Accessible cabs in Toronto are dwindling. One company says the city is failing to support drivers | CBC News

"He says he paid out of pocket to convert his van to be accessible, which included adding a ramp. Alemu says he made the investment because he wanted to help people with disabilities, and he thought providing accessible and regular taxi service would help business. But Alemu's vehicle is about to age past the city's standards and he says he can't afford to continue his service. He spent about $50,000 on the accessible vehicle in 2015, but it would cost about $130,000 now, he says."

"Many drivers who once had accessible vehicles are also deciding not to get new vehicles for financial reasons, according to Kristine Hubbard, the company's operations manager. Beck Taxi once had a fleet of 200 accessible cabs, says Hubbard, but now that number is down to 50. And after March 31, when most of the vehicles officially expire past the city's age limit, there will only be three left, she says."

"Hubbard said taxi companies are responsible for dispatch while the city is in charge of overseeing the taxi industry, including regulating and licencing vehicles. Licenced taxi drivers are responsible for vehicle costs, including converting them to be accessible, she said. City program for newly-registered vehicles falls short: company Hubbard says the city is offering little help and has no long-term plan. They've turned their backs on that community and the community of taxi drivers who have lost everything"

Beck Taxi will be reduced to three wheelchair-accessible cabs by the end of March as most vehicles age out of the city's limits. Many drivers paid out of pocket to convert vans, including adding ramps, and face sharply higher replacement and maintenance costs now. One driver spent about $50,000 in 2015 and estimates replacement would cost about $130,000 today. Beck Taxi's accessible fleet fell from 200 to 50 vehicles and will drop to three after March 31. Taxi companies handle dispatch while the city regulates and licenses vehicles, and licensed drivers bear conversion costs. Company representatives say the city offers little help or long-term support.

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