DDOT questions DC Metro's ability to protect ADA passengers using Uber, Lyft

WASHINGTON, D.C. — District Department of Transportation (DDOT) officials question whether the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) can ensure the safety of people with disabilities as the agency moves closer to subcontracting with ridehailing companies, such as Uber and Lyft to provide thousands of low-cost trips in Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties, WAMU reports.

Specifically, DDOT is calling into question the tech companies’ diver screening processes and disability training, as well as their ability to comply with the same American with Disabilities Act requirements that apply to taxicabs companies, such as accommodating wheelchairs and service animals.

In a move to reduce the costs of its expensive MetroAccess paratransit service, which currently provides two million trips annually, WMATA is expected in the coming weeks to unveil a proposal to partner with app-based ridehailing services to pick up people who do not need a MetroAccess van with a wheelchair ramp. For the full story, click here.