r/disability • u/Emilylikes • 22h ago

I need help getting to class on time with Access Transportation in California

Hey everyone, I’m looking for advice or insight about Access Transportation—especially if anyone else has had similar issues.I’m a student and depend on Access to get to class. My destination is only about 25 miles away, but lately, the rides have been really stressful.

I’ve been picked up 30 minutes late and then dropped off 2–3 hours later, even though I leave 2 hours early just to try and be on time. I’m usually picked up first, but the drivers always pick up and drop off 2–4 other passengers before me, even if their destinations are farther or came after mine. Because of this, I’ve missed class or shown up over an hour late multiple times.

It’s also impacting my health. I got into a car crash with them before, and ever since then, I’ve had nausea and panic attacks on the rides. It’s gotten really overwhelming. My parents work from home and can’t always drive me, which is why I rely on Access.

To make things worse, when I’ve called customer service to ask for help or possible accommodations, they’ve been rude, wouldn’t let me talk to the main office or routing department, and when I asked about any sort of support or compensation, someone told me I should just be “glad I’m getting a ride.”

Has anyone dealt with something like this? Is there a way to escalate this or get route adjustments for safety/health reasons? I feel really stuck.Thanks in advance 

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u/mkjohnnie 19h ago

Hey there, I’m sorry I don’t have any ideas, hoping that commenting will get you more visibility. Just wanted to say that really sucks - take a virtual hug from an internet stranger.

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u/Emilylikes 19h ago

thank you

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u/Spiritcloud416 16h ago

If there is a Facebook group for complaints about Access Transportation, you may want to post there. In NYC, there is a similar Facebook group called "Access-A-Ride complaints".