TNC Access for All Frequently Asked Questions

Who can become an Access Provider, and where should my organization start?

An organization may qualify if it directly provides, or contracts with another organization or entity to provide, on-demand WAV transportation that meets the needs of people with disabilities. Organizations of any size, including those in rural communities, may participate, subject to available funding. Contact the Local Access Fund Administrator (LAFA) serving the county where you want to operate. If the county does not have a LAFA, contact the Statewide Access Fund Administrator (SAFA). Contact information is available on the Access Provider webpage.

Can organizations apply together?

Yes. An organization may partner with another entity when applying.

Where and when do I apply, what documents are required, and how long will the process take?

Apply through the LAFA serving the county where you want to operate or, if the county does not have a LAFA, through the SAFA. Each LAFA and the SAFA establishes its own solicitation process, required documents, schedule, and notification procedures. Contact the applicable administrator and follow its solicitation instructions. Contact information is available on the Access Provider webpage.

What should I include in a strong application?

Follow the solicitation instructions carefully and describe any experience providing on-demand WAV service. Priority is given to providers that demonstrate an ability to complete trips within 24 hours, measured from the trip request to passenger pickup.

What can Access for All funding pay for?

Funding may cover expenses that increase on-demand WAV service, including vehicle purchases, WAV maintenance and repairs, driver wages and training, partnership costs, marketplace costs, operating costs, dispatch or scheduling technology, and outreach or marketing. An Access Provider does not need to own a WAV before applying. See Appendix A of the Program Overview and Requirements for the complete list of eligible expenses.

What expenses are not eligible?

Expenses must be related to expanding on-demand WAV service. Costs for services provided outside the funded county are not eligible. For trips that cross county lines, eligibility is based on where the trip begins: a trip must originate in the funded county for its expenses to qualify.

How long does funding last?

Funding is provided for one year; however, a LAFA may choose to develop a multiyear contract.

Can an organization apply again in a future funding cycle?

Yes, if funding is available. An organization that is not selected in one cycle may apply again.

What must Access Providers report, and when are reports due?

At a minimum, Access Providers must submit quarterly performance data to their LAFA or the SAFA. Reports are due 30 days after each quarter ends. Reporting supports statutory requirements, legislative reporting, and the Annual Benchmark Report. Required data fields and templates are available under “Reporting Templates” on the Access Provider webpage. The applicable LAFA or SAFA may require additional information.

• Quarter 1: January 1-March 31
• Quarter 2: April 1-June 30
• Quarter 3: July 1-September 30
• Quarter 4: October 1-December 31

What financial records should I keep, and for how long?

Keep all records related to Access for All-funded on-demand WAV services, including expense records, until January 1, 2037. This is five years after the program’s January 1, 2032, sunset date.

What should I do if I miss a reporting deadline or have a reporting question?

Notify the LAFA or SAFA serving the county immediately and request guidance.

Which rides are eligible, and must passengers using wheelchairs receive priority?

All WAV trips are reimbursable because the program does not have a separate rider eligibility process. Program rules do not explicitly require priority for a passenger using a wheelchair, but providers are strongly encouraged to prioritize such passengers.

What safety or insurance requirements apply?

Access Providers must meet applicable insurance and safety requirements and submit a Safety Protocol Declaration Form. The form is available under “Reporting Templates” on the Access Provider webpage.

What should an organization do if it cannot complete its project?

Notify the applicable LAFA or SAFA immediately.

Are Uber and Lyft the only organizations involved in the program?

No. All transportation network companies collect Access Fees and remit them to the CPUC quarterly. Uber and Lyft also provide on-demand WAV service in some counties. Review the Advice Letter filings to see the counties where transportation network companies have been approved for funding.

What is a LAFA, which organizations can serve as one, and how is a LAFA different from an Access Provider?

A LAFA administers the Access for All Program within its jurisdiction. It develops a local WAV program, conducts a competitive solicitation, selects and contracts with eligible Access Providers, and distributes funds in accordance with CPUC requirements. A LAFA must be a metropolitan planning organization, regional transportation planning agency, county transportation commission, or local transit agency. An Access Provider is an organization selected to directly provide, or contract with another entity to provide, on-demand WAV transportation for people with disabilities. See the Program Overview and Requirements for complete LAFA responsibilities.

What should a LAFA consider when selecting Access Providers?

Under the CPUC’s Track 3 Decision and Program Overview and Requirements, LAFAs must prioritize providers that demonstrate an ability to complete trips within 24 hours, measured from the trip request to passenger pickup. Providers must also:

• Provide required insurance and safety protocols.
• Improve WAV response times compared with the prior year or current conditions.
• Increase WAV presence and availability in the geographic area compared with the prior year or current conditions.
• Describe efforts to promote WAV services to disability communities.

Where can I direct potential Access Providers for information or technical assistance?

Direct applicants to the Access Provider webpage. LAFAs may send technical questions to tncaccess@cpuc.ca.gov. Organizations interested in becoming a LAFA should be directed to the LAFA webpage.

How can I request recruitment materials in languages other than English?

Email tncaccess@cpuc.ca.gov to request available materials or assistance in another language.

What reports must a LAFA submit, and when are they due?

LAFAs must submit quarterly reports on solicitation and implementation status, Access Provider data reports, and an annual program progress report and self-assessment. LAFA quarterly reports and Access Provider data reports are due to the CPUC 45 days after each quarter ends. The annual report evaluates progress toward increasing and expanding on-demand WAV service. Templates and the LAFA Program Schedule are available on the LAFA webpage and in Appendix B of the Program Overview and Requirements.

What information must a LAFA collect from Access Providers?

Each LAFA must collect WAV performance data from every Access Provider. The Access Provider reporting templates identify the required data, including:

• WAVs in operation and unique WAVs in operation
• WAV trips and response times
• Outreach
• Training and inspections
• Complaints
• Funds expended
• Contract information, if applicable

Who should I contact with reporting questions?

Email CPUC staff at tncaccess@cpuc.ca.gov.

When does program funding end?

In 2025, Assembly Bill 1532 extended the CPUC’s authority to implement the Access for All Program until January 1, 2032. The program will continue until the last collected fees are distributed.

How can a LAFA recruit Access Providers and increase rider awareness?

Use a mix of community partnerships and public outreach. Helpful approaches include:

• Partnering with local transportation providers, disability organizations, and healthcare facilities or providers
• Sharing information through newsletters, social media posts, flyers, word of mouth, and community events
• Working with selected Access Providers to educate riders
• Using resources available on the CPUC Access for All webpage

• No, LAFAs and Access Providers are not the same. They serve different roles within the Access for All program.
• LAFAs include Metropolitan Planning Organizations, Regional Transportation Planning Agencies, County Transportation Commissions, and Transit Agencies to administer the distribution of Access Fund moneys in their respective geographic areas based on requirements established by CPUC. LAFAs are responsible for selecting Access Providers to receive funding and distributing Access Fund moneys to selected Access Providers.
• Access Providers are providers providing the Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle service. SB 1376 defines Access Providers as an organization or entity that directly provides, or contracts with a separate organization or entity to provide, on-demand transportation to meet the needs of person with disabilities.