The designers at The Vehicle Production Group have got it all together in the Standard Taxi.
At present a wheelchair accessible taxi is any taxi that contains a driver willing to pick-up a wheelchair user, wait around with the meter off until the passenger transfers into and out of the cab, and then heave the not-so-lightweight wheelchair into and out of the trunk. It’s no wonder most cabbies are looking the other way when a wheelchair user tries to wave them down. For scooter and powerchair users the independence that comes with hailing a cab when and where you need one is just not an option at all.
The Vehicle Production Group found that few taxis were accessible to people with disabilities. The Standard Taxi was designed and engineered to be a “taxicab for all.” The result is the first purpose-built dual purpose taxicab with an ADA/CSA D-409 compliant wheelchair and scooter space compartment which can accommodate a wide range of travelers. It also provides a safe and ergonomic working environment for drivers.
Here are some of the features that make the Standard Taxi a standout for wheelchair users:
- Passengers can easily enter the taxi by either stepping inside the vehicle or by using a standard recessed access ramp
- 56" height door frame
- 90 degree door opening
- “Slide & Ride” easy to pull out ramp
- 2″ ramp lip guides
- 31″ ramp width
- Tie-downs for two possible wheelchair locations
- Comfort assist grab handles
- Forward facing riding location
For more information on The Standard Taxi-
Watch the video
The Standard Taxi web-site
Wheelchair accessible taxis can be a quantum roll forward in independence for wheelchair users. The technology is now available and the passengers are out there. The taxi industry need only realize that there is a demand for this service. Be a voice and help get the word out.
Check out this wheelchair accessible taxi awareness campaign at Taxis For All- North America
