What is Non-emergency Wheelchair Transport?
Non-Emergency Wheelchair Transport, or N.E.W.T., is a taxi or chauffeur service that offers paratransit assistance throughout the greater Chicago community. NEWT focuses solely on providing paratransit, or transporting physically disabled persons confined to wheelchairs.
Does NEWT offer specialized cab services?
Non-Emergency Wheelchair Transport, or N.E.W.T., has been serving the Chicago area with paratransit services for years. Non-Emergency Wheelchair Transport offers its service 24 hours a day, every day of the week. Customers can use our range of paratransit services to travel to business meetings, birthday parties and airport connections. You can use these services to go to virtually any professional or social occasion requiring short distance travel.
What is Paratransit?
Paratransit refers to safe and convenient access to travel services for persons considered physically disabled. Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act lists requirements that must be made available to those persons with physical limitations. This means that transportation must be customized for people with specific physical disabilities. These adjustments include, but are not limited to, ramps, lifts and other mechanisms. Non-Emergency Wheelchair Transport is in full compliance with these requirements.
Why do you offer Paratransit services?
The team at NEWT understands that life does not end with a person’s accident or debilitating illness. We are passionate about paratransit because we are passionate about people. It is our mission to provide necessary transportation around the greater Chicago area to those who are physically challenged so they can continue their lives, including their career or a night on the town. This is something we feel privilege to offer.
How do people confined to wheelchairs enter or exit your cabs?
Currently, Non-Emergency Wheelchair Transport uses Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), certified ramps. Our drivers are happy to assist with entry and exit, as well as with transportation of luggage or other items. Keep an eye on our website and local media for announcements of additions such as electronic lifts.
I assume that “Non-Emergency” means that your taxi service does not manage medical transportation?
That is correct. NEWT does not offer ambulance services and our staff are not emergency medical technicians. If you or a loved one are in a wheelchair and experience a medical emergency, do not call our business. Rather, call 911 immediately. Our transportation services are for regular transportation, such as to the store.
How does Non-Emergency Wheelchair Transport offer such a unique service?
Our unique service utilizes a minivan equipped with Americans with Disabilities Act certified ramps. The vehicle has more than enough room for two wheelchair-bound travelers, while also offering two additional seats for non-wheelchair bound associates.
We are always on the lookout to provide the very best customer service. Please feel free to share suggestions with our office or your driver during a commute.
What areas of the city do you service?
Non-Emergency Wheelchair Transport services customers who live and travel all over greater Chicagoland. If you have a question about a specific area, feel free to call our office. The safety of our passengers and staff is our primary concern. We will never intentionally transport a passenger to an area we know to be unsafe.
I need a long range commute to regional cities such as South Bend or Rockford. Can Non-Emergency Wheelchair Transport help?
At this time, our taxi service is limited to the greater Chicago area. However, this may change in the relatively near future. Our office can refer you to a reputable bus line that will offer wheelchair-bound customers a safe and comfortable trip. Please call our office for referrals. Again, this may change, so also keep an eye on our website for new transport options.
Are there limits to the size of the wheelchair that Non-Emergency Wheelchair Transport can service?
To date that has not been an issue. If you are concerned about your larger than average chair, our office can always give you a specific answer. Again, we have found that this is not a concern, and we have never had to refuse business due to a wheelchair or customer’s size.
With the ADA compliance of Chicago public transportation, why would someone in a wheelchair be better served via a taxi?
Non-Emergency Wheelchair Transport offers the personalized touch of a private car ride. As with a standard taxi commute, we offer the customer the music of his or her choice as well as customized stops such as detours to restaurants or convenient stores not typically included with bus trips. Also, because of our passion for helping, we guarantee a thoroughly pleasant and safe experience.
How much is the fare?
Non-Emergency Wheelchair Transport offers reasonable rates for all pickups and drop-offs, as well as competitive mileage rates throughout Chicago. Our cabs accept all major credit cards. Call our office to confirm the specific rate for your trip.