Navigating Santa Barbara, California with a wheelchair is made easier with several accessible transportation options. Santa Barbara provides a range of accessible transportation options, ensuring that wheelchair users and individuals with mobility impairments can navigate the city comfortably.
Wheelchair-accessible taxis, including those with larger vans capable of accommodating up to two wheelchairs at a time, offer convenient transportation with rear-entry ramps and securement systems. MTD’s shuttle services cover multiple stops throughout the city, with essential areas accessible via routes that vary in the number of stops. Shuttles run on regular schedules, providing frequent service throughout the day. For specific needs or preferences, contacting the taxi companies directly to inquire about vehicle availability and accessibility features is recommended. Easy Lift provides reliable Paratransit services for door-to-door transportation needs, accommodating multiple wheelchairs per vehicle.
This comprehensive array of accessible transportation options makes Santa Barbara a welcoming destination for all travelers. Here’s a detailed review of each option, including capacity, accessibility features, and shuttle service details:
1. Public Transit (MTD)
- Buses: MTD operates a fleet of wheelchair-accessible buses equipped with ramps or lifts. Each bus can typically accommodate up to two wheelchairs at a time, with designated securement areas and priority seating.
- Shuttles: MTD offers shuttle services that are wheelchair accessible, particularly useful for navigating downtown and waterfront areas. The exact number of stops varies by shuttle route, covering essential areas across the city. Shuttles typically run on regular schedules, with intervals ranging from 15 to 30 minutes depending on the route and time of day.
2. Paratransit Services
- Easy Lift provides door-to-door paratransit services for individuals unable to use regular public transit due to a disability. Each vehicle is equipped to accommodate wheelchairs, typically accommodating multiple wheelchairs per vehicle. For specific capacity details, contact Easy Lift at: +1 (805) 681-1180
3. Taxis
Several local taxi companies in Santa Barbara provide wheelchair-accessible taxi vehicles. Wheelchair-accessible taxis in Santa Barbara are equipped with rear-entry ramps for easy boarding and disembarking. These vehicles have securement systems including tie-downs and seatbelts designed to safely anchor wheelchairs during transit. Some notable companies include:
- Rose Cab: Offers wheelchair-accessible vehicles with rear-entry ramps. They have larger vans that can accommodate up to two wheelchairs at a time. Reservations are recommended. Phone: +1 (805) 564-2600
- Rockstar Taxi: Provides wheelchair-accessible vans equipped with rear-entry ramps. Advance booking is advised. Phone: +1 (805) 845-8294
- Yellow Cab: Offers wheelchair-accessible taxis with rear-entry ramps. They may have larger vans available; calling ahead to confirm availability and request specific accessibility features is advisable. Phone: +1 (805) 965-5111
4. Ride-Sharing Services
- Uber and Lyft: Both Uber and Lyft offer wheelchair-accessible vehicle (WAV) options in Santa Barbara, which can be requested through their respective apps. These vehicles are designed to accommodate wheelchairs with ramps or lifts, and drivers are trained to assist passengers as needed.
5. Car Rentals
- Major car rental companies such as Enterprise, Hertz, and Avis offer wheelchair-accessible vehicles for rent in Santa Barbara.
- These vehicles may include features like ramps, lowered floors, and other accessibility modifications. Reservations are recommended.
