Empowering Freedom to Move: Celebrating 35 Years of the ADA with Innovative Paratransit Solutions
As we honor Disability Pride Month and reflect on more than three decades since the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Transdev reaffirms its mission to expand mobility, independence, and dignity for people of all abilities.
For the past 25 years, Transdev has proudly administered the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) Paratransit Program—delivering nearly 1 million rides annually across San Francisco. With consistently high marks, including 92% passenger satisfaction and over 92% on-time performance, this long-standing partnership demonstrates a shared commitment to equitable, responsive, and innovative transportation.
From the beginning, SFMTA has championed wheelchair-accessible taxi service and on-demand options. The 2011 introduction of a debit card payment system improved rider flexibility and streamlined operations. That same infrastructure enabled rapid adaptation during the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing SFMTA to launch a subsidized taxi service for non-ADA eligible seniors and individuals with disabilities.
Transdev also manages SF Access and Group Van services, further enhancing access to life-enriching mobility. Today, SFMTA continues to lead not only by meeting ADA standards, but by setting new ones.
”Transdev would come to the Paratransit Coordinating Council (PCC) with ideas on how to improve the service, and the PCC would go over each of them. We would then be able to pick and choose what would make it better, and for me, that was a great thing to be a part of,” shared Marty Smith, Chair of the Paratransit Coordinating Council. “I’ve always appreciated how professional and hardworking the Transdev team is at SFMTA—they listen, follow through, and are committed to making a positive difference for riders.
Marty SmithChairman, Paratransit Coordinating Council (PCC)
Accessible transit is not a fixed destination—it’s a continuous evolution. From leveraging AI-powered dispatching to supporting innovative regional partnerships, Transdev remains committed to helping SFMTA and its riders benefit from smarter, more responsive, and inclusive transportation solutions.
As we celebrate Disability Pride Month, we recognize that true independence begins with the freedom to move. We’re proud to support SFMTA in building a future where every ride reflects equity, access, and pride in the diverse communities we serve.
