A city committee wants to spend $1.5 million to improve Calgary’s accessible taxi service but people who rely on the program say the proposed changes don't go far enough.
Currently there are 189 taxis that are capable of accommodating wheelchairs and other mobility devices and the city says it is reviewing the on-demand service.
Some people with disabilities say it’s normal to wait for hours for a taxi that is able to take a wheelchair and that the entire program needs an overhaul.
“When I call for a wheelchair accessible taxi, I’m never given a, you'll get it in ten minutes, you'll get it in 60 minutes, most of the time I wait between 60 and 90 minutes for a wheelchair accessible vehicle,” said Laurie Brunner, Accessibility Advisory Committee Chair.
On Wednesday, a city committee heard from members of the community about the need for more accessible cabs in Calgary.
Advocates say every taxi in the city should be able to take people with mobility issues and some are also asking for improved dispatch to help avoid long waits for a ride.
“There’s really only one solution to this problem and that is that all taxi cabs need to be wheelchair accessible, just like they are in London, England. And that way you don’t have to identify yourself as a person with disability,” said Harrold Crittenden, accessible taxi advocate.
Ward 4 Councillor, Sean Chu, says he will put forward an amendment and says council has more work to do.
“As a city we have to, by law, we have to provide services but how are we going to get there? And also the policies that the livery industry has itself sustained, so where’s the money going to come from?” he said.
The $1.5 million will be used for an incentive fund and the hope is that the extra money will put more accessible cabs on city streets.
To help pay for the program, a 20 cent fee will be added to all taxi and ride-hail trips.
