Transportation

Getting Around

Disability Parking Placards

Both foreign and out-of-state disability parking permits are considered valid for parking in designated accessible parking spaces in Illinois. With either a disability license plate or placard, you can also park free at metered parking spaces except those limited to 30 minutes or less. The placard must be hung from the rearview mirror or placed on the dashboard. Watch for day/hour sign restrictions to avoid being ticketed or towed. If you are renting a wheelchair accessible van, the company will provide a parking placard for your convenience. Unlike some other states, Illinois does not issue temporary placards to non-residents so be sure to bring your own parking placard with you.

Full details on disability parking in Illinois, including a "Persons with Disabilities Certification Placard" application form, are available online at www.dmv.org/il-illinois/disabled-drivers.php or call (217) 782-2709.

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Downtown Parking Garages—Clearance Height

  • 4th & Capitol—8 ft.
  • 4th & Washington—6 ft. 6 in.
  • 6th & Capitol—6 ft. 10 in.
  • 6th & Madison (Presidential Museum)—8 ft. 2 in.
  • 6th bet. Washington & Adams (under Old State Capitol)—6 ft. 7 in.
  • 7th & Capitol (under Public Library)—7 ft.
  • 7th & Monroe (near Hilton)—6 ft. 8 in.
  • 7th & Washington (near PCCC and President Abraham Lincoln Hotel)—6 ft. 7 in.

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Gas Stations

Illinois law requires gas station attendants to pump gas at the self-serve price to people displaying either a disability placard or license plate. If, however, only one employee is on duty, they are not required to comply.

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Accessible Van Transportation

While Springfield currently has no accessible taxis, it does have two private transportation companies with lift-equipped or ramped vehicles and 24-hour service.

R Squared Transport
1700 S. Spring St.
Springfield, IL 62704
(217) 525-9069
(217) 891-4238 or (217) 622-9073 (evenings and weekends)
R Squared Transport has a number of wheelchair vans and mini-vans that will accommodate either 1 or 2 passengers in wheelchairs and 3 in seats. Within Springfield, the company changes a flat fee for one-way and round-trip transport. Outside Springfield, mileage is calculated. No day or half-day rates are available. To ensure prompt service, 24-hour advance notice is recommended. All reservations are taken by phone. Cash or checks are accepted, no credit cards.

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Paratransit Service

Access Springfield
SMTD
928 S. Ninth St.
Springfield, IL 62703
(217) 522-6087 (Information)
(217) 522-8594 (Reservations)
www.smtd.org
Service Hours
Mon-Fri: 6:15am-Midnight
Sat: 6:15am-6pm
Closed Sunday and major holidays
Paratransit services in Springfield are provided by the SMTD-Springfield Mass Transit District. Visitors who want to extend their eligibility to Springfield must have their local paratransit agency provide documentation that they are ADA paratransit eligible for the jurisdiction in which they reside. ADA paratransit certification (with expiration date and registration number) should be faxed to (217) 789-9819 or emailed to drowden@smtd.org. Please allow time for processing. To request a pickup on arrival, visitors should make the reservation for an estimated time and then call again once they are actually in the station or terminal, as drivers will wait only five minutes. Rides with Access Springfield may be scheduled up to 3 days in advance and early reservation is advised.

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County Transport for Seniors

Senior Transport
Senior Services of Central Illinois
701 W. Mason St. (Cross St.: W. Madison)
(713) 528-4035
www.ssoci.org
Service Hours
Mon-Fri: 7:30am-4pm
Closed Sat and Sun
Senior Transport provides transportation to participants, age 60 or older, living in Sangamon County. Vans are wheelchair accessible. Policies are provided to participants with information regarding priorities and daily scheduling of appointments. A Personal Information Form (PIF) must be completed for each participant before service is provided. This service is offered on a weekly basis and covers the entire county area. Reservations are required.

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Complimentary Hotel Shuttles

The following hotels in Springfield offer complimentary shuttle service to and from the airport, bus and train stations. With 48-hour advance notice, they will arrange for and cover the cost of accessible transportation from an outside supplier. Please call to confirm before making a reservation.

  • Hilton Springfield, (217) 789-1530
  • President Abraham Lincoln Hotel, (217) 544-8800
  • Northfield Inn, (217) 523-9700
  • Ramada Ltd. North, (217) 523-4000
  • Crowne Plaza Springfield, (217) 529-7777
  • Hampton Inn & Suites, (217) 793-7670
  • Staybridge Suites, (217) 793-6700

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