Yale University is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible environment for all members of its community. For individuals with permanent or temporary disabilities, Yale Transit offers a dedicated accessible transportation service right on campus. This invaluable service acts as a secondary transport option, ensuring ease of movement between campus locations. It’s important to note that this service is designed for on-campus transportation only and does not extend to locations off-campus or individual residences.
To utilize the accessible Transit Van service, interested Yale community members must complete a straightforward application process and provide relevant medical documentation to verify their need. Enrollment in the program runs annually, from July 1st through June 30th.
For applicants who are approved for “permanent” service, the renewal process is simplified. They will only need to complete a renewal application each year, without the requirement to resubmit medical documentation.
Participation in this program is strictly for the approved applicant’s use, and a University ID is necessary when using the service. Any misuse of the program may unfortunately lead to suspension from the service. Once enrolled, you will gain convenient access to the transportation services primarily through a user-friendly mobile app. If using the app presents a challenge, it’s important to inform the Accessibility Office during enrollment to ensure an exception is properly documented and alternative arrangements can be made.
Annual renewal applications are mandatory to maintain active enrollment, with all enrollments concluding on June 30th each year. Upon successful approval, your name will be added to the Yale Transit system, and you can immediately begin to request rides with the accessible transit van. Please be aware of the service’s operating days and times, as well as closures during university holidays.
Requesting Your Accessible Transit Van Ride
Requesting a ride in an accessible transit van is designed to be as convenient as possible. You have a few options:
- Phone Call: Simply call 203-281-5470 and follow Prompt #1 to speak with a dispatcher who can assist with your booking.
- Yale Accessible Transit App: For the most efficient self-booking experience, download the Yale Accessible Transit app. It’s available for both iPhone and Android devices. You can easily find the app by searching for “Yale Accessible Transit” in the iOS App Store or Google Play Store.
- App Instructions: If you need guidance on using the app, download these helpful instructions which provide a step-by-step walkthrough of the app’s features.
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Welcoming Service Animals on Transit Vans
Yale Transit is committed to accommodating riders with service animals. You are welcome to travel with your service animal on our accessible transit vans. To ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers, service animals are asked to remain leashed and are not permitted to occupy seats.
The definition of a service animal is broad and inclusive, encompassing any dog or other animal that is individually trained to perform tasks for a person with a disability. These tasks can include, but are not limited to: guiding individuals with vision impairments, alerting those with hearing impairments to sounds or intruders, providing minimal protection or rescue assistance, assisting with wheelchair mobility, or retrieving dropped items. While dogs are the most common type of service animal, Yale Transit recognizes and welcomes other types of trained service animals as well.
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Transit Van Service Hours
The accessible transit van service operates during the following hours:
- Monday – Friday: 6:00 a.m. – 1:00 a.m.
- Saturday and Sunday: 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Please note that accessible transit van rides are not available on the following holidays and/or designated university holidays:
- New Year’s Day
- ML King Jr. Day
- Good Friday
- Memorial Day
- Juneteenth Day
- July 4th
- Labor Day
- Thanksgiving Day and the Friday following
- Christmas Eve
- Christmas Day
- New Year’s Eve
Additional Accessible Transportation Options
Beyond the dedicated transit van service, Yale also provides information about the Freedom Fund Taxi Voucher Program. This program offers a valuable 50 percent discount on standard cab fares for passengers with disabilities. To learn more and apply for this program, please contact the Greater New Haven Transit District directly at 203-288-6282. This can be a helpful supplement to the on-campus transit van service, particularly for needs outside of the service area or hours.
By offering the accessible transit van service and promoting additional resources like the Freedom Fund Taxi Voucher Program, Yale University strives to ensure that all members of its community have equitable access to transportation and can fully participate in campus life.
