Latest News
New provincial funding to give people with accessibility challenges better access to wheelchair-accessible taxis.
Photo via flickr.com
Province supports sustainable, accessible taxi services
Published 11:52 PDT, Mon May 1, 2023
—
More people with accessibility challenges throughout the province will soon have better access to wheelchair-accessible taxis, reducing wait times and allowing them to get around their communities with ease.
“Reducing the costs of maintaining wheelchair-accessible taxis will keep existing vehicles on the road in good condition and encourage more supply,” said Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, Rob Fleming. “It will also make it easier for companies to recruit and retain drivers for these vehicles, making sure more people will have access to these specialized taxis provincewide.”
Since its launch in January 2023, the province has provided $2.6 million in grants to 51 taxi companies through its Passenger Transportation Accessibility Program Maintenance Rebate. The funding is helping reduce the financial effects of necessary maintenance work on nearly 400 wheelchair-accessible taxis.
By reducing the expenses related to owning and maintaining accessible taxis, the province is making it easier for more operators to bring more of these vehicles into their fleets. This can improve the ability for more British Columbians to get where they need to go, when they need to get there.
“These rebates are clearing the financial barriers that have created a real challenge to expand access for people with disabilities,” said Minister of State for Infrastructure and Transit, Dan Coulter. “Thanks to the Passenger Transportation Accessibility Program, more people will have reliable transportation to work, to see family and friends, and to get around their communities.”
During the next two years, the ministry will launch additional funding streams that will focus on reducing the cost of operating, purchasing and converting wheelchair-accessible taxis, and providing drivers with training to better support the passengers who rely on them. The funding will help the taxi industry ensure that more wheelchair-accessible taxis are available to meet the needs of British Columbians.
2 Hours of free financial consulting
Jai Xin Planning Ltd.
C$120.00 C$0.00
Use any of our home staging service and get a second month rental for free!
MiiX Interiors
C$500.00 C$0.00
Get 10% off any order
Phantom Screens Lower Mainland
C$200.00 C$180.00
