Accessible Transporation

AC Transit

AC Transit is the public bus system that serves Alameda (includes Oakland) and Contra Costa Counties. All AC Transit buses are equipped with the following accessibility features; passenger lifts or ramps, kneeling capability, priority seating near the front of buses for persons with disabilities and seniors, two wheelchair securement areas on each bus, and stop announcements at major intersections and transfer points are provided either verbally by drivers or by automated equipment. Read about accessible services here.

A personalized wheelchair marking/tether strap program is also available for providing proper securement points on wheelchairs. Call (510) 891-7113 to schedule an appointment.

AMTRAK

A passenger railroad service that provides medium- and long-distance intercity service in the contiguous United States. Travelers can reach Amtrak’s Jack London Square station in Oakland on the San Joaquins and Capitol Corridor routes. The Oakland Coliseum and Jack London Square stations are stops on the Capitol Corridor line, providing frequent connections between Sacramento and Silicon Valley. Trains vary in their accessibility accommodations, so it’s best to contact Amtrak for more information. Qualified persons with disabilities and one companion are eligible for a 15% discount.

Adapted Van Rentals

Mobility Works

Ramped minivans for rent, daily and weekly rates, airport delivery for a fee. Reserve in advance. (877) 275-4915

Access Options

Ramped minivans for rent, daily and weekly rates, airport delivery for a fee. Reserve in advance. (408) 734-LIFT (5438)

Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART)

Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) is an all-electric train service with 45 conveniently located stations that connects the San Francisco Peninsula with Oakland, Berkeley, Fremont, Walnut Creek, Dublin/Pleasanton, Berryessa, and other cities in the East Bay. All stations and trains are accessible. There is direct service from Oakland International (OAK) and San Francisco International (SFO) airports to Oakland and cities throughout the East Bay. Find more information on how to get around on BART.

BART Tickets Information

Beginning November 30, 2023, paper tickets will no longer be accepted at BART as fare payment and for use at the fare gates. This change is occurring as BART begins to roll out new state of the art fare gates which will not accept paper tickets and as Clipper prepares for the launch of the next generation of Clipper.

Paper tickets balances cannot be transferred onto a Clipper card. BART offers paper ticket refunds for tickets with a remaining value greater than $1.00. It can be multiple tickets that add up to $1 or more. Click here for directions to request a refund.

Clipper is now available through Apple Pay and Google Pay. Riders can get a new Clipper card on their phones for free (normally $3). Funds added using Apple Pay and Google Pay are immediately available for use.

Set up is easy and can be done on the spot or in advance while you are at home. Every rider needs their own digital card. For families travelling together, multiple cards can be added to an Apple phone, but users must turn off Express Transit mode to toggle between each card when tagging at the fare gate.  

BART has moved to a Clipper-only fare payment system because the region has prioritized the use of Clipper as the Bay Area’s all-in-one transit card administered by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission. In calendar year 2024, the next generation of Clipper will be rolled out including open payment which provides the option to tag a credit/debit card at a BART fare gate, including Apple Pay or Google Pay, without setting up a card on your phone in advance. The next generation of Clipper also opens the door for new discount programs, promotions, and potentially fare capping for BART riders.

BART Tips

BART stations are equipped with elevators. The elevators occasionally go out of service, so it is highly advised to call ahead or check the BART app to make sure the elevator is operational at your destination station. The elevator signs can be hard to find, but the elevators are often located at either end of the stations. If you are unable to process your ticket, proceed to the station agent.

There is level access to all trains but be aware that there can be a large gap between the platform and the train. This may present a problem for some wheelchairs with small front wheels. To safely board it’s advisable to back on and off the trains.

All platforms have tactile edges for detection by people who are blind or visually impaired. Announcements are made informing you which train has arrived. Announcements of each stop are made onboard the train. | (510) 834-5438 Elevator updates | (510) 839-2220 TTY

Car Rentals

The following car rental companies offer hand controls, spinner knobs, and other adapted equipment but all require 24-hour advance reservations. They are located on-airport at the Oakland Airport Rental Car Center and reachable by wheelchair accessible airport shuttles that run between the terminals and the Center every 10 minutes or less.

Avis                  (800) 962-1434
Budget             (800) 314-3932
Dollar               (800) 800-4000
Hertz                (800) 654-3131
National           (888) 273-5262
Thrifty              (800) 847-4389
Alamo              (800) 651-1223

East Bay Paratransit

Paratransit service is available to persons with a disability, who because of their disability, cannot independently use the regular public buses. To be eligible for East Bay Paratransit you must first fill out an application, and then be certified as eligible to use the service. Visitors that have already been certified where they reside are eligible for services with East Bay Paratransit when they fax their certification in advance to, 510-287-5069. If the certification is not faxed in advance, visitors must apply in person and bring their current paratransit certification paperwork to the East Bay Paratransit Office, 1750 Broadway, Oakland. | 510-287-5000

Oakland Paratransit for the Elderly & Disabled (OPED)

OPED assists adult persons with disabilities, seniors, and frail elderly with supplemental transportation services. This service is only available to Oakland residents. Contracted vendors provide door-to-door subsidized transportation services to eligible program participants who cannot access public transportation. You must first apply with East Bay Paratransit to receive services.

Oakland International Airport (OAK)

Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) operates a connector train from the Oakland Airport to the Coliseum station where you can connect to trains going to downtown Oakland, downtown San Francisco, and many other Bay Area destinations. It is located outside the airport a short distance from both terminals.

Disabled accessible parking is available at all parking facilities. Discounted rates apply to qualified disabled persons. Accessible shuttles are available between short and long-term parking lots.

Supershuttle

Supershuttle has lift-equipped vehicles and serves Oakland and San Francisco airports. Advance reservations are required. If reserving through the website, it is best to call and confirm that the accessible shuttle was booked. | 800-258-3826

Bayporter

Bayporter has one lift-equipped vehicle and serves Oakland and San Francisco airports. Advance reservations by phone are required, and rides are only available 3 am-3 pm. | (877) 467-1800, (510) 864-4000

Ride Share

Uber WAV

A limited number of ramped vans are available as part of Uber WAV’s program. You must first download the Uber app, enter your destination, and if an adapted vehicle is available, it will appear under the category, “More.”

San Francisco Bay Ferry

Ferries leave from the Jack London Square terminal in Oakland and across the bay to the San Francisco Ferry Building or Pier 41 terminals. Year-round weekday and weekend service is offered. There is wheelchair access to the first level; the grade of the ramp will vary with the tide, and the bathroom is accessible. Light snacks and drinks are available onboard.

Information Hotline

For trip planning assistance using public transit and traffic, updates call 511 from within the San Francisco Bay Area. | www.511.org