Chicago Wheelchair Accessible Taxicabs (WAV)

The City of Chicago is committed to transportation access for people with disabilities. Wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) taxicab drivers provide a critical service for people with disabilities by increasing accessible transportation options throughout Chicago.

Request a WAV Taxicab

The Centralized WAV Taxicab Dispatch Service allows the public to contact one phone number or use a single smart phone app to request and connect with an available WAV taxicab. Curb Mobility, LLC (CURB) manages the City’s Centralized Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) Taxicab Dispatch Service.

Passengers can request a WAV taxicab ride by:

CALL 1-888-WAV-CABS (1-888-928-2227) OR by downloading the CURB app

Passengers will also be able to make in-app electronic (credit or debit) payments for their rides via the CURB app. For more information, including steps on how to download the CURB app, visit gocurb.com/ChicagoWAV.

Pace Taxi Access Program (TAP) certified paratransit passengers should book TAP rides by phone if they want to pay by TAP card. The TAP card cannot be integrated into the Curb app. Note -rides booked via the CURB app must be paid through the Curb app with a credit or debit card. TAP payments are not permitted through the CURB app. TAP riders should follow the protocols of the TAP User’s Guide, which requires TAP passengers to swipe their card in the card reader in the back of the taxi to deduct a ride at the end of the trip.

Request WAV Taxicabs for High Volume Events

The City of Chicago is committed to providing accessible transportation options for people with disabilities.

If you are planning or attending an event in the City of Chicago that may include high turnout from people with disabilities, including users of wheelchair accessible vehicles, you can request wheelchair accessible taxis in advance.

Send your advance request directly to the City of Chicago Centralized Wheelchair Accessible Taxicab Dispatch Service, CURB, at least three (3) business days in advance by sending an email to chicagowav@gocurb.com

In your request, please include the following information: your name, your role in planning the event, your e-mail and phone number, event name, event date, start time, expected end time, event location, pick-up/drop-off location, estimated number of attendees who may use wheelchair accessible vehicles, estimated number of wheelchair accessible taxis needed and any other relevant information.

In addition, you may also request the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP), disseminate a Public Vehicle Industry Notice requesting wheelchair accessible taxicabs be available for transportation needs. Send an email request to BACPPV@cityfochicago.org with the following information: your name, your role in planning the event, your e-mail and phone number, event name, location, date & start time, expected end time, pick-up/drop-off location, estimated number of attendees who may use wheelchair accessible vehicles, estimated number of wheelchair accessible taxis needed and any other relevant information.

BACP will then share this information with City of Chicago wheelchair accessible taxi drivers. Please send the email request at least three (3) business days in advance of the event, if possible. Please send any requests for more information or questions to BACPPV@cityofchicago.org.

2023 Wheelchair Accessible Taxi Driver Award Ceremony

Annually, the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) recognizes outstanding taxi drivers for displaying exemplary service to people with disabilities. The award recipients are each awarded a free Chicago taxi medallion license to place a wheelchair accessible vehicle into service as a taxi.

On February 21, 2024, BACP, along with the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD), presented the Wheelchair Accessible Taxi Driver Award to 8 local taxi drivers in recognition of their premier customer service and dedication to riders with disabilities.

These 8 WAV taxi chauffeurs responded to and completed 2,500 WAV trips in 2023 requested through the Centralized WAV Taxi Dispatch Service contractor, Curb Mobility.

The recipients are chosen by the Wheelchair Accessible Taxi Driver Award Selection Committee, made up of BACP, MOPD, and representatives from Shirley Ryan Ability Lab, Access Living, Equip for Equality, the Selfhelp Home and the Gridiron Alliance. The committee reviews nominations by the public and carefully considers each of them before selecting a recipient of the award.

Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles - Information for Owners

Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs) are required for certain licensees. Please refer to Section VII of the Taxi Medallion License Holder Rules and Regulations and Section 9-112-570 of the Municipal Code of Chicago for guidance.

For a list of Wheelchairs Accessible Vehicles (WAVs), click here to visit Public Vehicles data portal

Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles Incentives Forms

A WAV taxi medallion licensee submitting a WAV TAXI VEHICLE MAINTENANCE SUBSIDY REQUEST APPLICATION form MUST schedule an intake appointment for BACP staff to review application form. Schedule an Intake Appointment

2024 Request for Proposals (RFP) for the City of Chicago Centralized WAV Taxicab Dispatch Service Documents

Public Vehicle Traffic Management Directives (and corresponding maps)

Public Vehicle Traffic Management Directives (and corresponding maps) are published at BACP’s Public Vehicle Traffic Management Directives and Industry Notices webpage.
Chicago’s OEMC (Office of Emergency Management and Communications), CPD (Chicago Police Department), and CDOT (Chicago Department of Transportation) collaboratively plan, design, and implement traffic management directives for large-scale events and venues to ensure that the effective movement of vehicles and pedestrians is secure and safe. The intent is for the public to safely and efficiently arrive and leave major and popular Chicago events and venues (including beaches). BACP (Business Affairs and Consumer Protection) facilitates dissemination of public vehicle traffic management directives by posting on its webpage and through BACP Public Vehicle Industry Notices.
City of Chicago laws require public vehicle operators and public chauffeurs to follow and comply with Public Vehicle Traffic Management Directives. All public vehicle operators, including taxi, transportation network provider (TNP or ride-hail), livery, pedicab, and charter bus operators, should read and comply with City of Chicago Public Vehicle Traffic Management Directives.
Questions or to sign up for BACP Public Vehicle Industry Notices, email BACPPV@cityofchicago.org.

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