What Riders Need to Know

What riders need to know

Seattle and King County have wheelchair-accessible vehicles (WAVs) available for on-demand transportation. Passengers who use wheelchairs may request a WAV by calling an on-demand transportation provider and telling the dispatcher they need a WAV. Information about the differences between flat-rate transportation and taxicabs can be found here.

ርዕስ: ተሳፋሪዎች ማወቅ ያለባቸው
Título: Lo que usuarios del transporte público deben saber
제목: 탑승자가 알아야 할 사항
Ciwaanka: Waxa ay u baahan yihiin rakaabka (raacayaashu) inay ogaadaan
Pauna: Ano ang kailangang malaman ng mga sumasakay
Tiêu đề: Những điều người đi xe cần biết
標題： 乘客需要了解什麼

Contact Information on providers with WAVs:

 
Currently, more than 70 WAVs operate in Seattle and King County. Fares for passengers who use wheelchairs are the same as the posted rates for all. 

Wheelchair accessible vehicles conform with federal accessibility standards described in code of federal regulation 49 CFR 38.23. Federal standards require the lift or ramp to support 600 pounds, the door height must be at least 56 inches high, and a ramp slope that is less than 1:4 (14.04 degrees.)

Most wheelchair accessible taxicabs in Seattle/King County are Toyota Siennas and Dodge Grand Caravans. Securement devices hold the wheelchairs in place and the passenger seated in the wheelchair is secured by a shoulder harness and lap belt. WATs can accommodate most adult-size manual and power wheelchairs; however, passengers who need their legs extended or to be seated in a reclined position should inform the dispatcher.

All drivers of wheelchair accessible taxicabs must complete WAT certification training and must demonstrate proper wheelchair securement practices to pass their annual licensing inspections.  Equipment is inspected to ensure it meets accessibility standards and works as designed.

WAV licensing and insurance is for transportation only. Passengers in wheelchairs who require assistance with other aspects of their travel may want to make additional arrangements for these needs.

WAV owners and drivers may receive reimbursements to offset higher operational costs of providing wheelchair accessible transportation through the Wheelchair Accessible Services (WAS) Fund, which is funded by a ten cent surcharge on for-hire rides in Seattle and King County.

The Consumer Protection Division is committed to the safe enjoyment of taxicab services for all.  If you wish to report a good or bad experience with a WAV driver, or to report faulty equipment, please contact or (206) 386-1267 or consumerprotection@seattle.gov.