Disability Parking Placards
Both foreign and out-of-state disability parking permits are considered valid for parking in designated accessible parking spaces in Illinois. With either a disability license plate or placard, you can also park free at metered parking spaces in Chicago except those limited to 30 minutes or less. The placard must be hung from the rearview mirror. Watch for day/hours sign restrictions to avoid being ticketed or towed. If you are renting a wheelchair accessible van, the company will provide a parking placard for your convenience. Unlike some other states, Illinois does not issue temporary placards to non-residents so be sure to bring your own parking placard with you.
Full details on disability parking in Illinois including a "Persons with Disabilities Certification Placard" application form are available online at www.dmv.org/il-illinois/disabled-drivers.php or call 217-782-2709.
Gas Stations
Illinois law requires gas station attendants to pump gas at the self-serve price to people displaying either a disability placard or license plate. If, however, only one employee is on duty, they are not required to comply.
Accessible Taxis
More than 20 taxi companies in Chicago currently operate wheelchair accessible minivans equipped with ramps, wheelchair securements and shoulder seat belts. To order an accessible taxi, call the centralized dispatch service toll-free at 800-281-4466.
Paratransit Services
Pace Paratransit
847-364-7223
TTY 847-364-5093
www.pacebus.com/sub/paratransit/ADA_guide.asp
Registered paratransit riders who would like to extend their eligibility to Chicago while visiting should contact Pace Paratransit at 312-341-8000. All visitors must present documentation that they are ADA paratransit eligible for the jurisdiction in which they reside. ADA paratransit certification (with expiration date) and a photo ID should be faxed to 312-341-8050. Allow at least 1-2 weeks for processing. Pace will then issue an RTA paratransit pass good for 21 days (extendable to 30 days) and provide a list of phone numbers for the various paratransit operators. Once certified, visitors can set up arrival and departure paratransit rides, if desired, by calling 312-341-8035. Certification also allows visitors to use the Taxi Access Program.
Taxi Access Program (TAP)
800-606-1282
TTY 888-847-0093
www.pacebus.com/pdf/paratransit/taxi_access_program.pdf
The Taxi Access Program allows RTA certified paratransit customers to travel in taxis at reduced rates for trips that originate within the City of Chicago. Taxi vouchers, good for a one-way taxi ride valued up to $13.50, may be purchased for $5.00 each. Riders must pay the difference if the taxi meter exceeds $13.50. Vouchers may be purchased at the newly relocated RTA Customer Service Center, 165 N. Jefferson St. at Lake St. One must present either a valid RTA ADA Paratransit ID or a letter of eligibility from the RTA along with a photo ID. Up to 30 vouchers may be purchased per week but only 4 used per day.
