Groups plead for more wheelchair accessible taxis

JUST one-in-10 taxis are wheelchair accessible, down from one-in-five prior to deregulation, figures published yesterday reveal.

Of the 12,000 taxis now on the road, about 1,200 are wheelchair accessible. Before deregulation four years ago, 20% of the near 4,000 taxis were accessible.

While the number of ordinary taxis has trebled since overnight deregulation, there are only a couple of hundred more wheelchair accessible taxis.

Groups representing disabled people have called for tax breaks to increase the numbers on the road. It is one of a package of recommendations contained in a report drawn up by a six-strong group of disability representatives. Transport Minister Séamus Brennan launched the report and claimed the Government is committed to “continuing the process” of making taxis wheelchair accessible.

This is despite testimony in the report from disabled people that it is becoming increasingly difficult for wheelchair users to access taxi services.

The situation is critical in rural areas, but even in towns and cities, the growing trend of part-time drivers and competition for fares causes extra problems.

Issues raised in the report will be considered by the new taxi regulator, due to be named next week.

The report recommends:

20% of all taxis should be wheelchair accessible within three years.

National mandatory bright yellow livery.

VRT and VAT cuts and tax breaks to lower the cost of wheelchair accessible taxis, which can cost four times as much as a regular car to put on the road.

Concessions for people with disabilities.

National accessibility audit for ranks and pick-up points.

However, the National Taxi Drivers Union has criticised aspects of the report, describing them as unworkable.

Spokesman Vincent Kearns said: “We should take on board what this report is saying, but it’s not the answer.” Olan McGowan, of the Irish Wheelchair Association, said they intend to lobby for tax breaks.