New pilot project aims to reduce wait times for accessible taxi cabs
Posted May 29, 2024 6:19 pm.
Last Updated May 30, 2024 10:21 am.
The theme for this year’s National accessibility week, Forward Together, is very fitting, as the significant success seen by the WAV pilot program has led to increases in accessibility across the city, with a goal to make the program permanent
The pilot project was launched two years ago to reduce wait times for users of wheelchair-accessible vehicles and officials say it did just that.
Over 13,000 wheelchair-accessible vehicle trips were provided through the program in 2023, approximately triple from the previous year, is projected to increase another 50 per cent this year to over 20,000 trips.
“Just because I don’t use a wheelchair, shouldn’t mean I can get a taxi in 20 minutes and someone else has to wait two hours because they’re in a wheelchair, we have eliminated that,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham.
The city says, 93 per cent of WAV passengers in 2023 were either picked up early or had to wait less than 20 minutes, which led to overwhelmingly positive user reviews.
One of those passengers was Kevin Carrol who had to start using a wheelchair over a year ago after getting his leg amputated. He used the service roughly 12 times a week during the winter months, and says it was a game changer.
“It’s an absolute life changer, so what does it mean to me, pretty much means the world,” said Carrol.
“Please, please city let’s keep this going, I can only say this so many times what a life changer it is.”
The Public Service is planning to bring forward recommendations to Council later this year, to make Winnipeg WAV a permanent program.
“IRLC is committed to the ongoing support of the WAV centralised dispatch which we strongly advocate become a permanent service supported by the city of Winnipeg as we move closer to a fully accessible and integrated transportation network,” said Patrick Stewart, Independent Living Resource Centre.
The program also provides financial incentives to participating accessible taxi drivers and accessible vehicle owners
