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SFMTA outlines early results of Access for All wheelchair‑access program; one contractor discontinued
Summary
SFMTA reported on the first year as a local administrator for California’s Access for All program, describing provider performance, fares and next steps; Fog City Access is operating now, Tower Mobility’s contract was discontinued for low ridership, and SFMTA plans stronger marketing and revised RFP criteria for the next funding cycle.
SFMTA staff told the Mayor’s Disability Council on Sept. 19 that the city’s first year as a local Access for All administrator showed modest ridership, uneven outreach and room for changes to contracting and marketing.
Transportation planner Jovan Garcia said the California program (created by Senate Bill 1376 and administered by the CPUC) collects a 10‑cent fee on TNC trips to support wheelchair‑accessible on‑demand services; the agency chosen as the local administrator (a local Access for All administrator, or LAFA) distributes funds to local providers. SFMTA awarded grants in its first round to Fog City Access, Green Cab and Tower Mobility.
Garcia said Fog City Access launched with six wheelchair‑accessible vehicles serving the entire city and offers distance‑based fares (0–3 miles $5; 3–5 miles $10; 5–7 miles $15; discounted fares for riders with disabilities). Riders can book via a Fog City app or by phone and the service supports multiple languages. Tower Mobility also launched but did not meet ridership expectations; SFMTA discontinued that contract and reserved about $730,000 for future cycles. Green Cab was awarded funding to convert or operate accessible taxi service and is expected to launch soon.
Performance, outreach and next steps
Garcia said SFMTA’s first‑year lessons included: the need to invest in outreach and marketing to reach the intended community; the value of collecting additional metrics beyond CPUC benchmarks to understand trip origins and connections with paratransit and fixed‑route services; and the need to tailor performance metrics to provider business models. He recommended an expanded community engagement and a technical advisory group to shape the next request for proposals, which SFMTA plans to issue this fall with awards expected early in 2026.
Council members and public commenters urged stronger, professionally supported marketing and cross‑agency outreach — suggestions ranged from partnerships with hospitals and tourist venues to targeted campaigns for riders who rely on medical appointments. Several council members raised vehicle‑design and boarding concerns — including rear‑loading vehicles that can leave some passengers tilted during travel — and suggested exploring options such as on‑site attendants or co‑pilot assistance for customers who need help getting to and from a vehicle.
Garcia invited MDC members to join a technical advisory group to help shape the next RFP and to send SFMTA examples of outreach partners and venues for future marketing.
