Accessibility concerns grow over new S.F. car service networks
A quarter of wheelchair-accessible cabs, which SFMTA officials consider a linchpin of the paratransit system, now sit idle because there aren't enough drivers.

Courtesy SFMTA

Courtesy SFMTA
SAN FRANCISCO — With the expansion of new transportation network companies such as Uber, Lyft and Sidecar, concerns about the availability of accessible taxis are growing, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.
A quarter of wheelchair-accessible cabs, which San Francisco Metropolitan Transit Authority officials consider a linchpin of the paratransit system, now sit idle because there aren't enough drivers, the report said.
RELATED: "Taxis: Paratransit's Valuable Partner"
Despite filing documents with state regulators on their disability access plans, disability experts are unimpressed with the transportation networks' proposals for accommodating disabled riders. For the full story, click here.
More New Mobility

ENC Unveils ZAVIR Medium-Duty Electric Shuttle
The new ZAVIR brand targets shuttle and paratransit operations with battery-electric and range-extended electric vehicle options.
Read More →
Public Transit Conference Returning to GFX in 2027, Call for Papers Now Open
The Call for Papers is now open, allowing transit agency professionals and industry experts to help shape the PTC educational program by submitting session ideas for consideration.
Read More →
Everett Transit, Community Transit Outline Consolidation Agreement
The proposed agreement calls for a 50% increase in bus service in Everett, a new microtransit zone, continued paratransit service, and the transfer of Everett Transit operations to Community Transit.
Read More →
What Multimodal Data Can Tell Transit Agencies About Rider Demand
See how bike-on-bus data is giving transit agencies new insight into rider demand, capacity constraints, and gaps in first- and last-mile connections.
Read More →
From Hardware to Digital Partner: Luminator Charts Its Next Chapter
CEO Magnus Friberg discusses Luminator’s shift toward becoming a digital partner, the growing importance of software and interoperability, and how AI can help agencies improve operations and passenger experience.
Read More →
Biz Briefs: Alstom Lands Canadian Contract, LYT to Supply California TSP, and More
In METRO's latest installment, we take a look at recent news from Complete Coach Works, Beep, FlixBus, and more partnerships making headlines across the transportation sector.
Read More →
CharterUP’s Armir Harris on Technology, AI, and the Future of Group Mobility
In a recent episode of METROspectives, CharterUP Founder/CEO Armir Harris discussed the company’s evolution from an online charter bus marketplace into a technology platform supporting public- and private-sector mobility and much more.
Read More →
Jacksonville’s NAVI Project Charts a New Course for Autonomous Public Transportation
Through its NAVI program, JTA is showing how autonomous vehicles, intelligent infrastructure, and coordinated operations can work together to deliver everyday public transportation.
Read More →
Biz Briefs: Luminator Marks Milestone and More
From manufacturers and suppliers to transit agencies and motorcoach operators, these updates offer a snapshot of the projects, partnerships and business moves driving the industry forward.
Read More →
New Tricks for Old Bureaucracies: Joshua Schank on Making Transit Innovation Stick
Former LA Metro Chief Innovation Officer Joshua Schank discusses why good ideas aren't enough, how transit agencies can overcome resistance to change, and why today's challenges demand more innovation.
Read More →