The California Public Utilities Commission announced on Mar. 24 that its TNC Access for All Program is working to make transportation more accessible for people with disabilities in the state.
This initiative matters because many Californians with disabilities face challenges when trying to find reliable rides, especially those who require wheelchair-accessible vehicles. Limited vehicle availability and long wait times can make daily trips difficult.
The TNC Access for All Program seeks to expand access to wheelchair-accessible rides through app-based services such as Lyft and Uber. The program’s goal is “to make it easier for people with disabilities to request a ride and get to where they are going safely and on time.” Funding comes from a ten-cent fee added to each ride taken through participating companies. These funds are used “to increase the number of wheelchair accessible vehicles, improve wait times, and support local programs that provide accessible rides.”
When transportation companies do not use all available funding, local agencies can apply those resources directly within their communities. As a result, local programs in fifteen counties currently offer expanded services, helping more individuals travel independently.
For additional information about the TNC Access for All Program or details on service areas, readers can visit cpuc.ca.gov/tncaccess or contact the program team at TNCAccess@cpuc.ca.gov.
