Washington, D.C. — In ongoing efforts to improve access to transportation information in the Washington metropolitan region, the National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board has launched Reach A Ride, a new transportation information source for travelers with special needs in the region. The Reach A Ride web site, www.ReachARide.org, and toll-free hotline, 855-732-2427, provide information about specialized transportation options for people with disabilities, older adults, those with limited English proficiency and low-income commuters, with information in English and Spanish, along with links to programs and services. This is the first website of its kind that makes information about specialized transportation options available in one place for D.C., Northern Virginia and Suburban Maryland.
“In this region alone, there are approximately 550,000 persons with a disability; 520,000 over the age of 65; 510,000 with limited Engish proficiency; and 810,000 living in low-income earning households,” said District of Columbia Councilmember Muriel Bowser, who serves as TPB Chair. “Considered ‘transportation disadvantaged’ Reach A Ride will provide these individuals with improved access to the transportation information they need to get to work, school, medical appointments or shopping.”
College Park Councilmember Patrick Wojahn, who serves as TPB Human Service Transportation Task Force Chair said, “As a disability rights advocate, I know there is a great need for a ‘one-click’ or ‘one-call’ transportation information resource. Reach A Ride was developed to serve those with visual, physical and cognitive disabilities as well as those who speak English as a second language. We are proud that it has earned a seal of approval from the American Foundation for the Blind’s Accessibility Assurance program.”
From public transit curb-to-curb service to private taxi service, Reach A Ride’s web site and hotline database includes information on public and private transportation providers that accommodate specialized needs including wheelchairs, gurneys and escorted travel for people with severe mobility or cognitive limitations.
“Access to transportation information is opportunity’s linchpin,” said Nicholas Ramfos, Director of Commute Alternatives at the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments. “There is a solution for every transportation challenge, and together we will continue to work to improve access to transportation information in the region.”
Reach A Ride also provides an important resource for social service agencies, friends, family members, clergy, healthcare providers and case managers seeking information on transportation options for transportation disadvantaged individuals. Information is easily accessed online or by phone.
“Reach A Ride will be a great resource for those seeking specialized transportation options, options that provide greater mobility and choices than MetroAccess. Reach a Ride complements the goals we have at Metro to ensure that highest level of independence for our customers with disabilities which is why Metro helped fund this critical information resource,” says Glenn Millis, Metro’s Director of ADA Programs.