The MTA has recently established a new intake center for paratransit customers in Lower Manhattan, making it more convenient for applicants to access Access-a-Ride services without having to travel across town. This new assessment center, located at 3 Stone St., aims to determine the eligibility of new Access-a-Ride users right in the heart of Manhattan. The closure of the previous intake center on West 13th Street back in 2022 left a gap in services for those in need of paratransit assistance.
RueZalia Watkins, the chair of the MTA’s Paratransit Advisory Committee, expressed her enthusiasm for this new development, emphasizing the importance of providing equal opportunities for all New Yorkers to participate in city activities. With over 32,000 applications for Access-a-Ride certification in 2024 and 8,000 requests for recertification, the demand for these services is evident.
Access-a-Ride allows qualifying individuals with disabilities to move around the city at the cost of a standard subway or bus fare, utilizing blue-and-white vans or contracted taxi services. While only 30% of the subway system is considered accessible under the Americans with Disabilities Act, all city buses are designed to accommodate individuals with disabilities, although they may not always offer the most direct or efficient routes over long distances.
The MTA reports an improvement in Access-a-Ride’s performance, with 800,000 rides recorded in September alone. Despite the challenges faced by disabled commuters in a transit system that may not cater to their needs adequately, the service is expected to surpass pre-COVID ridership levels this year, reaching over 9 million trips. Customer satisfaction currently stands at 68%, based on the most recent survey conducted this spring.
However, concerns have been raised regarding the accessibility and efficiency of Access-a-Ride services. The Justice Department has accused the MTA of failing to provide substantially equal service on Access-a-Ride compared to the subway and bus systems, a violation of the Americans With Disabilities Act. Long and indirect routes often lead to delays for riders, highlighting the need for improvements in the paratransit service.
As a result, a federal human rights case against the MTA is pending, underscoring the importance of addressing the shortcomings of Access-a-Ride and ensuring that all individuals have equal access to transportation services in the city. The establishment of the new intake center in Lower Manhattan is a positive step towards enhancing accessibility and convenience for paratransit users, but more efforts may be required to meet the diverse needs of New Yorkers with disabilities.
