Throughout the state of California, there are programs available to provide transportation services for brain injury victims. Traditionally, urban areas have stronger public transportation options and can offer more support for disabled individuals, and brain injury victims, who need transportation services.

Public Transportation

Traditional public transportation services throughout California are handicap accessible and, therefore, available to brain injury victims. These traditional transportation services vary depending on your location within the state, but can include:

  • Buses – Many cities have kneeling buses that allow individuals who use wheelchairs, or other types of mobility assistance, to board the bus and travel along the bus routes easily.
  • Trains – Whether privately-owned or government-owned, trains offer a convenient mode of transportation for brain injury victims, as well as their caregivers.
  • Trolleys – In some cities, trolleys are available as an alternative to buses or trains. Publicly owned trolleys are also handicap accessible and may be a good option for brain injury victims.
  • Ferries – In areas like San Diego and San Francisco, ferries are popular modes of transportation and are also handicap accessible.
  • Paratransit – Paratransit services are available on a city-wide or county-wide basis and are designed to provide additional transportation choices for disabled individuals.

Private Transportation

Brain injury victims may be eligible for a disabled license placard, which provides disabled individuals with access to parking spaces that are easier to get in and out of, and also allows disabled individuals to get help at gas stations.

Taxis are also a transportation option for brain injury victims.

It is important to note that state and federal laws provide for funding for private transportation if public transportation isn’t available. If public transportation is not available or accessible in your area, you may want to contact Disability Rights California to learn what organizations you should reach out to locally.

Nontraditional Transportation

For some brain injury victims, nontraditional transportation services also offer a viable alternative to public transportation. Ride share programs like Lyft and Uber make getting around much easier for a number of people. Vehicle sharing programs are also a great alternative to owning and maintaining a car.

As you can see, there are a number of different transportation services available to brain injury victims in California depending on the location of your home and your personal preferences.