At Lyft, we are always looking at ways to expand transportation opportunity and equity to the communities that need it most. Today, in partnership with First Transit, we are excited to announce a new wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) pilot in San Francisco and Los Angeles counties. This new pilot will expand the on-demand transportation options for fixed frame, non-collapsible wheelchair users. 

Each year, First Transit provides nationwide and locally-managed paratransit services to more than 8 million passengers and call center support for more than 9.7 million trips— making them the natural choice for this partnership. 

Lyft riders will now be able to request a WAV, in app by enabling Access Mode. The vehicles,  2019 Toyota Siennas, are operated by certified drivers provided by First Transit and will be available exclusively for Lyft app WAV ride requests. 

“At Lyft we think of accessibility broadly and are thrilled to take this next step in expanding mobility options in San Francisco and Los Angeles counties,” said Anthony Foxx, chief policy officer at Lyft. We remain dedicated to working with First Transit and our community partners to build upon our current products and policies and to provide affordable and convenient transportation for all.”

“This pilot with Lyft expands upon our already leading paratransit services across North America and our ongoing WAV vehicle partnerships with Lyft in both Boston and Toronto,” said Justin Pate, senior vice president of global business development and marketing for First Transit. “Our team is eager to be able to extend our mobility capabilities to passengers of San Francisco and Los Angeles.”

Last year, Lyft was proud to support,  Senate Bill 1376, also known as the “TNC Access for All Act”, sponsored by Senator Jerry Hill and we continue to be an active supporter in the ongoing workshops with the California Public Utilities Commission that helped to inform this pilot. 

"As the disability community continues to fully integrate ourselves into our communities, we all have places to go and this new pilot is a wonderful next step in Lyft’s commitment to transportation equity,” said Hector Ochoa Public Policy Director, Southern California Resource Services for Independent Living (SCRS-IL). We at SCRS-IL have been pleased with their engagement with our organization and the disability community locally and know this service will increase mobility options for the communities we serve."

“Self-Help for the Elderly is looking forward to continued work with Lyft on their new Pilot providing accessible ride services to the seniors with wheelchairs,” said Anni Chung President and CEO of Self-Help for the Elderly in San Francisco. “Transportation is essential to alleviate isolation among many seniors, especially those on wheelchairs. We will make sure all the seniors we serve in San Francisco will know how to access this pilot program.”

To learn more about the program or how to request a ride check out the one-pager available here.