-
Traveling to New York
Hi! I will be taking a week vacation to New York next month. We plan to be walking pretty much everywhere we go, but I need to be able to bring my cough assist with me. I have the Philips Respironics Cough Assist T70. Right now to bring it somewhere with me, we use a rolling bag. But this will not be very realistic while walking on the street. Does anyone use a bag for it that can be carried easily? I thought we still had the one it came with but we haven’t been able to find it. Also, for far away places we plan to use a taxi or Uber. Does anyone have any experience with taking taxis or Ubers in New York? I don’t think I’m going to ride the subway. Thanks!
-
13 Replies
-
Hey, Lindsay! I’ve been to NYC a couple of times: https://smanewstoday.com/columns/sma-didnt-get-way-adventures-big-apple-part-1/.
A carry-on bag is definitely helpful. It’s been a few years, but I rode an accessible taxi and it went well. Have a great time!
smanewstoday.com
SMA Didn't Get in the Way of Adventures in the Big Apple (Part 1)
Columnist Kevin Schaefer writes about the first portion of his adventures in New York City, which included a famous comic shop, drool-worthy food, and surprisingly polite responses to wheelchair challenges.
-
Make sure to order transportation before arriving to the airport.
You can’t catch accessible Uber outside of Manhattan.
Buses are ok though, but take time.
-
Hi! I am flying into Laguardia airport and I have seen videos saying that there are accessible taxis waiting at the airport. It’s also listed on their website that there are accessible taxis waiting. Is that not true?
-
I landed here New York/Newark, NJ, US (EWR)
and had to take the bus, waisting somewhere around 4 hours, getting lost at Central and making my way through homeless people to a taxi in Manhattan.
Transportation is something you want to be really sure of.
-
-
-
It’s been a few years since I have been to the Big Apple. I took a carry bag everywhere I went so that I would have everything that I needed for just in case. Wherever you are staying definitely let them know that you are in a wheelchair and need accessible transportation. The hotel should have phone numbers for accessible taxis. Definitely schedule your transportation ahead of time. If you don’t you will have a long wait. The buses are accessible so that is another option but you will need to know how to read the bus route. The hotel should be able to help with this too.
-
Others have transportation covered in their post. One thing that I recommend every first time visitor to New York City does, is to take the Circle Line Best of NYC Full Island Tour. Power wheelchair users have to board the boat at Pier 83.
-
Woo, that’s exciting! New York is a lot of fun. Another transportation tip is to download the Uber WAV app. It’s Uber for wheelchair accessible vans. You can only stay in Manhattan, though, like Val said. But that being said, it was super convenient and I didn’t have to plan in advance to go anywhere. Also, keep in mind that not all subway stations are accessible, so if you change your mind about riding it, that does need to be planned out ahead of time.
-
So will an accessible Uber not be able to go to Brooklyn? On the app, it doesn’t show that it won’t go there.
-
From Manhattan you can.
There might be an issue going back
-
Yes, what Val said. I didn’t take the risk when I went. @val do you know why that is?
-
@alyssa-silva Not really, to me it was somewhat of a surprise 🙂
-
Same here! I got in the taxi, and the driver was like, “I can take you to Brooklyn, but I can’t guarantee you’ll be able to get back.” I forgot what his reasoning was.
-
-
-
I was part of the Jewelfish trial and went to NYC 28 times over 3-years.
LaGuardia airport is still under major renovations, but accessible taxies are available just outside, and across the street where every taxi waits. There are employees ready to assist you with getting an accessible cab. Always a very short wait. Avoid the Ford cabs if you’re in a power chair…they are smaller in back. There is a special number to call for accessible cabs.
Don’t avoid the subways, but as mentioned above, be sure to know where the accessible/elevator stops are. If they are close, it’s a great way to get around. Do everything that time will allow! It’s a great place to visit. I enjoyed every trip. Happy to provide more details and suggestions if you want. Enjoy!
Log in to reply.