Vancouver City Council

REPORT TO COUNCIL

SPECIAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON DISABILITY ISSUES

MARCH 12, 2003

RTS: 3320
CC File: 2801/3053-1
Council: April 22, 2003

1. Accessible Taxi Service

Vancouver was the first city in Canada to introduce accessible taxis for the general public, but primarily to provide reliable, safe, on demand transportation for persons dependent on a wheelchair for mobility. Through the years the level of service has varied from reasonable to unacceptable, with very few comments that indicate it is a first rate service for persons with disabilities.

The complaints that the Special Advisory Committee on Disability Issues receives centre mostly on the unacceptable accessible taxi service in Vancouver. The complaints vary from unsafe taxis, untrained and impolite drivers, to unacceptable waiting periods for persons needing an accessible taxi.

Subsequently, at its meeting on March 6, 2003, the Special Advisory Committee on Disability Issues received an update on accessible taxi service from Pam Hayes, Vehicle For Hire Inspector. During discussion members expressed concern with regard to driver training and the level of priority given to customers with mobility aids.

Therefore, the Special Advisory Committee on Disability Issues

RECOMMENDS

A THAT Council instruct staff to take a leadership role in developing a more in depth training course for drivers and owners of accessible taxis with input from appropriate consumer groups and existing models.

B THAT Council instruct staff to amend the Vehicle For Hire By-law in order to require taxi companies that offer accessible vehicles to provide priority service to persons with mobility aids over all other service requests.

(Signed) "Paul Tubbe", Chair

Special Advisory Committee on Disability Issues

CITY MANAGER'S COMMENTS

The City Manager comments that Recommendation "A" will result in some additional staff resources and implementation and ongoing training costs. Staff should be instructed to report back on options, costs and source of funding for implementation of a driver training course for wheelchair accessible taxis.

The City Manager supports the intent of Recommendation "B" but recommends staff report back with the appropriate by-law amendments.

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