The California Public Utilities Commission announced on Mar. 24 that its TNC Access for All Program is working to make transportation more accessible for Californians with disabilities.
The initiative seeks to address the challenges faced by people who rely on wheelchair accessible vehicles, which are often limited and can involve long wait times. The program’s main objective is to make it easier for individuals with disabilities to request rides through app-based services such as Lyft and Uber, ensuring they can travel safely and punctually.
Funding for the Access for All Program 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, reduce wait times, and support local agencies that provide accessible rides. If transportation companies do not fully use their allocated funding, those resources become available to local agencies so they can develop or expand programs tailored directly to their communities.
Currently, local programs in 15 counties are helping more people get around with greater ease and independence across California. The CPUC encourages interested individuals or organizations seeking more information about where services are available or how the program works to visit cpuc.ca.gov/tncaccess or contact TNCAccess@cpuc.ca.gov.
As efforts continue statewide, the CPUC said it remains committed to removing barriers in specialized transportation so that all Californians have equal opportunities for mobility.
