Don’t let finding transportation keep you isolated at home! We’ve gathered information on the many ways to get around San Francisco, including free and low-cost options.
Transportation Access and Support
CLC staff regularly reach out to our neighbors to make sure they know about the free and low-cost transportation options available in San Francisco, such as Free Muni for Seniors and the Essential Trip Card. We help residents decide which programs would best meet their needs, and we provide assistance during the application process.
Public Transit
San Francisco has many public transit options, including programs specifically for older adults and people with disabilities. Read general information on Muni Accessibility. Find out more about BART on the BART website or call 511.
SFMTA Essential Trip Card (ETC)
- The Essential Trip Card is a discount taxi program for seniors (65+) and people with disabilities to take essential trips.
- Registered customers pay 20% of regular taxi fare using a prepaid debit card ($6 gets you $30 credit; $12 gets you $60 credit).
- To apply, call 311 between 9am and 4:45pm and mention the “Essential Trip Card.”
- For more information, visit the ETC webpage.
SF Paratransit
- Paratransit is a door-to-door van or taxi service for people who cannot take Muni some or all of the time due to a disability.
- Registered users pay $2.50 each way.
- Now is a great time to apply! Visit the Paratransit website for details.
- For more information, call 311 or 415-351-7000 (the Paratransit office) between 9am and 4:45pm.
Shop-a-Round
- Shop-a-Round is a group van service that takes seniors (65+) and people with disabilities to grocery stores.
- Vans are currently limited to 2 people per van.
- Registered users pay $2.50 each way.
- Now is a great time to apply! Visit the Shop-a-Round website for the scheduled and applications materials.
- For more information, call 311 or 415-351-7000 (the Paratransit office) between 9am and 4:45pm.
Free Muni for Seniors and People with Disabilities
- A program that allows low-income seniors (65+) and people with disabilities to ride Muni for free.
- Income requirements can be found on the Free Muni for Seniors webpage and the Free Muni for People with Disabilities webpage.
- To apply, you can fill out the online application or print and mail this application.
- You must have a Senior Clipper card or Regional Transit Connection (RTC) card to access use your Free Muni benefit.
- To apply for a Senior Clipper card, download the application from the Clipper Card website.
- The RTC Discount ID Office is closed until the shelter-in-place order is lifted. Customers who need to renew or replace their RTC card and must travel for essential needs may still ride transit without being cited.
- For more information, call 311 or 511.
Taxis and Ride Services
- Flywheel
- Luxor
- Lyft
- While more expensive, SilverRide (415-861-7433) and Onward (510-771-7171) provide rides specifically to older adults with more service than standard taxis or ride services. No app is needed to use the service.
Transportation Questions or Concerns?
- Muni, driving, parking, walking, biking: Call 311 (or 415-701-2311 outside of SF)
- Paratransit, Shop-a-Round, Essential Trip Card: Call 311 or 415-351-7000 (M-F, 9-4:45pm)
- BART, Golden Gate Transit, other regional transportation questions: Call 511
- Accessibility concerns about transportation options: Contact the SF Office on Disability and Accessibility (formerly the Mayor’s Office on Disability) at 415-554-0670 or ODA@sfgov.org.