Province providing funding for wheelchair accessible taxi maintenance

More people across the province with accessibility challenges will soon have better access to taxi services.

“Reducing the costs of maintaining wheel-chair 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 province wide.”

Since the launch of the Passenger Transportation Accessibility Program Maintenance Rebate in January, the province has provided $2.6 million in grants to 51 taxi companies throughout BC.

That includes $20,804.94 that was given to Prince George Taxi.

The province said the funding is helping reduce the financial effects of necessary maintenance work on nearly 400 wheelchair accessible taxis.

“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.

“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.”

Over the next two years, the ministry will launch additional funding streams to focus on reducing the cost of operating, purchasing, and converting wheelchair-accessible taxis, as well as providing drivers training to better support the passengers who rely on them.