Access Taxi Fleet Takes to the Road | Central Transaction Services Co., Ltd.

Department of Information Technology, Taipei City Government
2013/2/6 15:52

Mayor Hau Lung-bin announced the establishment of the city’s access taxi fleet—the first of its kind on the island–on January 5, touting it as a Lunar New Year present for physically impaired individuals. Transportation and Communications Minister Mao Chi-kuo and representatives from associations for the welfare of disabled persons attended the event to witness the momentous milestone.

During the ceremony, the mayor expressed his gratitude to the central government, legislative bodies, and social welfare groups for pushing through with the establishment of the wheelchair-accessible taxi fleet.

Hau noted that Taipei has approximately 120,000 physically-challenged residents, for whom a series of policies have been implemented to create a barrier-free living environment. Measures taken by the city government include promotion of the paratransit buses, low-base buses, and the arcade walkway-leveling project.

According to the mayor, the service provided by the 230-strong paratransit bus fleet is still insufficient to satisfy the demand of the city’s disabled population. He hopes that with the addition of the access cabs, disabled individuals will find traveling in Taipei much more convenient.

Hau pointed out that the fares charged by the access taxis will be the same as those charged by standard cabs. Passengers showing their concession cards can also enjoy discounts on their fares. A total of 30 such vehicles will hit the road in six months, with more expected to join in the near future.