by Madonna Long, Consumer Advocate
The facts are there - in most cities there are fewer than 10 accessible cabs. However, the good news is that there is change happening and many city officials are recognizing the advantages to implementing policy that support or promote accessible taxi cabs. More and more city officials are seeing the advantage of considering accessible cabs in their cities, which would improve tourism, employment and be a positive boost to their communities.
In Chicago, there are grants for the taxi industry that are being funded for wheelchair accessible vehicles. This fund will receive a $1.7 million dollar grant for the purchase or conversion of wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs) for the taxicab industry. Furthermore, if the vehicles are fueled by Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), those taxis receive front-of-the-line access at the airport. The airport is where most taxi drivers make the majority of their income which means this policy was an incentive for them to become accessible and green at the same time. Right on to Rosemary Krimbel, Commissioner. The Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection is driving this policy to ensure that the Chicago Taxi Cab System is leading the way in accessibility. And the MV-1 by VPG Autos is the only current vehicle that is measuring up to the new ride at the front of the line in Chicago. It is built here in the USA and is the only manufactured fully ADA compliant vehicle that runs on CNG. Way to go Rosemary. You are my total hero.
Last week in Washington D.C., Mayor Vincent C. Gray, D.C. Taxicab Commission (DCTC) Chairman Ron M. Linton and Commission members introduced four of the proposed uniform color designs for the District�s taxicab fleet during a press event. The designs will be displayed for public consideration and comment at the Verizon Center. The MV-1 is one of the vehicles on display at this event, and during his interview, the Mayor mentioned his commitment to providing more accessible cabs in Washington D.C. Many advocacy groups have been working with the D.C. city council since January of last year, when I personally testified for accessible cabs. The key is education and never giving up for moment and continuing to advocate for policy changes so that everyone has the same ride.
Each person should consider joining an advocacy group and understand that one person can bring about change by joining forces with others. Accessible Clean Taxi Coalition, at
www. Accessibletaxi.com, is a coalition of disability organizations and individuals advocating for accessible, clean taxis in each city across the nation. You can connect on Facebook
here and follow on Twitter
here.
