Paratransit
Update: SF Taxi Meter Rate Increase
Effective November 17, 2022
On November 17, 2022, the SF taxi meter rates are increasing as follows:
- The initial fare (flag drop, which covers the first 1/5 of a mile) will increase from $3.50 to $4.15.
- For each additional 1/5 of a mile in distance, the meter rate will increase from 55 cents to 65 cents.
- For each minute of waiting or traffic delay, the meter rate will increase from 55 cents to 65 cents.
This increase affects SF Paratransit Taxi, Paratransit Plus, Shop-A-Round taxi, CHOICE and those riding under our Essential Trip Card (ETC) programs. SFMTA estimates that these changes will result in an additional $0.50 cost to Paratransit riders for a typical Paratransit taxi trip.
If you have any questions or would like to request an increase in your taxi allotment due to the meter rate increase, please contact SF Paratransit at sfparatransit@sfparatransit.com or 415.351.7052.
COVID-19 UPDATE
Free Muni and Paratransit to COVID-19 Vaccine Appointments
Starting on Tuesday, February 23, 2021 Muni and Paratransit will be free for those going to get vaccinated for COVID-19. This includes trips in both directions and also provides a one-time allotment increase for those who use the Essential Trip Card. For more info, please read our recent blog post Free Muni and Paratransit to COVID-19 Vaccine Appointments.
Essential Trip Card
The Essential Trip Card helps seniors and people with disabilities pay for a taxi to complete an essential trip. If you are a senior or person with a disability, you can apply for the Essential Trip Card by calling 311 and mentioning the program.
San Francisco Paratransit (“SF Paratransit”) is a van and taxi program for people unable to independently use or access public transit because of a disability or disabling health condition. Since 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has required all public transit agencies to provide paratransit services to eligible disabled people. Muni has provided paratransit services for more than 40 years. Muni contracts with a Paratransit Broker to manage the service and the Paratransit Broker contracts with van and taxi companies to provide transportation.
Service is provided everywhere within San Francisco, including Treasure Island. Our service also extends to the northernmost part of Daly City in San Mateo County and to the Marin Headlands on weekends (mirroring the Muni 76X-Marin Headlands line). If your origin or destination lies within either Daly City or the Headlands and you want to confirm it is within the service area, please contact the Mobility Management Center at 415.351.7053.
Once you are ADA-certified to use paratransit, you are also eligible to receive paratransit services in other cities and states. We suggest that prior to your trip you contact the transit agency in the city to which you are traveling. They will give you information about arrangements, fares, operating times, and schedules. Please note that SF Paratransit does not serve any Bay Area airports. See Regional Paratransit Connections for airport service.
As a visitor from outside the Bay Area, eligibility will be valid for up a total of 21 days in a rolling twelve-month period.Visitors are advised to call SF Paratransit at 415.351.7050 in advance of a visit to San Francisco. Visit our SF Paratransit Eligibility and Registration page for more information.
