Eugene Will Launch Wheelchair Taxi Pilot Program
The city will begin a new accessible transit service on October 1, 2026, using three converted vehicles.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Special Needs
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Eugene will launch a wheelchair-accessible taxi pilot program on October 1, 2026, to provide on-demand travel options for residents. The service will operate within the city's urban growth boundary and to the Eugene Airport.
Why it matters
Currently, Eugene lacks reliable wheelchair-accessible vehicles within its existing taxi and ride-share fleets. This pilot seeks to bridge that gap and ensure that all residents have equitable access to local transportation.
The fleet consists of three converted vehicles, each capable of accommodating two wheelchair users and three additional passengers. The city is funding the program by utilizing underspent funds from the Public Works budget.
The players
Direct Medical Transport
This is the contracted service provider that will operate the fleet and manage the modified taxi vehicles.
Eugene Public Works
This department is responsible for the city infrastructure and provided the funding for the pilot program through budget surpluses.
The details
The program allows residents to book trips via smartphone app or phone call, with the city subsidizing fares through monthly payments to the provider. Direct Medical Transport serves as the contractor, utilizing vehicles specifically modified for this pilot.
Timeline
The pilot program is scheduled to begin on October 1, 2026.
The program is set to run through September 2027.
Culture Shift
This initiative reflects a broader societal push to eliminate transportation barriers for residents with mobility needs. By retrofitting existing vehicles, the city is following a growing trend of municipal efforts to improve inclusivity in urban transit networks.
Residents requiring wheelchair access will gain a new on-demand travel option for daily errands and trips to the Eugene Airport. Users will pay standard taxi fares, as the city handles the additional subsidy costs directly with the provider.
The takeaway
This program marks a significant effort by the city to address long-standing gaps in local transit accessibility. Residents should keep an eye on upcoming announcements regarding the specific smartphone app required for booking these new services.
What happens next
The city will evaluate program participation and rider feedback throughout the pilot period, with a review scheduled following the September 2027 end date to determine future viability.
Further reading
Learn more about local accessibility initiatives in our Special Needs section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KVAL.
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