Access Paratransit

Access Program

Access is a shared-ride public transportation service, providing origin-to-destination transportation in small buses for people whose disabilities prevent them from riding Metro buses. To use Access, you must first register and be approved for service, a process that can take up to three weeks.

Visit the Access office on Mondays, Wednesdays, or Fridays from 8:15 a.m. – 4 p.m. (closed from 12 – 1 p.m.)

For Access questions, please call: 513-632-7586

Overview

About Access

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) was passed to remove the physical barriers that have kept people with disabilities from fully participating in society.

The ADA states that Metro’s regular bus service should be the primary means of public transportation for everyone, including people with disabilities. Under the ADA, Access serves as a “safety net” for only those people who do not have the functional capability to ride Metro buses. Disability alone does not qualify a person to use Access under the ADA.

Access’ service area and hours of operation are based on regular Metro service. Access service is limited to operation within 3/4 of a mile of regular (non-express) Metro service and within the hours of regular (non-express) Metro service.

For questions regarding Access policies, please call the Access information line at 513-632-7586.

Important Access Phone Numbers:

How-To Ride

Access Fares

  • Hamilton County: $4.00 (As of April 4, 2021)
  • Access fares can be paid in any combination of cash and tickets equaling the exact fare.
  • Access tickets cannot be accepted for fares on any Metro route.

Rules of Riding

Access drivers are responsible for:

  • Assisting customers on and off the vehicles lift or steps
  • Securing your wheelchair or scooter
  • Fastening every customer’s seat belt
  • Calling 911 in case of any medical emergency on the vehicle
  • Collecting fares


Access drivers are NOT responsible for:

  • Carrying groceries and packages
  • Installing child safety seats
Apply

Access Applications

Access no longer accepts applications by mail or fax.  After completing the application, applicants should call (513) 632-7586 to schedule an in-person transportation skills assessment.  All applicants (new applicants and recertifying customers) should bring their completed application with them at the time of their appointment. The assessments are conducted at 7000 Montgomery Road in Silverton.

Having the application complete and available at the time of the assessment appointment will help to make the appointment go faster.

All applicants (new applicants and recertifying customers) will be required to present a valid photo ID at the time of their Access appointment.

Valid forms of photo ID include: 
  • State issued driver’s license
  • State issued ID card
  • Passport


The application and assessment will not be processed without both documents.

Applicants will need to reschedule their assessment appointment if they are unable to provide both items at the time of their appointment.

For recertifications, applicants may experience a lapse in service if they do not keep their assessment appointment or fail to complete the entire process by their expiration date.

Applicants should also bring any mobility aid that they normally use when traveling. (cane, walker, etc.)

Monthly Fare Deal stickers will only be sold to those customers holding valid Fare Deal cards. Access customers with valid Access identification cards can still use their Access cards to ride Metro for half-fare. Just show the operator your Access ID when boarding to receive a discounted fare.

Necessary Documents:

ADA Transportation Application Cover Sheet
ADA Transportation Application
ADA Notice of Right to Appeal
ADA Eligibility Information
Requests for Reasonable Modifications & Procedures