Laura
06-30-2008, 09:52 PM
Washinton DC is already "wheelchair friendly" in the Metro, they still have some tweaking to do when it comes to curb cuts, though.
GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Office of Disability Rights
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 19, 2008
Contact:
Eve Hill
(202) 724-7525
Mat McCollough
(202) 727-6744
ACCESSIBLE TAXICABS WILL BE AVAILABLE TO WHEELCHAIR USERS FOR FIRST TIME
Three Companies Receiving Funding to Provide 21 Wheelchair Accessible Taxis
in the District
The National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board (TPB) approved
funding to bring wheelchair accessible taxicabs to the District of Columbia
for the first time. The approval of funding is based on the collaborative
efforts and support from the DC Taxicab Commission and the DC Office of
Disability Rights.
Presently, wheelchair users cannot rely on the 5,700 taxis available in the
District, because none have accessibility features, such as ramps or lifts,
to allow passengers into the vehicles. With the new funding, three taxicab
companies will provide a total of 21 wheelchair accessible taxicabs.
According to Eve Hill, Director of the DC Office of Disability Rights,
“Residents and visitors in the District have been asking for wheelchair
accessible taxicabs and now we will be able to meet that need. In a city
that relies heavily on taxi service, these taxis will mean greater freedom
for people with disabilities.�
Purchasing of these vehicles is made possible under the New Freedom programs
of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). TPB will provide approximately
$1 million in federal funding, matched by nearly $200,000 in funding from
the DC Taxicab Commission. Taxi companies of Yellow Cab of DC, Liberty Cab,
and the Mohebbi Group will provide 7 accessible taxicabs each. A proposed
centralized dispatch system will also be funded allowing passengers needing
a wheelchair accessible cab to call one number and the closest available cab
will be dispatched.
"Providing accessible taxi service to the citizens of the District of
Columbia and its visitors is one of our top priorities," expressed Leon J.
Swain, Jr., Chairperson of the DC Taxicab Commission, Chairperson. Mr.
Swain commended the actions of TPB as being "a real victory for DC. and the
entire region".
GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Office of Disability Rights
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 19, 2008
Contact:
Eve Hill
(202) 724-7525
Mat McCollough
(202) 727-6744
ACCESSIBLE TAXICABS WILL BE AVAILABLE TO WHEELCHAIR USERS FOR FIRST TIME
Three Companies Receiving Funding to Provide 21 Wheelchair Accessible Taxis
in the District
The National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board (TPB) approved
funding to bring wheelchair accessible taxicabs to the District of Columbia
for the first time. The approval of funding is based on the collaborative
efforts and support from the DC Taxicab Commission and the DC Office of
Disability Rights.
Presently, wheelchair users cannot rely on the 5,700 taxis available in the
District, because none have accessibility features, such as ramps or lifts,
to allow passengers into the vehicles. With the new funding, three taxicab
companies will provide a total of 21 wheelchair accessible taxicabs.
According to Eve Hill, Director of the DC Office of Disability Rights,
“Residents and visitors in the District have been asking for wheelchair
accessible taxicabs and now we will be able to meet that need. In a city
that relies heavily on taxi service, these taxis will mean greater freedom
for people with disabilities.�
Purchasing of these vehicles is made possible under the New Freedom programs
of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). TPB will provide approximately
$1 million in federal funding, matched by nearly $200,000 in funding from
the DC Taxicab Commission. Taxi companies of Yellow Cab of DC, Liberty Cab,
and the Mohebbi Group will provide 7 accessible taxicabs each. A proposed
centralized dispatch system will also be funded allowing passengers needing
a wheelchair accessible cab to call one number and the closest available cab
will be dispatched.
"Providing accessible taxi service to the citizens of the District of
Columbia and its visitors is one of our top priorities," expressed Leon J.
Swain, Jr., Chairperson of the DC Taxicab Commission, Chairperson. Mr.
Swain commended the actions of TPB as being "a real victory for DC. and the
entire region".