Toronto’s Accessible Cabs Decline as Company Criticizes City for Lack of Support

A significant decline in wheelchair-accessible cabs is imminent in Toronto as industry leaders voice their concerns about inadequate city support. Beck Taxi, one of the city’s largest taxi companies, will have only three accessible cabs by March’s end, a stark contrast to its previous fleet of 200.

Financial Strain on Accessible Taxi Drivers

Zerihun Alemu, an accessible cab driver with Beck Taxi since 2015, highlights the financial burdens faced by drivers. He invested approximately $50,000 to convert his van to accommodate passengers with disabilities, but the costs have skyrocketed. Now, a new accessible vehicle would require an investment of about $130,000.

Alemu is disheartened as his vehicle ages beyond the city’s standards, stating, “The maintenance cost is too much. I feel sorry for the customers.” His sentiments reflect a broader trend; many accessible cab drivers are opting not to replace their aging vehicles due to high expenses. Kristine Hubbard, operations manager at Beck Taxi, confirmed this worrying development.

Declining Numbers of Accessible Cabs

As of this March, Beck Taxi anticipates a reduction to just three accessible cabs. Hubbard notes that other competitors are experiencing similar deficits, with a marked decline in available on-demand accessible taxi services.

City’s Inadequate Support for Accessible Services

Hubbard criticized the city for its lack of meaningful support and absent long-term plans for accessible taxi services. “They’ve turned their backs on that community,” she stated, expressing urgency for the city to establish a centralized call center for booking accessible rides.

Amid rising demand for accessible cabs, Beck Taxi and disability advocates continue to call for improved city initiatives. Last year, 147 new accessible cabs were registered, yet 103 were part of the TTC’s Wheel-Trans program.

Insufficient Financial Assistance

Currently, taxi owners can apply for a one-time grant of $25,000 to help with the conversion costs of making vehicles accessible, yet this amount does not cover the full cost. Furthermore, this funding only applies to vehicles registered after 2025, limiting immediate relief.

Challenges to Accessibility Compliance

Luke Anderson, executive director of the StopGap Foundation, emphasizes that the decline in accessible cabs contradicts the goals set out in the Accessibility for Ontarians With Disabilities Act (AODA). He points out that current service gaps lead to unpredictable transportation for individuals with disabilities.

Other cities, such as Ottawa and Kingston, have established programs to enhance support for accessible taxis. These municipalities have successfully implemented centralized call centers and per-trip fees.

Potential Legal Action

As the situation worsens, discussions about a possible class-action lawsuit against the city arise. The AODA mandates equal wait times for accessible taxis compared to regular taxis. Marc Andre Way, president of the Canadian Taxi Association, argues that the city must prioritize the development of a sustainable system that benefits all stakeholders involved.

Conclusion

With increasing demand and dwindling accessible services, Toronto’s commitment to ensuring mobility for all residents is being questioned. Stakeholders are urging city officials to take action to rectify the situation before it deteriorates further.