Fleming’s ministry said in a release that government will launch additional programs to reduce the cost of operating, purchasing and converting wheelchair-accessible taxis and training drivers to better support passengers.
Neil Belanger, Chief Executive Officer of Indigenous Disability Canada/British Columbia Aboriginal Network on Disability Society, said the ability to access wheelchair-accessible taxis should never be a hit-and-miss endeavour. “Inclusive and accessible communities always have access to reliable and accessible transportation for all people,” Belanger said. “The Passenger Transportation Accessibility Program, through its rebate initiative, is working to ensure that reality and, in doing so, recognizing the overwhelming contributions that persons with disabilities bring to all aspects of our communities.”
All 51 companies that applied received grants based on maintenance work already completed and the size of their respective wheelchair-accessible vehicle fleet. All eligible amounts that were requested were awarded.