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Lighthouse expands taxi‑voucher eligibility and trip purposes, but funds are time‑limited
Summary
Lighthouse staff said the taxi voucher program will allow more monthly round trips and broaden eligible purposes (medical, therapy, legal, benefits counseling, food pantry trips) for San Francisco residents with physician documentation; new funds run through June 30.
The Lighthouse for the Blind reported changes to the city’s taxi voucher program that expand monthly trips and permitted uses for eligible participants.
Program staff said eligible San Francisco residents who provide a physician’s letter documenting a permanent disability and inability to use public transportation can receive an increased number of voucher round trips per month. The list of accepted trip purposes now includes medical and therapy appointments, rehabilitation, legal appointments, benefits counseling, trips to food pantries and congregate meals, and activities at community or Lighthouse programs. "These new funds are available only until June 30," staff noted.
Divina Mendez, voucher coordinator, was listed as the contact for enrollments; staff said applications are available through the Lighthouse and that callers should request vouchers at least one week before appointments. Vouchers are mailed or can be picked up at the Lighthouse; once issued the destination cannot be changed, though appointment time can be adjusted within a 30‑day period. A 10% tip is included in the voucher value and additional tipping to support drivers’ living wages is encouraged.
Staff said income restrictions remain and residency in San Francisco is required. The Lighthouse encouraged staff and councilmembers to help publicize the limited‑time funds to eligible community members.
