just 1 cent by using their Metro Mobility ID card. This benefit makes Metro Mobility an extremely affordable option for those who qualify.
Service Area:
Metro Mobility's service area encompasses the entire seven-county metropolitan area. However, it's important to distinguish between the federally mandated Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) service area and the state-mandated service area. Trips originating within the ADA service area, which covers areas within ¾ mile of all-day local regular route service, are guaranteed. Trips starting or ending outside the ADA service area but within the broader Metro Mobility service area are considered "standby trips." These trips are scheduled only if space is available after accommodating guaranteed trips.
Types of Disabilities Accommodated:
Metro Mobility serves individuals with a range of disabilities, including physical, visual, and mental disabilities, that prevent them from using regular fixed-route transit. This includes individuals who:
- Cannot independently get to or from bus stops due to their disability.
- Are unable to navigate the regular-route transit system.
- Cannot board or exit buses independently.
How to Book:
Riders can book Metro Mobility trips through various channels:
- Phone: Call 651-602-1111
- Email: Send a request to metromobility@metc.state.mn.us
- Online: Register for online booking by contacting the Metro Mobility Service Center. Once registered, you can book trips through their online portal.
Contact Information:
- Phone: 651-602-1111
- TTY: 651-221-9886
- Email: metromobility@metc.state.mn.us
Limited Mobility Program
In addition to Metro Mobility, Metro Transit offers the Limited Mobility program, which provides discounted transit fares to encourage riders with qualifying disabilities to use regular fixed-route transit services. To pay reduced fares, riders can use their Limited Mobility ID Card, Metro Mobility ID Card, or a Minnesota ID Card or Driver's License with an "A" or "L" endorsement.
Transit Assistance Program (TAP)
The Transit Assistance Program (TAP) aims to make public transportation more affordable for people with lower incomes. TAP provides a year-long reduced-fare pass on a Go-To Card, allowing riders to use buses or trains for $1 per ride, even during peak hours.
Metro Transit Micro
Metro Transit micro is a pilot program offering on-demand, app-based shared rides in north Minneapolis. This service is designed to improve connections to existing transit and provide point-to-point trips within a limited service area. The service area includes parts of the Near North, Bryn Mawr, and Harrison neighborhoods, as well as the edge of downtown Minneapolis.
Metro Move
Metro Move is a specialized transportation service for people with certain waivers available through Minnesota's Medical Assistance program. This service caters to individuals with brain injuries, developmental disabilities, or those who require a nursing facility level of care.
Other City Services
- Metro Transit: All buses and trains within the Metro Transit system are accessible, with features such as step-free boarding on light-rail trains and designated areas for wheelchair users.
- Cummings Mobility: This service offers rentals of wheelchair and scooter-accessible vans. For more information, call 651-633-7887.
Private Transportation Services
Accessible Taxi Services
Several taxi companies in Minneapolis offer accessible vans in their fleets. These include:
- Airport Taxi
- Yellow Taxi
- Minneapple Taxi
- La Mexicana Taxi Cab
Contact these companies directly for more information on their accessible services and fares.
Transportation Plus
Transportation Plus provides wheelchair-accessible van services as part of their taxi services.
Cost:
Transportation Plus uses standard taxi rates for their wheelchair-accessible van service, with no surge pricing.
Service Area:
They serve the entire Twin Cities metro area.
Types of Disabilities Accommodated:
The service is available to individuals who use wheelchairs or scooters.
How to Book:
You can book a ride through their ihail app, website, or by phone or text at 612-888-8888. For pickups between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. Monday through Friday or on weekends, it's necessary to call or email reservations@tplusride.com in advance to check availability.
Contact Information:
- Phone: 612-888-8888
- Email: reservations@tplusride.com
Allegiance Transportation
Allegiance Transportation specializes in wheelchair and stretcher transportation services.
Cost:
Contact Allegiance Transportation for detailed cost information.
Service Area:
They serve the Minnesota, Minneapolis, and St. Paul area.
Types of Disabilities Accommodated:
Allegiance Transportation offers wheelchair and stretcher transportation for a variety of needs, including non-emergency medical appointments, dialysis, rehabilitation therapies, and special occasions.
How to Book:
Call 651-207-5211 to make a reservation.
Contact Information:
- Phone: 651-207-5211
Premier Handicap Services LLC
Premier Handicap Services LLC provides door-to-door non-emergency transportation services for individuals with disabilities or special needs.
Cost:
The cost of the service can be covered by Medicaid, private health insurance, or private pay.
Service Area:
They serve the Twin Cities metro area.
Types of Disabilities Accommodated:
Their vans are equipped with wheelchair lifts and cater to individuals with disabilities or special needs.
How to Book:
Contact Premier Handicap Services by phone or email at least 24 hours in advance to book a ride.
Contact Information:
- Phone: 612-467-9684
- Email: ride@premierhandicapservices.com
Accessibility Features of Transportation Services
Metro Mobility:
Metro Mobility vehicles are equipped with lifts that can accommodate mobility devices up to 30 inches wide and 48 inches long, with a weight capacity of approximately 800 pounds. Drivers are trained to provide assistance to passengers, including escorting them from the vehicle to the first door of their destination. Metro Mobility prioritizes safety and requires that mobility devices be in good working condition, particularly the brakes.
To ensure the safety of all passengers, Metro Mobility drivers undergo extensive training, including passenger assistance techniques, first aid, defensive driving, disability awareness, and behind-the-wheel training. All drivers must also pass criminal background checks and pre-employment drug screenings.
Other Services:
Information on the specific accessibility features of other transportation services, such as accessible taxis and private companies, may vary. It's recommended to contact the service providers directly to inquire about specific features like wheelchair lifts, ramps, securement devices, and driver assistance.
Reviews and Ratings
This section provides a summary of reviews and ratings for the transportation services mentioned above.
Metro Mobility
Reviews of Metro Mobility are mixed. Some riders praise the service as a vital resource, enabling them to live independently and access essential services. However, others express concerns about inconsistencies in service quality, including long wait times, missed rides, and untimely drop-offs. A state audit highlighted issues with on-time performance and denied ride requests, particularly in the state-mandated service area. There have also been reports of unsafe driving complaints lodged against some Metro Mobility drivers.
Transportation Plus
Transportation Plus is the longest-running taxi company in Minnesota and emphasizes customer service and technological innovation to improve the ride experience. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) website provides a platform for customer reviews of Transportation Plus.
Allegiance Transportation
Allegiance Transportation generally receives positive feedback from users. They are commended for their reliable service, compassionate drivers, and commitment to customer care. Reviewers particularly appreciate their attention to the needs of seniors and their willingness to accommodate recurring medical appointments.
Premier Handicap Services LLC
Premier Handicap Services LLC has received mixed reviews. Some clients praise their professionalism and effectiveness in assisting with disability benefits claims. However, other reviews express concerns about communication issues, lack of updates, and difficulties in reaching attorneys.
Eligibility Requirements
This section outlines the eligibility requirements for the various transportation services.
Metro Mobility
Eligibility for Metro Mobility is determined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines. To be eligible, individuals must demonstrate that they are unable to use regular fixed-route transit independently due to a physical, visual, or mental disability.
Metro Mobility offers different types of eligibility:
- Full Eligibility: This applies to individuals whose disability prevents them from ever using regular fixed-route transit independently.
- Conditional Eligibility: This applies to individuals whose disability sometimes prevents them from using regular fixed-route transit independently.
- Temporary Eligibility: This applies to individuals with a temporary disability or recovering from an injury that prevents them from using regular fixed-route transit independently.
The application process involves completing a two-part application and undergoing an assessment to determine eligibility.
Transportation Plus
There are no specific eligibility requirements mentioned for Transportation Plus's wheelchair-accessible van service. However, to charge a ride to Medical Assistance (MA), riders need to provide their State-issued MA ID number when booking.
Allegiance Transportation
Allegiance Transportation primarily serves seniors and people with disabilities who require transportation assistance. They can transport individuals who walk or use wheelchairs or stretchers.
Premier Handicap Services LLC
Premier Handicap Services LLC provides transportation services to individuals with disabilities or special needs.
Summary of Transportation Services
To help you compare the different transportation options available in Minneapolis, the following table summarizes the key features of each service:
| Service Name | Type | Cost | Service Area | Disabilities Accommodated | Booking | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metro Mobility | Public | Peak: $4.50, Off-Peak: $3.50, Downtown Zone: $1, Nicolet Mall: Free, 1 cent for certified riders on Metro Transit | 7-county metro area (ADA and state-mandated zones) | Physical, visual, or mental disabilities that prevent independent use of fixed-route transit | Phone, email, online | Phone: 651-602-1111, Email: metromobility@metc.state.mn.us |
| Limited Mobility Program | Public | Discounted fares on fixed-route transit | Metro Transit service area | Qualifying disabilities that hinder transit use | Apply through Metro Transit | Contact Metro Transit |
| Transit Assistance Program (TAP) | Public | $1 per ride with a TAP pass | Metro Transit service area | People with low incomes | Apply through Metro Transit | Contact Metro Transit |
| Metro Transit micro | Public | Contact Metro Transit for fare information | Limited service area in north Minneapolis | Individuals within the service area | App-based on-demand service | Contact Metro Transit |
| Metro Move | Public | Contact Metro Move for cost information | 7-county metro area | People with brain injuries, developmental disabilities, or requiring a nursing facility level of care | Contact Metro Move for booking information | Contact Metro Move |
| Metro Transit | Public | See Metro Transit fare information | Minneapolis and surrounding areas | Accessible buses and trains for all riders | N/A | Contact Metro Transit |
| Cummings Mobility | Private | Contact Cummings Mobility for rental rates | Minneapolis and surrounding areas | Individuals requiring wheelchair-accessible vans |