Services for Senior Citizens & Riders with Disabilities
Capital Metro offers a variety of accessible fixed-route and flex bus routes and MetroRail service. Seniors 65 and over, Medicare card holders, and persons with qualifying disabilities may ride bus and rail service at a reduced (half-price) fare with the Capital Metro-issued Reduced Fare ID Card. Learn more. MetroAccess-certified riders may also receive the reduced fare on fixed-route bus and rail with their Capital Metro-issued ID cards.
Lift and Ramp Access
Passengers who use wheelchairs or similar mobility devices will find lift or low floor ramp access to buses and MetroRail trains throughout the service area. The international access symbol is displayed on every accessible vehicle and on materials to indicate that the services are accessible to persons with disabilities.
Seating Access
The seating in the front of the bus is reserved for the elderly, persons in wheelchairs or other passengers with disabilities. The operator can assist with seating upon request. On MetroRail trains, lower-level front seats are reserved for senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
Calling Out Stops
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), all buses and operators on fixed- route services will announce stops as follows:
- Major stops/timepoints along the route
- Transfer locations and routes that serve them
- Major intersections
- Stops upon request
This service provides any passenger with information and orientation along the route and throughout the service area. An automated stop announcement system, in English and Spanish, announces major bus stops onboard buses and all MetroRail station stops onboard trains.
Accessible/Courtesy Stop Requests
Due to accessibility barriers at a bus stop or a customer's disability needs, requests to board or deboard at a safe location along a route, other than a bus stop, is allowed, upon request. Exceptions: all Limited, Flyer and Express services.
Operator Training
Operators are trained to meet the needs of passengers with disabilities and can assist passengers when getting on and off a vehicle and securing the wheelchair. They are also trained in sensitivity and awareness to meet the needs of passengers with disabilities. Assistance is provided upon request.
Free Training Opportunity
Capital Metro also offers free fixed-route bus training for passengers with disabilities and senior citizens. For information and to schedule an appointment for training call 512-369-6083.
MetroAccess Service
MetroAccess Service is available to individuals who, because of a disability, are unable to ride a fixed-route bus. MetroAccess operates on an advance-reservation basis for qualified passengers. Call MetroAccess at 389-7480 for an application or additional information. Applications and additional information also are available online.
Access Advisory Committee
Capital Metro has a liaison for accessibility programs for senior citizens and persons with disabilities. The office can be reached at martin.kareithi@capmetro.org (email) or at 389-7583 (voice). To become involved in the Access Advisory Committee, which is responsible for many of the improvements to services for persons with disabilities and senior citizens, call 389-7583 (voice or 711) or come to the meetings held the first Wednesday of each month, 5-7 pm at 314 W. 11th St. in the Ned Granger Building. Additional information about the committee, and minutes from their meetings are available online.
Learn More
On request, Capital Metro can provide you:
- Schedule books in large print
- TDD service for customer concerns, route and schedule information, (512) 385-5872
- Phone operators trained in the use of Texas Relay 711 service
- Accessible online schedules and reasonable accommodations
Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority
2910 East 5th Street | Austin, Texas 78702 | (512) 389-7400
Specific Route Information | (512) 474-1200