On-demand accessible taxi service likely to be permanent after successful trial

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This article was published 29/05/2024 (642 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Kevin Carrol began to tear up as he described how meaningful a city pilot project to allow wheelchair users on-demand access to taxis has been for him.

The 60-year-old, who had a foot amputated just over a year ago, began using a wheelchair shortly after leaving the hospital.

“When the winter hit, it’s very hard for a young man like me to get around in the snow and the sidewalks, so the service has been a game-changer to me, which is to say a life-changer, because I like to be out, I’m a big extrovert, I love to be outside,” Carrol said Wednesday, following a news conference outside the Notre Dame Avenue offices of Duffy’s Taxi.

“Staying in depresses me, and the only way I could get out day to day to day in the winter was because of this great service.”

Mayor Scott Gillingham said the successful wheelchair-accessible vehicle service, launched as a pilot program in May 2022, has increased capacity and reduced wait times for on-demand rides in wheelchair-accessible taxis.

City staff are planning to make recommendations to council to make the service permanent. The initial pilot cost $1.8 million.

The service is centralized through a call centre run by Duffy’s Taxi, as well as an app and online, with accessible vehicles from multiple taxi companies available for dispatch at any given time.

Gillingham said that the service provided 13,213 trips last year, about three times the 2022 estimate of about 4,400 trips annually. Trips are projected to increase to about 20,000 this year.

Data shows 93 per cent of passengers were picked up early or waited 20 minutes or less, compared with wait times of up to two hours for an accessible taxi prior to the program’s launch.

Carrol said the service has been “extremely fast,” adding he has never had to wait for a cab to arrive. He used it about six days a week during the winter. A trip from his home off Corydon Avenue to downtown cost about $12.

The mayor said the service augments Winnipeg Transit and Transit Plus.

Grant Heather, the city’s vehicles for hire division manager, said in total there are 130 accessible vehicles for hire in Winnipeg. Between 50 and 60 are typically available for service on an average day.

“I really think it just improves things so much, being able to get to medical appointments or work or school was always something that was accommodated, but it’s the fact you’re now able to go out in the evening and get a ride home later in the evening… it makes it a better city, it makes it more accessible,” said Heather.

He said expects the service will cost about $600,000 a year from city coffers going forward, assuming it is approved by city council.

The program offers accessible taxis 24 hours a day and seven days a week, including holidays.

Ram Valluru, general manager of Duffy’s Taxi and the service’s project manager, said it has been a rewarding experience for drivers, as well as customers.

“The most rewarding and satisfying experience is when the customers say that their life changed, their lifestyle changed… they never used to go outside, now they are able to go… not just for medical appointments, they are going for social events, too,” said Valluru.

“They’re going to Jets games, they’re going to Bombers games and social events. We are able to provide a good service to the customers.”

The program offers financial incentives to drivers, who can earn up to $2,250 per year for participating, and owners of the vehicles, who can earn up to $2,500 per year. Drivers who own their vehicles are eligible for both.

The vehicles — minivans — have wheelchair lifts at the rear. Drivers receive free training from the Independent Living Resource Centre.

erik.pindera@freepress.mb.ca