Explore transportation options for people who are blind or have low vision—from paratransit and public transit to rideshare apps and emerging tech.

Transportation for People with Vision Loss: Your Complete Guide to Getting Around

People living with blindness and low vision today have more transportation options than ever before, particularly in urban areas. But despite access to everything from taxi and car services, ride shares, public transportation, and paratransit, to ride-hailing apps such as Uber, Lyft, and Hail, transportation remains one of the greatest challenges for people with visual impairments. Vision loss—particularly later in life—can impact independence, which can produce anxiety, feelings of helplessness, and fears of becoming a burden to friends and family.

Orientation and Mobility (O&M) Training

A Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist can help people living with blindness or low vision travel more safely, independently, and confidently navigate daily life at home and on the road. Guidance and training are tailored to the specific needs and abilities of each client, identifying the devices, technology, and strategies that best suit a client’s unique circumstances through services including:

• White cane, dog guide, and adaptive mobility device training
• Body protection and sensory instruction, emphasizing spatial awareness and honing senses other than vision to receive and interpret environmental cues
• Learning how to safely travel through streets and public spaces, including when and how to ask for sighted guide assistance
• Techniques for navigating public and private transportation, use of mobile apps, and route planning

Public Transportation for Blind and Low Vision Riders

Thanks to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), all modes of commercial transportation—trains, planes, automobiles, ships, and buses—must accommodate the needs of travelers with visual impairments. This includes accepting service dogs, helping fold and stow assistive equipment, and providing staff assistance from trained personnel.

Buses and Fixed-Route Transit: Accessibility Features to Know

Fixed-route transit is public transportation that operates along an established route and timetable, such as:

• Bus systems
• Subways
• Streetcars/trollies
• Light and heavy rail
• Commuter trains
• Campus or company shuttles
• Ferries (many major US ferry lines offer free or discounted fares for legally blind travelers and their companions)

Subway and Rail Systems: How They Accommodate Vision Loss

Modifications to physical and tactile infrastructure, audio cues, and digital/ mobile technology work together to make subway and train travel safer and more accessible for people living with blindness or low vision.

Physical and Tactile Infrastructure

• Strategic placement of textured, raised, and brightly colored tiles on stairs, entries, platform edges, and walkways
• Between-Car Barriers (BCBs), soft barriers such as retractable belts, chains, or gates to help blind or low vision riders “mind the gap” and not mistake the opening between cars for an exit
• Sliding glass platform barriers that remain closed until train doors open
• Braille and high-contrast signage throughout the station

Auditory Aids

• Live or recorded announcements of upcoming stops, station changes, delays, and other necessary travel information

Digital and Mobile Technology

• Smartphone-based apps such as BlindSquare, Waymap, GoodMaps, and TAD (Travel Assistant Device) safely guide blind and low vision travelers to bus stops and train stations with audio directions
• NaviLens scans via smartphone digital markers placed throughout some train and subway stations to deliver travel details and audio wayfinding information
• Be My Eyes provides live visual assistance to Amtrak riders for schedules, track locations, and terminal mapping. Be My Eyes also offers an app with virtual assistants that can provide a broad range of support.

Paratransit: What It Is and Who Qualifies

Paratransit is an alternative to fixed-route transit for people who are unable to safely and independently access standard public transportation. Using large vehicles and specially equipped vans to provide door-to-door/curb-to-curb service, paratransit routes offer service within three-quarters of a mile of standard public transport lines. The Department of Transportation (DOT) mandates reduced fares indexed to regular public transportation rates. Eligibility is determined through an application process, which may include medical certification and/or in-person assessment. Unfortunately, because paratransit is ADA-mandated only where fixed-route public transport is available, paratransit is unavailable in most rural areas in the US. Visit the Federal Transit Administration website to learn more about fixed-route transit and paratransit requirements.

Community & Nonprofit Transportation Options and How to Find Them

Volunteer driver programs, senior transportation services, and programs such as the Independent Transportation Network and Uzurv offer alternatives to traditional fixed-route transit and paratransit. For more information on alternative transportation services in your area, including Lyft Pass assistance, dial 211 to speak with a specialist in health and human services, contact United Way, visit Rides in Sight, Uzurv, Find Help, or Eldercare Locator.

Rideshare Services for People with Vision Loss

Uber and Lyft apps are compatible with screen readers and are bound by the same ADA requirements regarding accommodation of service animals and equipment.

Many continue to advocate for increased transportation options and support to increase safety. Confidence, and independence for people of all ages living with blindness and low vision.

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