Ride Hailing Services: Wheelchairs and Seniors Waiting at the Curb | OAS Episode 37
On this issue of “Our American States,” we’ll take a look at how ride hailing services are having an effect on people with disabilities and older adults. Historically, the Americans with Disabilities Act has required taxi services to make accommodations for people with disabilities to ensure equal access to transportation services. This includes, for example, requirements that taxi companies have a certain number of wheelchair accessible vehicles, and allow service dogs to ride for free. Our guests say the explosive growth of ride hailing services has had unintended consequences, such as a decrease in taxi services, a lack of training for contracted drivers and fewer wheelchair accessible vehicles available. In addition, apps do not have disability-friendly features. On the plus side though, it has opened up employment opportunities for older adults. This episode features interviews with: Carol Tyson, government affairs liaison, Disability Rights Education and Defense Funds Jana Lynott, senior strategic policy adviser, AARP Public Policy Institute’s Livable Communities team Additional Resources Transcription of Episode 37
