May 7, 2019
Wheelchair users living in areas districts outside New York City can look
forward to convenient and hassle-free travel. They can now easily access
wheelchair-accessible taxis with the City expanding its Accessible
Dispatch program.
Until now, the service, which allows users to call, text or book the service
on email, was available only in Manhattan. By expanding the service, the
New York City Taxi & Limousine Commission (NYC TLC)
wants to offer people in wheelchairs and motorized scooters greater and more
equitable access to transportation.
People with disabilities face many daunting transportation obstacles in
getting to work, shopping, seeing friends — just everyday living — and
our city suffers for it both economically and on an equity basis. This new
citywide program is there to remove some of those obstacles and make a real
difference in some people’s lives.. – Meera Joshi, Chairman- CEO,
New York City Taxi & Limousine Commission (NYC TLC)
With the service now in place, people with disabilities in all five
boroughs/districts of New York City can access the city like never
before. Robert Acevedo, who has a movement disorder as well
as bipolar issues, says he can now make appointments more easily.
“I need to travel for personal events, like go to the airport and for
advocacy needs. With the Accessible Dispatch service, it is easier to make
appointments”, says Robert. “I am now able to make last minute
appointments and have an additional option for transportation in case of an
emergency.”
The Accessible Dispatch program was launched in September 2012 as a 24/7
program, with the goal of connecting New Yorkers who use wheelchairs and
other mobility aids to accessible taxis at no extra cost.
Jean Ryan, a resident of Brooklyn, and Vice
President, Public Affairs of Disabled In Action, uses the service
frequently and says it has made a world of difference. Jean recalled a
medical emergency when she needed to get to the hospital quickly but could
not find accessible transportation services. “It’s wonderful that
citywide accessible dispatch is now available so we can get rides in the
outer boroughs, too. Hopefully in the future, all cabs and for-hire vehicles
will be wheelchair accessible to really achieve equal access for all.”
Thanks to the Accessible Dispatch service Linda Fisher, is
able to take her mother Beth Bederman out more. Her mother
is a wheelchair user and has dementia.
“We like to go on outings to restaurants and see shows at the library. We
used the service to attend the funeral of my mother’s sister. We were able
to attend a graveside service thanks to the gracious driver who agreed to
drive into the cemetery and wait for us while my mother was able to attend
the service for her sister Having the service available to us means we can
make plans with more flexibility and not be restricted as to timing.”
At the time of launch, there were 233 accessible yellow cabs. Today, there
are 2,175 wheelchair-accessible yellow cabs.
Source: https://newzhook.com/story/22172
