The following instructions are intended to help those riders with disabilities in using TRAX, FrontRunner, and fixed-route bus services. For further information on how to make your ride more enjoyable, please see the Rider Rules. To view the Paratransit Services Eligibility Brochure, click here.

TRAX Station and Boarding TRAX

For everyone:

• ALWAYS be at the platform or at the top of the access ramp ready to board the train.
• Have a valid form of fare payment ready to show upon request.
• Board as quickly as possible and either take a seat or hold on as the train moves quickly.
• At the access ramp, you must ask for specific assistance from the Operator.
• At the platform, you must push the button to open the train doors. When the button lights, both outside and inside the train, it is active. You must push the button to open the train doors to enter and exit. When the light goes off, the door will not open. Wait for the next train.
• Please observe all rider rules.

Physical (mobility devices – wheelchair/scooter):

• Be ready to board at the top of the access ramp.
• Stay behind the yellow line and warning strips. Move into the designated seating area – ask the operator to put up seats if needed.
• Hold on to something for balance as the train pulls away quickly.
• Operator may ask what destination stop you will need so he/she can be prepared to assist with the bridge plate for you to exit the train.

Limited mobility (ambulatory with cane, walkers):

• If you cannot safely get up and down the steps, then be ready to board at the top of the access ramp.
• Stay behind the yellow line and off the warning strip.
• Move to available seating as safely and quickly as possible.
• If you need specific assistance, ask the Operator.

Deaf/hearing impaired:

• Wait behind the yellow line and safety warning strips.
• Interior signs announce the next station.
• Signs at each station identify the location.
• At the platform, you must push the button to open the train doors. When the button lights, both outside and inside the train, it is active. You must push the button to open the train doors to enter and exit. When the light goes off, the door will not open. Wait for the next train.

Fixed Route Buses

For everyone:

• Arrive at bus stop a few minutes before schedule to be ready to board the bus.
• Have fare (pass, token or money) ready.
• If you need assistance from the driver, be specific about your request and ask before the bus begins moving to avoid distracting the driver.
• Board and find a seat as quickly as possible.
• If no seat is available and you are required to stand, take a firm handhold before the bus begins to move.
• Please observe all rider rules.

Physical (mobility devices – wheelchair/scooter):

• When waiting at bus stop, move close to the front of the bus zone, near the bus stop sign.
• When using ramp, wait until the ramp is ready before attempting to board.
• Using platform lift.
• Secure area (tie downs) – driver will secure wheelchair in the secure area. Additionally lap/shoulder belts are available on request.
• Use the call strip on seat or lowered pull cord to signal desired stop.
• You may request a courtesy stop to exit the bus at another safe location if a regular stop is not as accessible.

Limited mobility (ambulatory with cane, walkers):

• When waiting at bus stop, move close to the front of the bus zone, near the bus stop sign.
• Street furniture such as benches and shelters are available at some bus stops.
• Kneeling feature is available upon request.
• Priority seats are available to seniors and persons with disabilities; request assistance from the operator.
• Ask the driver for time to get to seat before leaving stop.
• Use the call strip on seat or lowered pull cord to signal desired stop.

Blind/visually impaired:

• Operator announces bus # at front of zone served by multiple routes.
• Operator makes stop announcements.
• Operator should announce additional/specific locations when requested.

Deaf/hearing impaired:

• Communicate in a method most comfortable.
• Sometimes it is best to have your bus stop location clearly written down before you board the bus to show the operator.

Cognitive:

• Ask the driver for specific assistance that meets your needs.
• If needed, write your destination down in advance.

Priority Seating Area:

• Priority seating area is the space from the line in the back of an Operator’s seat to the first row of forward facing seats.
• Individuals with a disability or an elderly individuals have priority seating in the Priority Seating Area. Riders who are not disabled or elderly sitting in the priority seating area will be asked to move to another area of the vehicle.
• The placement of large items such as strollers is permitted in priority seating only if riders who are disabled or elderly do not need to use the area. Strollers must be able to fit safely on ramp platforms and vehicle lifts.

Securement Area:

• Individuals in a mobility device who enter a transit vehicle need to occupy a wheelchair securement location. The operator will assist the individual to secure the device.
• The placement of large items such as strollers is permitted in securement area only if riders who use wheelchairs and other mobility devices do not need to use the area. Strollers must be able to fit safely on ramp platforms and vehicle lifts.

FrontRunner

For everyone:

• Check the current FrontRunner schedule for the arrival/departure times at your station.
• Always be at the station platform ready and waiting to board your train.
• Train Hosts are available to assist you in boarding or exiting at the last car or south end of the train.
• Have a valid form of fare payment ready to show upon request.
• Allow extra time if purchasing your fare at the Ticket Vending Machines located at each station platform entrance.
• Be safe. Use caution and pay attention when you cross the rails.
• Always anticipate a train - check both directions.

Blind/visually impaired riders:

• To use the Ticket Vending Machines, Braille and raised print as well as audible instructions are available.
• Wait on the platform, behind the yellow, tactile warning strip on the edge of the platform to board the train when it comes to a complete stop.
• Priority or designated seats are available near the train entrance.
• The operator makes ADA stop announcements when leaving the station and before arriving at the next station.

Riders with limited mobility: (ambulatory with cane, walkers)

• Assistance in boarding is best by going to the last (South end) train car.
• Train Hosts are located at the second door of the South train car. They will put down the ramp to bridge the gap between the train and platform when boarding or exiting.
• Large blue and white access symbols are found on the platform to guide you to boarding area.
• Designated priority seats are located at the entrance on lower level or each train.
• Additional seats flip up easily to offer more seating options.
• The restroom is accessible and can be found on the south end train car. Remember to lock the door.
• Train Hosts are available to answer your questions and to offer assistance as requested to board and exit the train.
• The train's second level is accessible by stairs only. The lower level of the last car on the south end of the train will always be fully accessible.
• If you choose to sit upstairs, make sure you can get down the stairs in time to exit the train at your desired stop. The train only stops for about 20-30 seconds at each station on the route.

Deaf/hearing impaired:

• Train Hosts will provide information and assistance as requested.
• Large signs and banners announce the station location - be alert and watch for your stop.

For further information on how to make your ride more enjoyable, please see the Rider Rules.
To view the Paratransit Services Eligibility Brochure, click here.