Update
Effective January 2024, the SFMTA is introducing some changes to its ADA Paratransit eligibility in coordination with its regional Bay Area partners. These changes affect previous eligibility rules to programs designed for persons with disabilities. Both new ADA Paratransit applications and those for recertification received on or after January 15, 2024, will be subject to these changes:
Duration of ADA Paratransit Eligibility
SF Paratransit will increase its typical ADA Paratransit eligibility period from the current three years to five years. This will mean that if you are a NEW or recertifying applicant and are approved for ADA Paratransit eligibility, your eligibility may be valid for up to five years. As always, the duration of your paratransit eligibility will be determined by SF Paratransit, based on guidelines applicable to our analysis of your disability/health-related condition(s) and its expected duration. Your eligibility expiration date will be printed on your ADA Paratransit eligibility approval letter. You will be required to re-certify at the end of that period to continue using ADA Paratransit services.
ADA Paratransit Short-Form Application for Recertification
SF Paratransit has implemented a shortened version of its ADA Paratransit application for those applying for recertification. This new “short form” application is three pages, instead of the current application form which is ten pages. Individuals identified by SF Paratransit to have certain disabilities or health-related conditions that are unlikely to change will automatically be provided the short-form application to be used for recertification at the end of their current eligibility period. All applicants for recertification who have not been issued the short-form must apply by completing the standard long-form application.
For questions regarding these changes, contact the SF Paratransit Certification Department by email to sfptcertification@sfparatransit.com or by calling 415.351.7050.
Have a voice in Paratransit!
Have suggestions for Paratransit? Come share your ideas and feedback about SF Paratransit! All Paratransit Coordinating Council meetings are open to the community. Riders, aides, family members, all are welcome.
Come have your say! Meetings are on Wednesdays from 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. with both in person and Zoom options. Our upcoming meeting dates in 2024 are:
- December 11
The PCC also has an Annual Meeting where we honor Paratransit drivers for their outstanding work as well as elect new members to join our committee. This Annual Meeting will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2024.
For details about the meeting locations and more info, contact the Mobility Management Center or visit SFMTA.com/PCC.
Essential Trip Card
The Essential Trip Card helps seniors and people with disabilities pay for a taxi to complete an essential trip. If you are a senior or person with a disability, you can apply for the Essential Trip Card by calling 311 and mentioning the program.
San Francisco Paratransit (“SF Paratransit”) is a van and taxi program for people unable to independently use or access public transit because of a disability or disabling health condition. Since 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has required all public transit agencies to provide paratransit services to eligible disabled people. Muni has provided paratransit services for more than 40 years. Muni contracts with a Paratransit Broker to manage the service and the Paratransit Broker contracts with van and taxi companies to provide transportation.
Service is provided everywhere within San Francisco, including Treasure Island. Our service also extends to the northernmost part of Daly City in San Mateo County and to the Marin Headlands on weekends (mirroring the Muni 76X-Marin Headlands line). If your origin or destination lies within either Daly City or the Headlands and you want to confirm it is within the service area, please contact the Mobility Management Center at 415.351.7053.
Once you are ADA-certified to use paratransit, you are also eligible to receive paratransit services in other cities and states. We suggest that prior to your trip you contact the transit agency in the city to which you are traveling. They will give you information about arrangements, fares, operating times, and schedules. Please note that SF Paratransit does not serve any Bay Area airports. See Regional Paratransit Connections for airport service.
As a visitor from outside the Bay Area, eligibility will be valid for up a total of 21 days in a rolling twelve-month period. Visitors are advised to call SF Paratransit at 415.351.7050 in advance of a visit to San Francisco. Visit our SF Paratransit Eligibility and Registration page for more information.
