MTA officials brief Community Board 2 on Access‑A‑Ride changes; committee agrees to draft follow-up resolution

Community Board 2’s Traffic and Transportation Committee heard an overview of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s Access‑A‑Ride program on the evening of the committee meeting, and members agreed to draft a resolution asking the MTA for follow‑up on operational and outreach improvements prior to full‑board consideration on June 18.

The presentation from MTA staff drew on program rules and recent performance figures and was followed by extended remarks from users and disability advocates about everyday challenges with paratransit. Tammy Francis, manager in the Access‑A‑Ride outreach unit, said Access‑A‑Ride operates across the five boroughs and up to three‑quarter miles into parts of Westchester and Nassau, is a shared origin‑to‑destination service that runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and that reservations must be made one to two days in advance during the call center window. Francis said applicants undergo an in‑person eligibility assessment at one of six centers (two in Brooklyn, one in Manhattan, one in Staten Island, one in Queens and one in the Bronx) and that recertification typically occurs every five years.

Why it matters: Access‑A‑Ride provides mobility for New Yorkers who cannot use standard subway or bus service, and committee members said operational problems can limit employment and social participation for riders.

Key program details presented - Eligibility and recertification: Francis said applicants generally must attend an in‑person assessment; full‑eligibility documentation is reviewed and most continuing eligibilities require documentation every five years. -…