[New-york-news] Ride sharing accessibility hearings

[margo Downey]

Although these hearings will focus on physical accessibility, guide dog
handlers are experiencing access issues from time to time using ride share
services (Uber and Lyft).

Meghan Parker, Chair of the State Rehab Council (SR
C), is on this task force and would appreciate guide dog handlers attend
these hearings, if possible.  Below is the info.

Margo Downey

From: omh.sm.TNCTaskforce <TNCTaskforce at omh.ny.gov> 
Sent: Tuesday, November 13, 2018 4:24 PM
Subject: Transportation Forums: ACCESSIBLE RIDE SHARING SERVICES FOR
CUSTOMERS WITH DISABILITIES 
Importance: High
 
 
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Tuesday, November 13, 2018
Contact:
Lisa Koumjian 
Lisa.Koumjian at dmv.ny.gov
James Plastiras  
James.Plastiras at omh.ny.gov 
Joe Morrissey  
Joseph.Morrissey at dot.ny.gov
 
NEW YORK STATE ANNOUNCES PUBLIC LISTENING SESSIONS TO STUDY ACCESSIBLE RIDE
SHARING SERVICES FOR CUSTOMERS WITH DISABILITIES 
Listening Sessions to be Held in Capital Region, Central New York,
Mid-Hudson, Long Island, and Western New York Regions
Written Comments May Be Submitted to TNCTaskforce at dmv.ny.gov By December
18, 2018
Pre-Registration Available here 
The New York State Transportation Network Company Accessibility Task Force
today announced that five public listening sessions will be held across the
state to examine the availability of accessible ride sharing services for
people with disabilities. Through these listening sessions, the task force
will analyze current service options, the need and demand for accessible
services, and identify opportunities and barriers to increasing these
options for customers with disabilities. 
The task force was established through legislation passed last year to
bring ride sharing services to Upstate New York and Long Island. Members of
the task force include representatives from organizations that serve people
with disabilities and representatives from transportation network companies
such as Uber or Lyft. 
"The law authorizing transportation network companies has provided an
alternative, safe transportation option to people across this state," said
Betty DeFazio, Task Force Co-Chair and Chief Development Officer at ARISE
CNY. "This task force will help ensure that this vital ride sharing system
is meeting the needs of every passenger, especially those who may need it
most." 
"The focus of this task force is making sure that all New Yorkers, no
matter what their needs may be, have adequate access to reliable
transportation," said Frank Krotschinsky, Task Force Co-Chair and Director
of Suffolk County Office for People with Disabilities. "I am proud to serve
as Co-Chair of this group, and I look forward to leading meaningful
discussions that will help us navigate this important area of the ride
sharing industry." 
The public listening sessions are scheduled as follows:
November 27, 2018
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 
Knights of Columbus 
261 S. Legion Drive
Buffalo, NY 14220
 
November 28, 2018
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 
NYS Fairgrounds- Martha Eddy Room
581 State Fair Boulevard
Syracuse, NY 13209
 
November 30, 2018
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 
Westchester County Center
198 Central Ave. 
White Plains, NY 10606
 
December 11, 2018
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 
Empire State Plaza Convention Center 
Meeting Rooms 2-3
Albany, NY 12242
 
December 18, 2018
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 
Moose Lodge 
631 Pulaski Road
Greenlawn, NY 11740
 
Each session will begin with a brief presentation from the members of the
task force. Following the presentation, interested parties will be invited
to provide their feedback on ride sharing services for people with
disabilities. 
 
To submit written comments, email TNCTaskforce at dmv.ny.gov by December 18,
2018.  To register, visit
https://www.flexbooker.com/widget/2cdff9ef-c16f-47d1-887f-152c276de836. 
The law authorizing transportation network company (TNC) operation, which
took effect June 29, 2017, extended ride sharing statewide. Previously,
ride sharing services were only available to travelers in New York City.
The law also resulted in protections for passengers and regulations for how
TNCs may operate and be licensed. More information for passengers,
applicants, drivers and local governments is available on the NYS DMV
website at https://dmv.ny.gov/more-info/rideshare-information. 
 
Andrew Karhan
Director of Employment Policy
Project Director, PROMISE
 
New York Employment Services System
44 Holland Avenue, 8th Floor, Albany, New York 12229
www.omh.ny.gov