NEW YORK — Advocates for the disabled want the MTA to suspend shared service on Access-A-Ride vehicles as COVID cases rise.

During the pandemic, the vehicles were used to transport just one disabled rider at a time. 

Rides with multiple people resumed last month. 

But advocates say passengers spend long periods in close contact with each other and can't move from from their seat unlike subway and bus riders.

"Our lives are on the line. I have Lupus, I have a compromised immune system. There are several people here today with a compromised immune system. I am not dying for the MTA or Access-A-Ride," said Access-A-Ride Campaign Coordinator and Organizer Eman Rimawi.

In a statement the MTA says it remains vigilant about cleaning its vehicles and monitoring COVID-19 cases.

The agency also says it requires its drivers to wear masks.