Many Californians with disabilities face challenges accessing transportation, particularly those who use non-foldable motorized wheelchairs. In response, California has extended the Transportation Network Company (TNC) Access for All Program through Assembly Bill 1532, signed by Governor Newsom. The program is now authorized to continue until January 1, 2032.
The TNC Access for All Program was created to help people with disabilities access on-demand rides from services such as Lyft and Uber. While these services are widely available, wheelchair-accessible vehicles (WAVs) remain scarce across the state. Since its inception in 2019, the program has aimed to address this gap by increasing the availability of WAVs throughout California.
Funding for the program comes from a ten-cent fee collected on every TNC trip that begins in California. This fee supports a statewide system designed to improve accessible transportation options and incentivizes TNCs to invest in WAV services at the county level. If any funds are not used by TNCs, they are remitted to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). The CPUC distributes these funds to Local Access Fund Administrators (LAFAs), which are typically local or regional agencies familiar with community needs. These agencies then work with Access Providers—local transportation or mobility organizations—to implement accessible ride programs.
For counties without a designated LAFA, the CPUC allocates remaining funds to a Statewide Access Fund Administrator (SAFA) to further develop WAV services across California.
Since its launch, communities have seen tangible results from this initiative. Nearly $51 million has been raised through the ten-cent fee since 2019, and $35.7 million of that amount has been awarded to agencies in 15 counties.
The continuation of this program reflects California’s commitment to supporting independence and inclusion for residents with disabilities while fostering collaboration between public agencies and private companies in local transportation systems.
Individuals and organizations interested in participating can find more information about applying as a Local Access Fund Administrator or an Access Provider on the TNC Access for All Program webpage. The website offers resources including application guidelines, funding updates, and background information about the program.
“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.
