Latest News

Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION

New taxis are head-turners

MV-1 accessible vehicles will meet ever-growing need in Winnipeg

By: Martin Cash

Posted: 11/2/2012 1:00 AM | Comments: 0

One of five new MV-1 taxis.

Gary Jakeman hasn't driven a cab for eight years. But the former cabbie, who now runs Dignity Transportation, is having lots of fun on the streets doing some inaugural runs with his company's new fleet of five MV-1 accessible taxis.

"It's fun to drive. People turn their heads to look at it. Some want to have their picture taken with it," Jakeman said.

The new MV-1s, which look like tall, oversized station wagons, represent the city's first new taxi licences in many years and are among the first MV-1s in Canada that are in their first model year.

Jakeman likes the look and handling of the MV-1s but people who get around in wheelchairs are even more excited.

The MV-1 is the only purpose-built vehicle on the road for transportation of people in wheelchairs and will be a welcome option for the disabled.

Terry McIntosh, an independent living consultant at the Independent Living Resource Centre, said five years ago it was easier to get an accessible cab. That will change.

"There is definitely a need for this kind of vehicle," McIntosh said. "They will be kept busy."

Dignity Transportation, a Winnipeg-owned company that currently operates 10 vans and five cars for Handi-Transit, will charge standard taxi rates. Company officials said they will service demand from typical Handi-Transit users who need rides outside their pre-booked times.

In addition to the unusual look of the MV-1 vehicles -- which are large enough to carry two people in wheelchairs and four other passengers -- Dignity Transportation cars will also be the first taxis in Winnipeg with equipment to allow patrons to pay with debit cards.

Joan Wilson, secretary of the Manitoba Taxicab Board, said while there was opposition to Dignity's application from Unicity and Duffy's Taxi, the company presented a very good business case.

"We have high hopes for the company," she said. "We know it's hard for disabled people to find affordable transport, especially late at night. It will really serve a lot of people."

While both Unicity and Duffy's have regular-priced accessible vehicles, it depends on who you talk to as to exactly how many.

Regardless of how many there really are -- spokespeople for Unicity and Duffy's were not available -- Jakeman and advocates for the disabled community say there are not enough.

There are also private companies with wheelchair vans, but they charge a premium price -- about $15 at the start of the trip compared to the $3.60 Dignity and standard taxi's charge.

"People in wheelchairs should not have to pay more than you or I," Jakeman said.

Verander Gill, the owner of the company, who also owns Able-Atlantic Taxi and Bee Line Taxi in Toronto, said: "This is the future (for the wheelchair accessible business)."

Gill said the company applied for 10 licences but was issued five. He said he plans to keep track of all the call logs and go back to the board after a year for additional licences because he's certain there is demand out there for more than five cars.

Incumbent taxi companies in Winnipeg aggressively oppose any new licence applications, in part to protect the resale value of Winnipeg taxi licences, which have recently sold for as much as $500,000.

Dignity's five new licences, which are non-transferable and non-saleable, cost $100 each.

martin.cash@ freepress.mb.ca

THE SPECS

Cost: $47,000

Designed by Florida-based Vehicle Production Group and manufactured by AM General, a world leader in military and special purpose vehicles in Mishawaka, Ind.

Features a larger side entryway and access ramp (available in manual or automatic) with a 1,200-pound weight capacity.

Runs on a Ford 4.6L, V8 engine available with either a traditional gasoline engine or a CNG fuelling system.

Has more than 190 cubic feet of interior volume, seating up to six people comfortably including two wheelchairs.

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition November 2, 2012 B4

Fact Check

Have you found an error, or know of something we’ve missed in one of our stories? Please use the form below and let us know.

* Required

In which story did you find the error? *
Please post the headline of the story or the title of the video with the error.
What was the error? *
Please post exactly what was wrong with the story.
What should we have written?
Please indicate your source for the correct information.
Who else should we interview to improve this story?
Please include any contact information you may have.
Can we contact you in the future for advice on stories about this topic?
Yes

No
First Name: *
Last Name: *
E–mail Address: *
This will only be used to contact you if we have a question about your submission, it will not be used to identify you or be published.
Phone: *
This will only be used to contact you if we have a question about your submission, it will not be used to identify you or be published.
Colour:
Are you blue? If you can see this, leave it blank and get some CSS support.
Enter the words that you see: * This is to prevent our forms from being filled out automatically.
You have failed to correctly identify the words in the box above. Please try again.

More Latest News

Undock

You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is be a Winnipeg Free Press print or e-edition subscriber to join the conversation and give your feedback.

Have Your Say

New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.

Have Your Say

Comments are open to Winnipeg Free Press print or e-edition subscribers only. why?

Have Your Say

Comments are open to Winnipeg Free Press Subscribers only. why?

The Winnipeg Free Press does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. These terms were revised effective April 16, 2010.