Access Transportation
Beginning March 1, 2021, operators may refuse boarding unless the rider has been approved for an exemption in accordance with Washington State policy. Customer exemption requests should be directed to Access Rider Services.
Starting Thursday, October 1, all Access rides - whether by van or taxi - will cost $1.75. You can pay by cash, the Transit GO Ticket app, or your monthly ORCA pass.
Access is maintaining its traditional service area, hours, and days of service, and may be an option for fixed-route riders with disabilities who are not currently certified for Access service. Customers with disabilities who are no longer able to reach their essential destinations using fixed-route service can contact the Access Transportation Call Center at 206-205-5000 for assistance with both emergent and ongoing essential transportation needs.
- Customers with disabilities who have emergent transportation needs do not need to be currently certified for Access service.
- Those with an ongoing need for transportation will need to apply for Access service through our temporarily streamlined eligibility process.
Access takes you anywhere a Metro bus, Seattle streetcar or Sound Transit light rail goes at that time and on that day of the week. Access customers go grocery shopping, to work and school, to get their hair cut, to check in with their doctor, meet up with friends, or to enjoy a local park. You must be found eligible for the ADA Paratransit Program before you can request rides on Access.
Guidance for Access passengers
Here’s how to safely and efficiently use Access:
Wear a mask
Stay home when sick
Maintain physical distance
Avoid closed areas
Sign up for Transit Alerts
Pay with Transit GO Ticket
Staying home when sick, planning ahead, adding extra time, always wearing a mask, and maintaining six feet of distance from others will keep all of us moving forward together. Please use the Transit GO Ticket app, rather than bills or coins, for an easier and safer way to pay.
First time users of Access Trip Manager will need to enroll as follows:
- Go to Access Trip Manager
- The default language is English. If you desire Spanish/Español, press “English” in the Sign in/Enrollment box and you will have the option of changing the site language to “Español”.
- Press “Enrollment” under the “SIGN IN” bar.
- In the Enrollment box, enter your Access Client ID, email address and birthdate, then press “Enroll”.
- Follow the prompts.
- You will receive an email with instructions to complete the online registration process. Click on the link and create your password. Check your ‘Spam’ or ‘Junk Mail’ folder if you do not receive an email within 10-15 minutes.
Online with Access Trip Manager
Most reservations can be made 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Customers must first enroll before using Access Trip Manager - Enroll now!
- You can request rides from one to seven days before the day you need to travel.
- Ride requests must be received by at least 5:00 PM the day before travel.
- Create ride requests between frequent addresses associated with your Access profile. Call the Access Transportation Rideline 206-205-5000 (WA Relay: 711) to add addresses to your profile.
By telephone
Reservations can be requested 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily.
- To request a reservation, call the Access Transportation Rideline 206-205-5000 (WA Relay: 711) .
- Outside the Seattle metro area 1-866-205-5001 (WA Relay: 1-800-833-6384).
- You can request rides from one to seven days before the day you need to travel.
- Requests for inter-county travel must be received by 4:30 PM.
Cancel early
Trips can be cancelled, by telephone or using the online Access Trip Manager, up to two hours before your pick-up window begins. No penalties. No questions.
- You can call us 24/7 to cancel. 206-205-5000 (WA Relay: 711).
- Or, sign-in to Access Trip Manager and cancel your trip online.
When you can't cancel
Penalty points will be assigned. Calling us less than two hours before your window opens is considered late. After your pick-up window opens, a full point will be recorded. Still let us know if you can. Especially if you have other trips scheduled that day. But for those times when you can't—less than three points a month and you won't be penalized.
| Penalty Points | Condition | Time |
|---|---|---|
| *Cancellation or not boarding Access when the vehicle is at the correct location | ||
| 0 points | Early cancel | More than two hours before the start of 30 minute pick-up window |
| ½ point | Late cancel | Less than two hours before the start of 30 minute pick-up window |
| 1 point | No-show | Within the 30 minute pick-up window* |
Sometimes it's our fault
No penalty points will be recorded if it was our fault that you had to cancel your trip late or did not board the vehicle.
Review for suspension
If we have recorded three penalty points for you in a month, we are going to take a look at your trips.
We will look at each incident where points were assigned and make sure we have taken out any incidents where circumstances were outside your control. Then we will take the number of incidents and divide by the total number of scheduled rides. If it is 15 percent or higher, we will send you a proposed suspension letter.
Ride the bus for less
All King County Metro buses are accessible to customers with disabilities. Riding regular Metro bus service with a Regional Reduced Fare Permit will cost you less than riding Access.
| Description | One-Way | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Access Fare (Adult or Youth) | $1.75 | $63.00 |
| Personal Care Attendant | Free | Free |
| Service Animal | Free | Free |
Pay your fare with:
- Cash
- Metro ticket worth $1.75 or more
- Metro Transit GO Ticket worth $1.75 or more - Sign up now!
- Monthly Access pass*
- Monthly PugetPass worth $1.75 or more*
- Monthly PugetPass on an ORCA Regional Reduced Fare Permit + 75¢ in cash*
*Customers must contact Metro Customer Information before a monthly pass can be accepted as fare on Access. Passes are only available through the ORCA fare system.
A monthly Access pass on your ORCA card is also accepted as full fare on:
- Metro buses
- Seattle Streetcars
- All Sound Transit services - Express Bus, Link & Sounder
- King County Water Taxis
Be prepared for fare inspections
Failure to pay may result in a citation and fine, RCW 35.58.580.
Access Customer Service is open 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily to assist you with your to concerns about Access service.
Contact Customer Service:
- By using our online comment form
- By phone at 206-205-5000 (WA Relay: 711)
-
By mail:
Accessible Services
KSC-TR-0800
201 S Jackson St
Seattle, WA 98104
Book, manage, and track your ride requests 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
First time user? Enroll now
Book
Most reservations can be made 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- You can request rides from one to seven days before the day you need to travel.
- Ride requests must be received by at least 5:00 PM the day before travel.
- Create ride requests between frequent addresses associated with your Access profile. Call the Access Transportation Rideline 206-205-5000 (WA Relay: 711) to add addresses to your profile.
Manage
When your plans change, Access Trip Manager is here to help.
- Review your trip history and view upcoming trips.
- Most trips can be cancelled at any time.
Track
Almost time to go? Access Trip Manager keeps you up to date.
- Get the lastest ETAs for most trips in real-time.
- Track your vehicle on a map and follow its progress. (Not available on all trips.)
All times provided to customers are estimates and subject to change based on traffic conditions and other factors.
Questions?
Access is here to help!
- Call the Access Transportation Rideline 206-205-5000 (WA Relay: 711)
Would you like to know when your van is close? Access has options to help!
Access Trip Manager
Get real-time information on your computer, tablet, or smartphone.
- Customers must first enroll before using Access Trip Manager - Enroll now!
- Get the lastest ETAs for most trips in real-time.
- Track your vehicle on a map and follow its progress. (Not available on all trips.)
Advanced Call & Text
Access can give you a call or send you a text message before the van arrives to pick you up.
This service needs to be set up ahead of time with Access Customer Service.
To Activate:
- Call Access Customer Service at 206-205-5000 (WA Relay: 711); or
- Fill out an Online Activation Request
Access ETA
Access can provide you real time trip information through our automated system.
- Call Access at 206-205-5000 (WA Relay: 711). At the main menu press 1 and follow the prompts.
Use Access ETA to get your estimated:
- Pick-up time - beginning 15 minutes before your pick-up window begins.
- Drop-off time - after you've boarded the Access vehicle.
Rideline
Access dispatchers can provide you with detailed trip information.
Call Access at 206-205-5000 (WA Relay: 711). At the main menu press 3 to speak with a dispatcher.
All times provided to customers are estimates and subject to change based on traffic conditions and other factors.
Access is now allowing riders the option to be dropped more than 30 minutes prior to their appointment time.
Why make this choice?
- More time at your destination and less stress about arriving late for your appointments
- You are more likely to be taken directly to your destination
- Your trip is more likely to be scheduled on a taxi
You can make this choice in 3 ways:
- When requesting a subscription trip - let the Reservations agent know
- During your individual trip reservation process
- During the Access certification or recertification process
| Holiday | Date | Service Level |
|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1, 2021 | Sunday Subscriptions Cancelled |
| Martin Luther King, Jr. Day | January 18, 2021 | Weekday |
| Presidents' Day | February 15, 2021 | Weekday |
| Memorial Day | May 31, 2021 | Sunday Subscriptions Cancelled |
| Independence Day (Observed) | July 5, 2021 | Sunday Subscriptions Cancelled |
| Labor Day | September 7, 2021 | Sunday Subscriptions Cancelled |
| Veterans Day | November 11, 2021 | Weekday |
| Thanksgiving Day | November 25, 2021 | Sunday Subscriptions Cancelled |
| Day after Thanksgiving | November 26, 2021 | Weekday Subscriptions Cancelled |
| Christmas Day (Observed) | December 24, 2021 | Sunday Subscriptions Cancelled |
Please note:
- Except for dialysis and life-sustaining medical trips, all Subscription Service is cancelled as noted.
- To schedule a ride for a holiday, contact the Access call center 1 to 7 days before you need to travel.
- Other local transit agencies may not adhere to the same holiday schedule as Metro.
- Visit other transit agencies' websites for their holiday information.
Service animals for persons with disabilities ride for free.
Service animals must remain on the floor without blocking the aisle or on their owner's lap. If this is not an option, the service animal may occupy a seat provided one is available.
If the service animal's behavior threatens the safety of the driver or other passengers the customer and their service animal may be asked to leave the bus.
Passenger safety
The transit operator, at his or her discretion, may not allow you to board with your pet if there is a concern for the safety or comfort of your fellow passengers.
Dogs and other pets
Dogs may ride at the discretion of the operator under these guidelines:
- Drivers may refuse to transport a person and their dog if they already have another dog onboard.
- Drivers may refuse to transport a dog if it is creating a hazard or disturbance.
- Drivers may request the removal of a dog from the coach if it creates a hazard or disturbance.
- All dogs that are not service animals must be on leash.
- Dogs are not allowed to occupy seats; they must remain either on the floor or sit on their owners lap.
- Small dogs who remain on their owner's lap ride for free. All other dogs pay the base fare (or reduced fare) paid by the customer accompanying the dog. No zone fare is charged and transfers are to be issued upon request.
Pet safety
Animals other than dogs are not allowed on the coach unless they are in a container or carrier. Fare is not required.
When snow or ice is predicted, find out how Access may be affected:
- Check for service advisories
- Call us: 206-205-5000 (WA Relay: 711
- Listen to local news announcements
If Access service is suspended:
- Vehicles may still be available for emergency services
- Access will make every effort to provide service to customers when notified of an essential trip
- Staff will make the final decision about whether a trip can be provided safely
The following enhancements to Access Transportation service are available to persons registered for our ADA Paratransit Program:
- With Access Trip Manager customers can manage their trip reservations 24 hours a day*, seven days a week online, including trip booking, changes, or cancellations.
- Reservations available up to seven days before your trip.
- Subscription service for persons going to or from the same locations at the same times at least once a week.
- Vehicle arrival notifications via automated phone call or text message.
- Drop-off time flexibility with Rider's Choice.
- Expanded service area available from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.
- Expanded Rural Service extends service to several rural areas of King County. Eligible riders can travel throughout the rural areas on weekdays between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.
- 'Hand-to-Hand' service for persons who are unable to be left alone is available on a limited basis.
*Next day trips must still be booked no later than 5pm.
Access Ride Guide
Connect with us
- By email
- By phone: 206-553-3000
- By WA Relay: 711
- By regular mail:
Accessible Services
KSC-TR-0800
201 S Jackson St
Seattle, WA 98104
