San Francisco Supports Uber's Petition for Modification on Accessible Transportation

Strategic Insights -

The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, the San Francisco Office on Disability and Accessibility, and the San Francisco County Transportation Authority have jointly submitted comments in support of Uber's petition for modification of Decision 20-03-007, which aims to enhance access to on-demand wheelchair-accessible transportation services in the city. The proposed decision would allow taxis and charter-party carriers to provide wheelchair-accessible trips via the Uber app, expanding the availability of such services and improving the Access for All Program's ability to ensure wide access to wheelchair-accessible vehicle services. San Francisco appreciates the Commission's support for Uber's petition and reiterates its desire to explore a partnership between TNCs and taxi companies to provide wheelchair-accessible service on ramp taxis.

Key Takeaways:

  • The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, the San Francisco Office on Disability and Accessibility, and the San Francisco County Transportation Authority jointly submitted comments in support of Uber's petition for modification of Decision 20-03-007.
  • The proposed decision would allow taxis and charter-party carriers to provide wheelchair-accessible trips via the Uber app, expanding the availability of such services and improving the Access for All Program's ability to ensure wide access to wheelchair-accessible vehicle services.
  • San Francisco appreciates the Commission's support for Uber's petition and reiterates its desire to explore a partnership between TNCs and taxi companies to provide wheelchair-accessible service on ramp taxis.
  • The proposed modification would require WAV providers without TCP permits to demonstrate they meet standards (1)-(3) of Ordering Paragraph 12 of Decision 21-11-004, which cover background checks, insurance requirements, and controlled substance and alcohol testing.
  • San Francisco supports the additional qualification and believes it would enhance access to on-demand service for those requesting a wheelchair-accessible trip while providing additional business and income for WAV taxi drivers.

Statistics:

  • 22 July 2025: Uber filed a petition for modification of Decision 20-03-007.
  • 22 July 2025: The Proposed Decision was filed.
  • 11 August 2025: San Francisco submitted joint comments in support of Uber's petition for modification.
  • 11 August 2025: The Proposed Decision's additional qualification was supported by San Francisco.

Sources:

  • Joint Comments of the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, the San Francisco Office on Disability and Accessibility, and the San Francisco County Transportation Authority to Proposed Decision Granting Petition for Modification of Decision 20-03-007 by Uber Technologies, Inc.
  • Proposed Decision Granting Petition for Modification of Decision 20-03-007 by Uber Technologies, Inc.
  • Ordering Paragraph 12 of Decision 21-11-004