Many Californians with disabilities face significant transportation challenges, particularly those who use non-foldable motorized wheelchairs. These barriers can lead to missed appointments and limit participation in community activities.
To address this issue, Governor Newsom signed Assembly Bill 1532 into law, extending the Transportation Network Company (TNC) Access for All Program until January 1, 2032. The program aims to increase access to on-demand wheelchair-accessible vehicles (WAVs) across the state.
The TNC Access for All Program began in 2019 to help people with disabilities access app-based ride services like Lyft and Uber. However, finding WAVs remains a challenge in many areas.
Funding for the program comes from a ten-cent fee added to every TNC trip that begins in California. This revenue supports statewide efforts to improve accessible transportation options. TNCs are encouraged to invest these funds locally; if they do not, the remaining money is sent to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). The CPUC distributes these funds to Local Access Fund Administrators (LAFAs), typically county or regional agencies familiar with local needs. These agencies collaborate with local organizations called Access Providers to deliver accessible rides. In counties without a LAFA, funds go to a Statewide Access Fund Administrator (SAFA) to further expand services.
This approach enables both local solutions and statewide support for accessibility.
Since its launch, the program has had notable results. Nearly $51 million has been generated by the ten-cent fee, and $35.7 million has been awarded to county-level agencies in 15 counties.
The ongoing reauthorization of the program demonstrates California’s commitment to equitable mobility and accessible transportation. The initiative also fosters cooperation between public agencies and private companies while strengthening local transportation networks.
Information about becoming a Local Access Fund Administrator or an Access Provider is available online through the TNC Access for All Program webpage, which offers resources such as program background, application details, funding guidance, and updates on progress.
“By working together, California is building a transportation system where everyone has access to the rides they need, when they need them,” said Taseen Shamim, Public Information Officer.
