Date set for all new taxis to be wheelchair accessible

THE Commission for Taxi Regulation has set June 8 as the date from which all newly licensed taxis will have to be wheelchair accessible.

The commission confirmed the date as it published its Action Plan for 2010-2011.

That plan, among other things, commits the industry to a review of the national maximum taxi fare during the course of this year, and to the introduction of a fleet licence which, according to the commission, will bring greater transparency and accountability to multiple vehicle holders and the rental sector.

The commission’s plan also involves the roll-out of a new driver identification for all licence holders, as well as new county identifications on the roof signs which clearly indicate the licensed operating area for the drivers.

That will make it harder for unscrupulous operators to travel outside their designated area in order to pick up business in more lucrative areas.

There is also a drive to make the industry more accessible and transparent for consumers with the creation of an online register of active vehicle, driver and dispatch operator licences, and a new “consumer-friendly” website which includes enhanced consumer information such as an online fare estimator and a register of taxi ranks nationwide.

The decision to only issue licences to wheelchair-accessible vehicles comes at a time when very few vehicles on the roads have such a designation.

According to the commission, as of May 1 there were a total of 26,483 active SPSV licences nationally. That was made up of 19,406 taxis, 1,535 wheelchair accessible taxis, 4,298 hackneys and 1,244 limousines.

As part of its drive to make vehicles more accessible, June 8 will also see the introduction of a new category of wheelchair accessible hackney.

Also from that date:

* Existing standard taxi licences may only be transferred one more time.

* Any change of vehicle for existing standard taxi/ hackney vehicle licence must meet the nine-year age rule.

* All SPSVs must undergo and pass an annual Licence Renewal Assessment which incorporates an inspection of vehicle suitability upon renewal of their vehicle licence.

* Transfer of ownership of a taxi licence must be to a vehicle that is under three years old.