Paris sightseeing - 6 adults (1 with wheelchair) - BigBus (Hop-on Hop-off or Cab?)

All of the taxis in Paris, the taxis parisiens, are regulated by the Préfecture de Police (and I believe that it is the Préfecture of the 14th arrondissement). Rules and tariffs are uniform. Taxi stands are available throughout the city. Taxis can hold up to 7 passengers but there is a supplement fee of 3€ for each of the 5th to 7th passengers. There is never a charge to carry a wheelchair in a taxi.

English speaking taxi dispatcher: 01 41 27 66 99

I am not a big fan of the HOHO buses. They are expensive and a very slow way to see the city. There is never any guarantee that you will have seating as you wait for the bus (unless you use a wheelchair exclusively).

All of the city buses can kneel to accommodate wheelchair users at their center doors (usually used for exit only). Buses must be hailed to assure that they stop for you. You should always greet the bus driver with hello or bonjour. Buses accept any of the RATP passes or the Ticket T+. You may purchase a one ride, no transfer ticket from the driver for 2€.

The HoHo buses are double decker - stairs, no lift/elevator - and no roof. If all of you go up for what the open top double decker bus is for, will you leave Mom on her own downstairs? Or all of you can stay downstairs, but then you have paid a whole lot of money for a bad view. Same height as a car but with all the bus around you which limits the poor view.

Normal buses are single decker.

“Tours by Locals” in Paris offers a 4 hour tour by car of the city. It may be worthwhile investigating. The Paris city buses are wheelchair accessible and usually have a large space inside for wheelchairs, strollers, etc. Buses 42 and 69 have routes that are interesting and pass many of the sites you will want to see. Look at the routes on the RATP website. I hope you all, and especially your mother, find Paris a wonderful and hospitable city.

Bus drivers in Montreal are almost always greeted and thanked by passengers. In French and/or English. Bilingually polite.

People normally greet and thank bus drivers in Chicago as well.