Province supporting wheelchair accessible taxi fleets across B.C.

The B.C. government is supporting the upkeep of accessible taxis to provide people in wheelchairs better service.

The Passenger Transportation Accessibility Program (PTAP) has been launched to help offset the costs taxi owners and operators face in providing wheelchair-accessible vehicles.

The province said people reliant on wheelchair accessible taxis often experience longer wait times or lack of service, and the PTAP will help increase the number of accessible taxis available.

“Promoting equity in passenger transportation is an important way that we’re working to build a better, stronger future for all British Columbians,” Rob Fleming, minister of transportation and infrastructure, said.

“By investing in a more inclusive transportation network we’re helping people participate more fully in their communities by connecting with friends, attending appointments and getting to work.”

Approximately $3 million of funding is available through the first funding stream of the program.

The money will provide rebates to eligible taxi owners and operators to help cover the costs associated with purchasing, converting and maintaining wheelchair accessible vehicles.

Applications for PTAP opened Jan. 27. Eligible owners and operators can apply for funds through the province’s website.

The program will operate over the next two years and will see an additional three funding streams launched over that time.

PTAP is being funded using revenues collected for the per-trip fee that came into effect in Sept. 2019.