Uber launches wheelchair accessible service in D.C., after years of criticism
Instead of owning the wheelchair accessible vans, the ride-hailing app will access the vehicles already in circulation, driven by licensed Washington cab drivers.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — After years of criticism (see release below) alleging it failed to serve people with disabilities, Uber is launching wheelchair-accessible van (WAV) service in Washington — three weeks before a deadline to submit to the D.C. Council its plan for expanding accessible transportation in the District, WAMU reported.
Rebuffed by taxi companies for months, Uber reached agreements with individual D.C. cabbies who rent WAVs to dispatch the rides through its Uber Taxi platform, the report said.
Instead of owning the WAVs, the ride-hailing app will access the vans with wheelchair-ramps already in circulation, driven by licensed Washington cab drivers, according to WAMU.
United Spinal Calls Uber's New D.C. Wheelchair Taxi Initiative "Inadequate and Unsustainable"
Ad Loading...
United Spinal Association, today denounced Uber's new Washington, D.C. TAXI 'WHEELCHAIR' option that enables riders to request a wheelchair accessible taxi on-demand as "inadequate and unsustainable."
"There are two reasons why this is not an adequate solution; current demand for accessible taxi service in the District far exceeds supply and Uber is actively weakening the taxi industry — the wheelchair option source providing the few accessible vehicles available in DC," said Carol Tyson, Director of Disability Policy at United Spinal Association.
James Weisman, president/CEO of United Spinal Association, who helped draft significant portions of the Americans With Disabilities Act added, "Partnering with a diminishing taxi industry that Uber is actively seeking to undermine and force out of business, is not a sustainable solution."
United Spinal is the largest national disability-led nonprofit organization serving and representing the interests of more than a million Americans living with spinal cord injuries and disorders.
Tyson explained partnering with taxis does not increase access for the community and is not a long term solution. District's taxi drivers have seen a significant reduction in revenue as a result of Uber's presence in the market.
"Many of the District's accessible taxis sit on lots, while existing taxi drivers struggle to make a living wage," said Tyson.
Today’s riders—and the communities you serve—expect more from public transit. While ADA compliance is required, leading transit agencies know that true accessibility also means delivering dignity, efficiency, and a better rider experience. This whitepaper reveals why forward thinking agencies nationwide choose the Low Floor Frontrunner as their first choice for ADA compliant vehicles—setting a new standard with passenger first design, faster boarding, improved safety, and unmatched operational performance.
Under this extension, Keolis will continue to manage and operate fixed-route bus service across the East Valley, serving communities including Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Scottsdale, the town of Gilbert, parts of Phoenix, and the Gila River Indian Community.
Through the strategic partnership, MOIA America will provide MOIA’s turnkey autonomous mobility solution. This includes purpose-built, autonomous-ready ID. Buzz vehicles equipped with the self-driving system developed by Mobileye, as well as operator training and enablement.
LexRide connects key destinations, including Downtown Lexington, the Distillery District, and the Warehouse Block/National Avenue area, making it easier to explore without worrying about parking, traffic, or multiple rideshare trips.
Sustainability Partners’ Arnold Albiar discusses how a service-based approach is helping airports and public agencies deploy and manage electric fleets more efficiently.
The expanded service builds on Pace’s growing On Demand network and is intended to improve access to destinations such as medical appointments, schools, shopping, employment centers and connections to the regional transit system.
An important part of the authority’s NextGen Bus Network, MARTA Reach will bring transit service directly to the rider’s location and offer a seamless link to the broader rail and bus system.
