5 Key Benefits of Choosing ATS for Special Needs Transportation

Finding transportation for someone with special needs can be stressful. You need a service that understands what your loved one requires—whether that means help with mobility, memory care, or specialized medical equipment.

Around the Sound, a Washington-based transportation company, offers professional, compassionate service that goes beyond just getting passengers from point A to point B. We serve people across the region with care, respect, and reliability.

Let’s explore what special needs transportation is, how we support local communities, and five benefits that make Around the Sound a go-to choice for families and caregivers.

What is Special Needs Transportation?

Special needs transportation, or specialized transportation services, is for people who can’t easily use standard public transit, taxis, or rideshare services. That might mean they use a wheelchair or gurney, need help walking, or have a medical condition that requires extra care during a trip.

We see a wide range of riders—some need regular trips to dialysis or therapy, others are heading to family events, medical appointments, or even out-of-state care facilities. What they all have in common is this: they need a ride that’s safe, comfortable, and respectful of their unique situation.

This isn’t one-size-fits-all transportation. It’s built around the individual, and that’s exactly how we approach it at Around the Sound.

Specialized Transportation Services at Around the Sound

Around the Sound serves individuals and organizations throughout Western Washington. Our local knowledge and reliable service are available in:

Seattle, Bellevue, Tacoma, Redmond, Renton, Kirkland, Kent, Auburn, Puyallup, Port Orchard, Gig Harbor, Bremerton, Silverdale, and many other nearby cities.

Our services include:

• Non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT)

• Long-distance trips across Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana

• Cruise port and airport transfers with accessibility support

• Event and appointment transportation

• Group transport for senior centers or adult care programs

Every trip is customized to our rider’s specific needs. Whether you're scheduling for a parent, patient, or client, Around the Sound makes sure you’re treated with care every step of the way.

5 Benefits of Choosing Around the Sound

Here’s what makes us a trusted provider in the communities we serve.

1. Safe, Accessible Vehicles Designed for Comfort

All of our vehicles are fully equipped to handle mobility devices—whether it’s a wheelchair or gurney. We’ve got ramps, lifts, extra room, and secure setups that make every ride smooth and stress-free.

We keep our vehicles clean and well-maintained because your safety comes first. And we don’t just drop you at the curb—we help you in, get you buckled, and make sure you’re settled before we hit the road.

This isn’t just about transportation. It’s about giving riders the comfort and care they deserve.

2. Trained, Compassionate Drivers

Our professional drivers receive hands-on training to work with passengers who have special needs. This includes:

• Assisting with mobility equipment

• Communicating with those who have memory loss or cognitive disabilities

• Remaining calm, respectful, and patient

Many of our drivers live and work in the same communities they serve—from Kent and Lakewood to Bainbridge Island and beyond—so they know the best routes and take the time to make each ride feel personal.

3. On-Time, Reliable Service Across Western Washington

We know how stressful it is when a ride runs late, especially if there’s a medical appointment or time-sensitive event involved. That’s why we take scheduling seriously.

Around the Sound takes reliability seriously. We ensure to:

• Track routes in real time

• Plan ahead to avoid traffic delays

• Communicate clearly with riders and caregivers

Whether you’re getting picked up in Renton or heading to an appointment in Bellevue, we’ll get you there when you need to be.

4. Personalized Transportation for Different Needs

No two riders are alike. Some need help getting out of bed and into the vehicle. Others just need a ramp and a kind word. We make sure every trip is designed around what the passenger needs—not what’s easiest for us.

Here’s how we customize the experience:

• We offer door-to-door and even bed-to-bed service

• We build in extra time for loading and unloading

• We listen to you and adjust based on your feedback

• We make long-distance trips easier by coordinating every step

Whether we’re driving someone across town or across the state, we keep it personal.

5. Peace of Mind for Families and Caregivers

When you book a ride with us, you’re not handing your loved one off to a stranger. You’re working with a team that treats every passenger like family.

We communicate clearly. We show up ready. And we care enough to ask questions, follow up, and do things the right way—even when it takes a little more effort.

We’ve worked with families all over the region who just want one thing: to know their loved one is safe. That’s what we deliver, every single day.

Book a Ride with Around the Sound for Specialized Transportation

Finding a local transportation provider you can trust isn’t always easy. We know that you want someone reliable, flexible, and actually experienced with special needs.

That’s exactly what we offer at Around the Sound. We’re not a big company trying to cover the whole country. We’re based right here in Western Washington, and we’re proud to serve local cities with local drivers living in each city. Whether you need a ride tomorrow or want to plan ahead for something further out, we’re here to help. Contact us today to schedule a ride!