A lot of time goes into planning a vacation—especially when accessibility is a concern. Interestingly enough, although many folks spend a good amount of time searching for the best airfare and locating hotels that meet their access needs, very little thought is given to accessible ground transportation. With that in mind, here are a few tips to help you sort out that very essential accessible vacation component:

• Find out if your hotel has a free airport shuttle. Under the ADA, hotels that offer courtesy transportation must also provide free accessible transportation.

• Many private airport shuttles also offer accessible service. For example, Super Shuttle can provide transfers in wheelchair lift-equipped vans with advance reservations. Most airport websites list shuttle companies that serve them. Contact the companies to find out if they have accessible vehicles.

• Big cities are usually the best candidates for accessible public transportation systems. In fact, in many large cities like San Francisco and Boston, it’s easier to take public transportation than to drive.

• Many cities like Las Vegas, Boston, Chicago, and San Francisco have lift-equipped taxis. Inquire with the local taxi authority about their availability. Once you find an accessible cab, get the driver’s card so you can contact him directly.

• Don’t overlook buses, trains and light rail systems. Many airports, like Ronald Reagan Airport in Washington D.C., San Francisco International Airport and Lambert-St. Louis International Airport offer light rail service from the terminals.

• If you opt for subway or metro transportation, familiarize yourself with the routes and consider alternate stops. These systems are accessed by elevators, and they have a back-up plan in case the elevators are out of service. You might have to get off at an alternate stop and take a bus.

• Many transit systems also have print or online access guides or maps of their accessible transit routes. If you can’t find this information online, call the local transit authority and ask about it.

• Paratransit is not a viable option for travelers. Most paratransit services are overburdened, and they give priority to locals. Expect long waits if you use this service.

• Nobody knows how to get around better than the locals, so ask the folks at the local center for independent living for suggestions.

• Rental cars can be equipped with hand controls if they have 48-hours advance notice. Alternatively, you can install your own portable hand controls. Be forewarned, though, that your insurance may not cover you if you go that route.

• Ask about the availability of an accessible shuttle if the rental car desk is not located in the terminal. If none are available, ask if an employee can bring the car to you.

• Wheelchair lift-equipped rental vans are available in many cities through specialty rental firms. For the most part, these companies are not airport-based, so you’ll need to find accessible transportation to their location.

• Finally, no matter what type of transportation you choose, take a cell phone with you when you travel. It comes in handy when waiting for that long-delayed hotel shuttle.

Candy Harrington is the editor of Emerging Horizons and the author of Barrier-Free Travel: A Nuts and Bolts Guide For Wheelers and Slow Walkers. Visit her blog at www.BarrierFreeTravels.com for access news, resources and industry updates. 

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See GPS Technology Supports Adaptive Recreation in our National Parks to learn more about accessible travel helped by assistive technology.

For further information on adaptive automotive transportation, see The Adaptive Driving Alliance and Renting Accessible Vehicles: a How-To Guide.