If you have a disability, public transportation can be your ticket to increased independence - whether you want to go to work, school, shopping or catch the latest movie.
Bus Stops
SamTrans bus stops already meet regulations established by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Newer bus stops are ADA accessible. Bus lifts and ramps can be deployed at many stops that do not meet full regulations.
Discounted Fares
Persons with disabilities may ride all Bay Area public transit systems at a discount if they hold a Regional Transit Connection Discount Card, Medicare card or Department of Motor Vehicles Disabled Placard Identification Card.
To request an RTC Discount Card application, call SamTrans Customer Service at 1-800-660-4287 (TTY 650-508-6448) or visit HERE.
Boarding - Lifts and Ramps
All SamTrans buses are equipped with lifts or ramps that can be used by people who use mobility devices or cannot climb steps.
Each bus also has a kneeling feature that lowers the front end so the first step is easier to reach. If you have difficulty boarding the bus, ask the operator to lower the front end or deploy the lift or ramp.
Seating and Securement Area
The side-facing seats in the front of every bus and the first two forward-facing seats are priority seating for seniors and persons with disabilities.
If you need to use one of these areas and they are occupied, inform the operator, who will help you find a seat. The operator may ask a passenger to move but cannot compel a passenger to vacate his or her seat
Seats on either side of the bus near the front fold up to allow room for securing mobility devices. Space is available on a first-come, first-served basis. For safety, SamTrans recommends that passengers in three- or four-wheeled scooters transfer to a seat, if possible.
Announcements
All SamTrans buses are equipped with an automated system that makes amplified announcements of major transfer points, intersections and destinations. An electronic message board inside the bus simultaneously displays the same information. External loudspeakers announce the route number and destination of the bus at all bus stops.
Reasonable Modification
SamTrans is committed to making reasonable modifications to its policies, practices and procedures to ensure full access to its service for customers with disabilities. To make a request for a reasonable modification, click HERE or call Customer Service at 1-800-660-4287 (TTY 650-508-6448).
Getting Off the Bus
On most buses, there is a bell cord in the wheelchair area that is easy to reach. Some buses also have a touch bar to request a passenger stop.
If you are unable to pull the bell cord or press the touch bar, tell the operator when you get on the bus which stop you need.
Operators will announce any stop on request. When you board, ask the operator to call out your stop and sit in the front of the bus so that the operator can let you know when the bus has reached your stop.
Service Animals
Service animals, such as guide dogs, may accompany persons with disabilities on the bus.
The animal must be under the constant supervision and control of the person with the disability. While riding in a vehicle, the service animal is required to sit, stand or lay on the floor of the vehicle and may not block the aisle. Service animals are permitted to ride on your lap if necessary for them to perform their function.
If the animal misbehaves, the customer will be asked to remove the animal from the vehicle. Riding privileges may be revoked for repeated misbehavior.