B.C. announces funding program to support more accessible taxis | 24CA News
Community members round B.C. who use wheelchairs or produce other accessibility wants will quickly have higher entry to taxis.
The B.C. authorities has introduced that extra funding has been allotted to launch its Passenger Transportation Accessibility Program.
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“The program will help offset the extra costs that taxi owner-operators face in providing wheelchair-accessible vehicles, which will help to increase the number of accessible taxis available,” Ministry of Transportation employees mentioned in a launch.
The minister of transportation, Rob Fleming, mentioned the brand new program will assist facilitate a stronger transportation system that may make it simpler for these residing with accessibility points to get round their communities.
“Promoting equity in passenger transportation is an important way that we’re working to build a better, stronger future for all British Columbians,” he mentioned.
“By investing in a more inclusive transportation network we are helping people participate more fully in their communities by connecting with friends, attending appointments and getting to work.”
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Around $3 million of funding is obtainable for the implementation of this system, based on the province.
Applications to be part of this system opened on Jan. 27.
The authorities mentioned it’s planning on launching three “additional funding streams” over the subsequent two years that may concentrate on decreasing the price of working, buying and changing wheelchair-accessible taxis and offering coaching to raised help passengers who depend on them.
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B.C.’s taxi trade mentioned the brand new program is welcomed with open arms.
“One of the BC Taxi Association’s goals is to increase the number of accessible taxis on the road and this new program is going to do just that,” BC Taxi Association president Mohan Kang mentioned.
“The funding will help our members with important retrofitting and maintenance costs so they can provide the important accessibility services people across the province depend on.”
The accessibility program might be funded utilizing income collected from the per-trip payment that was applied in September 2019 as a part of the province’s efforts to introduce ride-hailing.
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