Why Wheelchair Taxi Fares Need to be Lowered

Anyone who has caught a taxi in an emergency knows that the price of a short trip can be exorbitant and irritating, especially when compounded with other difficulties. The price of a cab ride is even more troublesome, however, for those mobility challenged passengers that rely on accessible cabs for every journey.

Being a wheelchair user means not only encountering various physical problems, but also significant financial and everyday lifestyle problems. Costs mount up quickly, and the use of wheelchair taxis can be a significant drain on the mobility challenged person's income. To counteract this, many states have implemented transportation subsidies for disabled passengers, allowing these individuals to enjoy full freedom of movement.

Wheelchair taxi fares are still set at too high a price, however, for many mobility challenged passengers, preventing those users from taking advantage of the liberty and freedom offered by the advanced wheelchair taxis in usage today. With fares as high as they are, many mobility challenged individuals will avoid embarking on longer trips, thus significantly lowering their own quality of life.

The good news is, however, that it is illegal for surcharges to be added to the fare on wheelchair taxis or other accessible vehicles. This means that mobility challenged customers can enjoy a high level of comfort and safety without paying any more than other passengers. Mobility challenged passengers should also expect a higher level of care from their accessible cab drivers, including considerate parking for pick ups and drop offs, and careful maintenance of the vehicle. 

How To Receive Vouchers For Wheelchair Taxi Transportation

There are programs available that provide people who need to use a wheelchair taxi in areas where suitable public transport is not available with vouchers that make this task much more affordable, such as those with mobility disabilities and the elderly. Once you made the decision that you need financial assistance with transportation, how do you make an application for the vouchers?

First, you will need to gather the required personal information and documentation to prove your eligibility for the vouchers. This information will include things such as your age, address, annual income and the extent of your disability. In some wheelchair taxi programs, you may be required to provide a photo ID and medical documents proving your disability.

Next, you can start contacting organizations and groups who may be able to steer you in the right direction to apply for wheelchair taxi vouchers. Places that may be able to assist you include: the public transport authority for the state in which you live; the senior citizens or disabilities council for your area, state or country; the social services department of your local Centrelink; taxi companies (even though they do not sponsor such programs, they may know how you can apply for it).

After being approved to receive financial assistance in the way of vouchers for use in wheelchair taxis, there will be a number of factors that you will have to take into account before each trip. Remember that you will only receive a certain amount of vouchers each year, so you should use them sparingly; remember that, if you travel interstate, you can apply for vouchers that will work in those states; and remember to keep your ID on you at all times as proof that you are able to use wheelchair taxi vouchers.