Eligibility for Paratransit / Reduced Fare

Transit Accessibility Center

The Transit Accessibility Center offers the following services to our customers with disabilities:

Information and application materials for the Reduced Fare (half fare) program for Metrobus and Metrorail
Information and application materials for the MetroAccess paratransit service
Consultations and functional assessments to determine eligibility for MetroAccess paratransit service
Replacement ID cards for MetroAccess customers
Support (by phone) for resetting your MetroAccess EZ-Pay or InstantAccess password

The Transit Accessibility Center is located at Metro headquarters, 600 Fifth Street NW, Washington, DC 20001. All assessments for MetroAccess are by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, call 202-962-2700 and select option 5 or TTY 202-962-2033.

Office hours are:

Mon: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Tue: 8 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Wed-Fri: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

MetroAccess Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for MetroAccess service, you must:

Have a disability as defined by the ADA

AND

Be unable, as a result of your disability, to utilize fixed-route transportation such as Metrobus and Metrorail,

Need to use a ramp or wheelchair lift to board or exit a public transit vehicle, but an accessible public transit vehicle is not being used at the time, date, and on the route you would travel. (All Metrobuses are wheelchair accessible.)

Be unable to travel to or from a bus stop or rail station due to a disability.

Applying for MetroAccess Service

To determine if you are eligible to use MetroAccess, you must complete an application and have it certified by a health care professional. You can request the application by several different means. You can email your request to eligibility@wmata.com, You can request the application by writing to:

Metro Transit Accessibility Center
600 Fifth Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001

You can stop by our offices at the address above or you can download the application . Both your disability(ies) and your need to use MetroAccess must be explained and certified. Also please indicate on your application if you need to travel with a personal care assistant.

Please ensure you read and follow the instructions on page 2 of the application. Once you've completed the application, please contact the Transit Accessibility Center at (202) 962-2700 and select option 5 to talk with one of our Specialist, at which time you will be scheduled for an interview and assessment. Please do not mail, or fax your application. Spanish applications are also available upon request. Aplicaciones de español también están disponibles bajo petición. Spanish

In-Person Interview and Assessment

The final step in the application process is your in-person interview and functional assessment. Your interview and assessment appointment will be conducted at our main headquarters building in Washington D.C., where your independent travel skills and ability to use public transportation will be evaluated, including your ability to walk or travel a measured distance. During your interview, you also will be given information regarding Metro's Reduced Fare Program for Metrobus and Metrorail service.

If you use a mobility aid, you must bring it to the assessment, along with your completed original application MetroAccess will provide transportation to the interview free of charge, and will arrange pick up for this appointment. You also have the option of providing your own transportation should you choose.

You will receive written notification of the paratransit option best fits your travel needs If it is determined that you qualify for MetroAccess, we also will send you a MetroAccess Identification Card. If you are denied eligibility, you have the right to appeal. Information on the appeal process will be sent along with notification of denial.

Our office is located at:

Metro Headquarters
Transit Accessibility Center (Lobby Level)
600 Fifth Street NW
Washington, DC 20001

Changes in MetroAccess Eligibility

MetroAccess reserves the right to require a new eligibility assessment at any time. Reasons a new eligibility assessment might be required include, but are not limited to:

instances when there may have been possible improvements in your ability to use public transit and/or
removal of physical barriers that previously prevented you from using public transportation.

Applying for Visitor’s Status

Visitors to the Washington D.C. metropolitan area who are unable to use the accessible Metrorail, Metrobus or other local bus service because of their disabilities, are eligible to use MetroAccess service for 21 days in a rolling 365 day period. To apply for visitor’s status please have your current paratransit provider mail, fax, or email verification to our office. In order to process your request we will need to obtain the following information:

Your full name
Your full address and phone number
You paratransit ID number and expiration date
Your disability type
Type of mobility aid used, if applicable
If you are authorized a Personal Care Assistant (PCA)
If you use a service animal

If you do not have paratransit in your home area, you will need to have your healthcare provider provide a certification of your disability. We will also require you to provide items 1, 2, 5, 6, 7 above. Once we receive the information we will enter you into our system and mail an authorization letter and instructions on how to use our service to you. Alternately, we can email a PDF copy to your home or work email address if supplied. In order to provide adequate time to process you request we ask request visitor’s status at least 3 weeks before your visit.

Our contact information is:

Metro Headquarters
Transit Accessibility Center
600 Fifth Street NW
Washington, DC 20001

Phone: 202-962-2700
Fax 202-962-6393
Email: eligibility@wmata.com

Metro Disability ID Card

Metro assistance for persons with disabilities

The Metro Disability ID Card must be kept in the possession of the qualifying customer with a disability at all times while riding Metrobus and Metrorail and presented when boarding Metrobus, when purchasing reduced farecards for Metrorail or Metrobus Weekly Disabled Passes, or on demand to Metro Transit Police officers, Metrobus operators, and Metrorail station managers. ID cards that are used in any other manner, which is unlawful, will be confiscated.

Who qualifies?

People with disabilities who require accessibility features to use public transportation may be eligible to ride at a discounted rate. Seniors citizens 65 years or older with a disability and Medicare card holders with a valid photo ID are not required to apply for the Metro Disability ID card, but may purchase fare by showing proof of age at any Metro Sales location, many public libraries in the District of Columbia, Montgomery County, and Prince George's County, and retail outlets.

For additional information about reduced fares, see our Reduced Fare Program page.

How do I get a Metro Disability ID Card?

The Metro Disability ID card is free. An initial card will be issued without a waiting period if you qualify and meet the eligibility criteria.

You can obtain a Metro Disability ID card application by:

downloading our online Metro Disability ID Card application ,
picking up an application at one of these locations,
calling 202-962-2700 or TTY 202-628-8973 or calling 202-962-1558 or TTY 202-962-2033 or
emailing your request.

The original certified application is required when applying for the ID card.

Where do I get an ID card?

Metro Disability ID cards are issued at the Transit Accessibility Center located at 600 5th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001 Monday through Friday with the exception of Federal holidays.

Groups are strongly encouraged to schedule appointments for photo ID sessions by contacting 202-962-2845.
For large groups of ten (10) or more, contact the Metro Office of ADA Programs at 202-962-1100 or
traveltraining@wmata.com for information about arranging an on-site photo ID session.

How do I renew my ID card?

If your Metro Disability Card is labeled as "Permanent":

Approximately 60 days before your card expires, go to the Metro Transit Accessibility Center to exchange your expiring card for a new one.
If your permanent ID card has been expired for 30 days or more, you must complete a new application.

If your card is labeled "Temporary" or "Long Term" but your disability continues beyond the expiration date, you must complete a new application.

How do I replace a lost or stolen card?

If you lose your valid Metro Disability ID card, you may obtain a replacement. A fee of $10.00 is charged for the first replacement and $25.00 for each subsequent replacement. The fee may be waived upon receipt of a police report documenting theft of the Metro Disability ID card. You must have valid identification when applying for a lost card.