Transportation Accommodations and Information
Transportation assistance is available through SDS to students with temporary or permanent mobility impairments. The accommodations available include free bus passes, the approval of "handicapped" parking permits (which are then purchased by the student from Commuter and Parking Services), or the use of CULift, the Cornell paratransit service that provides scheduled on-campus rides for classes and extra-curricular activities. For policies and procedures regarding transportation services, please visit Procedures for Transportation Accommodations.
Bus Passes
CULift
Accessible Parking
Other Transportation Resources
Bus Passes
For most students, bus passes provide enough flexibility for getting around campus. Short-term and long-term passes can be provided directly by the SDS office at no charge to the student. These passes allow students to take TCAT buses anywhere on campus, as well as throughout the Ithaca area, seven days a week.
Accessible Parking
Students who live off campus and have cars may find accessible parking an appropriate option. Students must register with SDS and provide disability documentation to SDS.
CULift
The CULift is an on-campus transportation service available to students with permanent or temporary disabilities. Student Disability Services works in conjunction with Red Runner Courier Service to offer the CULift service free of charge to students who need rides between from housing on or near campus, between campus buildings, and to peripheral parking lots. When possible, CULift rides may supplement the use of the TCAT bus system.
The CULift operates from 7:30 AM to 9:30 PM, Monday through Friday when classes are in session (including summer). Students using the CULift service must be familiar with and adhere to the guidelines of the program. Due to the large volume of use, at least 24 hours notice is required for all additions to a student's ride schedule. The CULift guidelines can be found at: http://sds.cornell.edu/CuLift_Guidelines.doc
Understanding that broken legs, sprained ankles and other similar injuries are unplanned, and students often need rides immediately, SDS will make every effort to provide same-day and/or next-day rides for new students registering with CULift.
In order to determine the appropriate transportation services and to address any other access issues, students must meet with the Transportation Coordinator. SDS will arrange a CULift ride to the Center for Learning and Teaching for students registering for transportation accommodations.
Other Transportation Resources
Gadabout
Students who live off campus and/or need to travel to off-campus locations (e.g., doctor or physical therapy) and are prevented from using fixed-route buses because of a disabling condition, Gadabout, TCAT's ADA Paratransit service, may be an option. Gadabout is a curb-to-curb, demand-responsive public transportation service. Approval and scheduling of rides is coordinated through TCAT. Call the ADA Paratransit coordinator at TCAT (607-277-9388, extension 450). Fee depends upon points of travel. For more information, see: http://www.tcatbus.com/paratransit.shtml
TCAT
TCAT is the Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit system. Information and schedules can be found at: http://www.tcatbus.com
Taxi Services
All taxi companies in Ithaca can be reached by calling Ithaca Dispatch at 607-277-8294 or toll free at 1-888-321-1149.
City of Ithaca Accessible Parking Permit Information
The City Clerk's Office, located at 108 Green Street, issues New York State Parking Permits for People with Disabilities to City of Ithaca residents under the regulations of the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles. These permits are not valid on the Cornell Campus without an additional Cornell accessible parking permit.
To obtain a New York State permit you must complete Part I of the permit application and have your Medical Doctor, Doctor of Osteopathy, or Doctor of Podiatry Medicine either complete Part II, the medical certification, or provide you with a note detailing the nature of your disability, and whether it is a temporary or permanent disability. If your disability is temporary the doctor should also state how long you will need the permit. The application can be found at: http://www.nysdmv.com/forms/mv6641-mv6643.pdf