TAPS Disability Van Service
The Disability Van Service (DVS) is a shared-ride service that provides on-campus wheelchair ramp–equipped transportation for those unable to use the regular Campus Transit system due to disability. Disability Van Service is available to employees, students, and visitors with temporary or permanent impairments.
No fare is required to use the Disability Van Service; however, current medical documentation and advance reservations are necessary. Applicants must complete the DVS Intake Form and upload necessary documentation. Please note that the form requires your UCSC email address. If you are a visitor, please use a Gmail address to complete the form or email dvs@ucsc.edu if that is not possible. For additional assistance, contact (831) 459-2829.
Overview of DVS Services
DVS service areas are organized into six areas. Each pickup and drop off location in these areas can be viewed from this Service Area map:
- Lower Campus
- East Campus
- Science Hill
- Central Campus
- West Campus
- Coastal Science Campus
Map of all approved DVS Stops
Service hours
School Term Ride Hours
Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 11:15 p.m.Weekends and Holidays 6:00 p.m. to 11:15 p.m.
Weekend and late-night rides must be scheduled in advance.
Intersession Ride Hours
Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.
Summer Session Ride Hours
Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 9:45 p.m.
Summer Session rides on Fridays after 8:00 pm must be scheduled the previous day. Reservations for late rides cannot be made the same day – no exceptions.
DVS operates a fleet of six (6) Dodge Braun minivans equipped with wheelchair ramps.
Medical Authorization
Medical authorization is required for use of the Disability Van Service (DVS). There is a 24 grace period to obtain authorization. UCSC students can request DVS transportation to Student Health Services for the initial evaluation. Authorization can be obtained through the Health Center, the Disability Resource Center, or your personal medical provider. If you’re receiving an authorization from a medical provider off campus, your authorization letter must be on their official letterhead (no Rx notes), with an end date and language stating “on-campus transportation accommodation”. We cannot accept the exact same paperwork you would turn in for a medical permit because we offer a different service.
Fill out the DVS Intake Form to begin scheduling rides and upload your medical authorization.
Medical authorization documentation must be one of the following:
Students with temporary disabilities should contact the Student Health Center at (831) 459–2211 to schedule an appointment to obtain authorization.
Students with permanent disabilities should contact the Disability Resource Center at (831) 459–2089 to learn more about obtaining authorization.
UCSC employees can fax a letter from their doctor or medical practitioner (temporary conditions must include an end date) to (831) 459-4234.
