The California Public Utilities Commission announced on Mar. 24 that its TNC Access for All Program is working to expand transportation options for Californians with disabilities. The initiative focuses on increasing the availability of wheelchair accessible rides through app-based services such as Lyft and Uber.
Transportation can be a significant challenge for people with disabilities, especially when accessible vehicles are limited or wait times are long. The CPUC said the goal of the program is to make it easier and safer for individuals with disabilities to request rides and reach their destinations in a timely manner.
The Access for All Program is funded by a ten-cent fee added to each ride taken through participating companies. According to the CPUC, these funds help increase the number of wheelchair accessible vehicles, reduce wait times, and support local programs that provide specialized transportation services.
If transportation companies do not use all available funding, local agencies can apply those resources toward creating or expanding community-based programs. Currently, such efforts are underway in 15 counties across California, where more residents are able to travel independently.
More information about the TNC Access for All Program—including details about service areas—is available at cpuc.ca.gov/tncaccess. Questions can also be directed via email to TNCAccess@cpuc.ca.gov.
