Bill > A08872

This bill directs the New York State Department of Transportation to conduct a comprehensive study on wheelchair accessible vehicle availability across counties outside of New York City. The bill first defines a "wheelchair accessible vehicle" with detailed technical specifications, including requirements for lift/ramp dimensions, mobility aid accommodation, door clearances, interior configuration, and wheelchair securement systems. The study will require each county to provide data about taxicab operators, including fleet sizes, number of wheelchair accessible vehicles, and existing local policies. The department will create a statewide digital mapping platform to identify "accessibility deserts" - areas with insufficient wheelchair accessible transportation. After completing the study, the department, in collaboration with other state agencies, will develop benchmarks for wheelchair accessible vehicle availability using U.S. Census Bureau data on ambulatory disabilities. The bill also empowers the department to suggest grant programs or tax incentives to increase wheelchair accessible vehicle numbers and requires counties with insufficient transportation plans to submit improved plans. Within 180 days of publishing the study, the department must deliver its findings to stakeholders and post them publicly, with each county required to create and submit an improved transportation plan. The overall goal is to enhance mobility options for people who use wheelchairs by systematically assessing and improving accessible transportation across New York State.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A8872