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Always Accessible

Wheels is Accessible

Wheels is a convenient, accessible and safe way for people with disabilities to get around.  All Wheels buses meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements, offering wheelchair ramps and other features to accommodate riders with disabilities.  Paratransit-eligible passengers with a valid Regional Transit Connection Discount Card (RTC) can ride Wheels fixed route buses at a reduced fare.  Passengers with a valid Medicare card are also eligible for a reduced fare. Simply show your Medicare card to the driver upon boarding (driver may request a photo ID to verify proof of eligibility).

All Wheels buses can be easily accessed by a wheelchair and can accommodate most types of wheelchairs and three-wheeled scooters that comply with ADA guidelines (do not exceed 30 inches in width and 48 inches in length, measured two inches above the ground, and do not weigh more than 600 pounds when occupied).  All wheelchairs and other mobility devices must be secured with tie-down straps while in the bus.  If wheelchair spaces are already occupied, the driver will stop and let you know to catch the next bus.  When boarding the bus, please back on to the lift for your safety.  If you need assistance, let the driver know.

All transfer point bus stops and major intersections are called out by the Wheels Automatic Voice Announcement System.  The system announces the route number, which can also be heard outside of the bus by waiting passengers.  Service animals, such as guide dogs, may ride the bus, but must be on a harness and sit on the floor, out of the aisle.

Travel Training Program

Wheels has a Travel Trainer who is available to present information on transit services for seniors and persons with disabilities, and will visit various community facilities to provide travel training to groups or individuals.  For more information, call (925) 455-7555.

Visually Impaired Passengers

All transfer point bus stops and major intersections are called out by Wheels Automatic Voice Announcement System.  Additionally, as the bus approaches a transfer point bus stop, the system announces the bus line number which can be heard externally by waiting passengers.  Service animals, such as guide dogs for the visually impaired may ride the bus.  All service animals must be on a harness and sit on the floor, out of the aisle.

Low Floor Ramp and Kneeling Buses

Low floor ramp and kneeling buses make it easy for customer's to get on and off the bus.  Customers should tell the driver if they need to use the ramp or kneeling feature to get on or off the bus.  Priority seats are located behind the driver.  Digital signs and audio systems announce stops, intersections and transfer points.

Boarding with the ramp

Wait at the bus stop sign and indicate to the driver that you need to use the ramp.

• Position yourself to be clear of the ramp as it deploys.
• Wait for the driver to tell you when to move onto the platform.
• If you are using a wheelchair or other mobility device, move to the special seating area and set the brake.
• The driver will secure wheelchairs with the securements provided.
• Pay your fare and tell the driver your destination so that bus can be positioned correctly at your stop.

Exiting with the ramp

• Signal the driver about a block before your stop to remind the driver.
• The driver will allow other riders to board and exit before releasing wheelchair restraints.
• The driver will advise you when to proceed to the ramp platform.

Wheels Dial-A-Ride Paratransit Service

Wheels offers door-to-door service to customers with disabilities that prevent their use of regular accessible transit service.  Customers must receive eligibility approval to use of this service.  For additional information about Dial-A-Ride call the Wheels ADA Coordinator at (925) 455-7555 or head to our Dial-A-Ride section on our website.

The following is a list of Paratransit Agencies providing commute services to individuals with disabilities who are certified to use paratransit:

• Contra Costa County LINK (925) 676-1976 Ext. 601 or 608
• East Bay Paratransit (510) 287-5000
• Pleasanton Paratransit (925) 931-5376
• San Francisco Muni (415) 543-9650
• Tri-City Paratransit (Fremont Area) (510) 494-454

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, better known as the ADA, is federal legislation that guarantees persons with disabilities full and equal access to the same services and accommodations that are available to people without disabilities. More information on ADA:  http://www.fta.dot.gov/civilrights/civil_rights_2360.html

The Wheels Accessible Advisory Committee (WAAC) was established to provide input on key issues related to the provision of ADA transit service in the Wheels service area. All Committee meetings are open to the general public. New participants are always welcomed. For more information about the WAAC, or to receive meeting notices, contact the Wheels ADA Coordinator at (925) 455-7555.

Seniors Ride Free Monday-Friday

Seniors (65 and Over) can ride any fixed route from 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM Monday to Friday.

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1362 Rutan Court, Suite 100, Livermore, CA  94551.  WHEELS Information: (925) 455-7500.