All Madison Metro buses are equipped with lifts to accommodate riders who use wheelchairs and other mobility devices.

However, if you are affected by a  disability that makes it difficult to use the bus system you may qualify for paratransit service. Paratransit is a type of public transportation that gives people rides from one building to another, rather than from one bus stop to another. This is called "curb to curb service".

In order to qualify for paratransit service, you must apply to Madison Metro and meet certain requirements set by federal regularion. If you are approved for paratransit services Madison Metro will send an appropriate vehicle to take you to your destination. Your ASM Bus Pass will cover your fare for these rides.

There are advantages and disadvantages to using this service rather than the regular bus routes. One of the most significant is that you will have to plan your travels in advance because you'll have to place a reservation for your ride at least one day in advance.

For more information on how this service works and for access to an application form, go to the   Madison Metro Website. Click "Paratransit Service" on the menu bar near the top of the page, and then the "Application Form (PDF)" under the "Getting Started" section on the left menu bar.

Please note that the completed applications must be mailed or dropped off at Madison Metro  since an original signature is required on the application.  You are strongly advised to fill out this application promptly. While Metro staff makes every effort to review applications promptly they have up to 21 days from receipt of the application to issue a determination of eligibility. If you are approved you will also have to show evidence that you are a university student and have an ASM bus pass.

For more information about the application process or to check on the progress of your application, contact Karen Darcy at Madison Metro: 267-8758 or kdarcy@cityofmadison.com.

Your ASM Bus Pass will be honored for paratransit service not just on the lift-equipped fixed route buses, but also for curb to curb service. You are not required to make any additional cash payment for this service.

Additional Resources: What to Do in the Meantime

For more information about paratransit, parking permits and Wisconsin disabled license plates/cards check out the McBurney Disability Resource Center webpage on paratransit services.  For information on accommodations available for students with temporary impairments and links to information useful to students with longer term impairments, see the McBurney Center's page on temporary impairments.

There are also three cab companies in the Madison: Union Cab, Badger Cab and Madison Taxi. All three companies take reservations and credit cards. Union Cab also offers wheelchair accessible service (lift-equipped vehicles). When you are trying to make it to class or other appointments, reservations are strongly encouraged.

If you have any questions or concerns about paratransit services or any other aspect of the bus pass program, please contact the ASM Bus Pass Program advisor at buspass@rso.wisc.edu or  263-3950.