April 27, 2026
Chair Dibble and Members of the Committee,
Re: Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) Supply and Availability Study
The Minnesota Council on Disability (MCD) appreciates the opportunity to provide testimony on the Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) Supply and Availability Study.
MCD serves as a liaison between Minnesotans with disabilities and the Legislature. Through that work, we consistently hear that transportation remains one of the most significant barriers to independence and community participation. The findings of this study reflect what we hear across the state—that transportation is not a stand-alone issue; it is a cross-cutting barrier that affects access to health care, employment, education, and community life.
In our 2025 Legislative Priorities Survey, Minnesotans with disabilities described missed medical appointments, limited access to providers, and increased isolation due to unreliable transportation. Conversely, one respondent shared that reliable transportation can be “life-changing—opening doors to jobs and belonging.” Taken together, these challenges point to a broader issue of equity. As one participant in this study noted, “wheelchair users deserve parity and choice.” That principle—parity—should guide the Committee’s next steps.
The study also highlights that Minnesota does not need to reinvent the wheel or build an entirely new system from scratch. There are meaningful opportunities to improve access by leveraging existing transportation network company (TNC) platforms and WAV providers through partnerships and cross-dispatch models. These approaches can help expand availability and reduce wait times.
At the same time, emerging technologies—including connected and automated vehicles (CAV)—present a forward-looking opportunity to improve access. These systems, however, will only deliver equitable outcomes if accessibility is built in from the outset, rather than added later.
Given these findings, MCD encourages the Legislature to consider the following WAV strategies:
- Require basic data reporting from TNCs and providers on WAV availability, wait times, and service gaps to better understand where access is falling short
- Support targeted pilot programs to expand on-demand WAV access in both the metro and Greater Minnesota, with a focus on reducing wait times and improving coordination across providers
- Direct state agencies to develop guidance on WAV accessibility and service expectations, helping promote more consistent access statewide
- Explore a sustainable funding approach to support long-term WAV expansion, such as partnerships or user-based funding mechanisms
- Ensure accessibility is included in emerging transportation policy, including connected and automated vehicles, so new systems are designed to be accessible from the start
Together, these steps represent practical progress toward a more equitable transportation system—one that reflects the principle of parity and ensures Minnesotans with disabilities have transportation choices.
Without reliable transportation, Minnesotans with disabilities are effectively excluded from full participation in community life.
We appreciate the Committee’s leadership on this issue and look forward to continued collaboration.
Joel Runnels, PhD
Legislative Affairs Director
Minnesota Council on Disability
joel.runnels@state.mn.us