AARP Hearing Center
Every year, my husband, Jim, and I pack up our minivan and trek to Texas to visit family. Whenever possible, we include a detour to San Antonio for its beautiful River Walk, fantastic food and one-of-a-kind festivals. Because I can't walk, I get around in a 350-pound power wheelchair. Navigating a historic destination can be a challenge, but 300-year-old San Antonio continues to improve accessibility for folks who have difficulty walking or use a mobility device like me.
Here are a few tips.
Getting around
Pedestrian traffic can be congested and moves slowly in the compact downtown core of the River Walk, which is full of hotels, shops and restaurants. Occasionally, routes narrow to a width that accommodates a single wheelchair user, pedestrian bridges can be steep, and the absence of handrails requires caution. But once beyond this hub, newer sections (Museum Reach and Mission Reach) have wider sidewalks and smoother surfaces.
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Yellow Cab’s accessible vans cost the same as standard cabs, and up to three additional passengers ride for free. Whenever possible, book in advance to avoid long delays. Many cities do not offer this service or require booking it hours or sometimes even days in advance.
We also often catch the VIA VIVA culture bus, which includes stops at 20 of the city’s most popular attractions (museums, theaters, art galleries, zoo and parks), in front of the Alamo. An unlimited Day Pass costs $2.75 or a Seven-Day Pass costs $12, and the new air-conditioned buses, which run approximately every 15 minutes, can transport two wheelchair users per ride.