Written By: Renegades Foundation
A pilot van program from the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission, which commenced when the NYC MTA ended dozens of local and express bus routes, is not wheelchair accessible and thus violates Federal Law such as the American With Disabilities Act.
One such Disabled Person affected by this lack of wheelchair accessibility on these vans is Milagros Franco, who resides in Manhattan on East 21st Street and works at for a Social Service Center located in Brooklyn. As a result of this, she is forced to ride her Powerchair over the Manhattan Bridge, which expands about one and a half miles long. The Social Service Center is approximately five blocks from the Manhattan Bridge and during rain and snow she will not be able to traverse with the Powerchair over the Bridge. Milagros Franco, at one time, was able to ride what is now an eliminated route over the East River span (Manhattan Bridge) -- not anymore.
Lawsuits have been filed against the NYC MTA demanding that the more than 100 bus routes be restored. Lawsuits against the NYC TLC have also been filed demanding wheelchair accessible vehicles.
