Cabs to Augment the Bus System (CABS)
CABS is a taxi subsidy program for persons with disabilities who reside in the Cedar Rapids metropolitan area. Its purpose is to increase
access to transportation for persons with disabilities particularly those who are employed, at times when other transportation services
are not available.
CABS supplements the community’s other transportation services. ie. Cedar Rapids City Transit, Linn County Lifts, Neighborhood Transportation Service (NTS)
1989:
Cedar Rapids “Citizens Committee for People with Disabilities” received a United Way Time Limited Grant to pilot a project to increase access to transportation for employment.
1990:
A coalition of public and private agencies assume operation.
2000:
Personal use component is added.
2004:
Accessible taxi service is added to provide 24 hour access to transportation for all!
How it Works
-10 mile radius trip/limit
-$10.00 application fee
-Participant must have a documented disability
-Participant can receive work pass, personal tickets or BOTH a work pass AND personal tickets
CABS was intended as a “last resort” program. Participants are asked to use less costly transportation services when they are available.
Exceptions can be granted.
Work passed can only be used by identified participants for rides from home to work or work to home. Participants must notify program of address changes.
Personal use tickets are mailed each quarter. Distribution of personal use passes are dependent on the program funding and is reassessed by the CABS committee quarterly before passes for the quarter are sent to consumers. Passes can be used to go anywhere for personal needs.
Requesting a Ride
Participants must contact the taxicab company of their choice. All 3 local taxicab companies participate. Participants pay a $5.00 per ride co-pay (except NTS which has a $3.00 co-pay). CABS passes are limited to one location per trip.
What Services it Provides?
CABS provides door to door transportation services for persons with disabilities, at reduced rates, when other transportation services are not available or cannot be utilized.
CABS subsidizes the cost of a taxicab ride, making it more affordable for persons with disabilities. It builds upon existing services, ensuring that there are transportation services available 24/7 within our community.
CABS Benefits the Community
Accessible transportation has enabled people with disabilities to become productive members of society. People with disabilities can fully participate in community life. The program has generated additional business for local taxicab companies, contributing to the community’s overall economic health.