Trio of Penticton cab companies get provincial funds to improve accessible taxi services

The Province of BC has provided $2.6-million in grants to 51 taxi companies since January to help them improve their accessible taxi services.

The funding is meant to help reduce the financial effects of necessary maintenance work on wheelchair-accessible taxis and to ease the burden of adding more of these vehicles into their fleet.

"Reducing the costs of maintaining wheelchair-accessible taxis will keep existing vehicles on the road in good condition and encourage more supply," said Rob Fleming, minister of transportation and infrastructure.

"It will also make it easier for companies to recruit and retain drivers for these vehicles, making sure more people will have access to these specialized taxis provincewide."

Three of the 51 companies provincewide that received funding are based out of the Penticton area.

Eco Taxi received the most at $18,702.52, while Klassic Kabs and Penticton Yellow Taxi each received around $5,800 from the Province.

"Supporting more accessible and inclusive businesses is critical in our ongoing work to remove barriers and build a province that works for everyone,” noted Susie Chant, parliamentary secretary for accessibility.

“Working with our partners in the taxi industry helps ensure people in BC have access to the transportation they need in their day-to-day lives."

BC’s Ministry of Transportation promised additional funding streams over the next two years that will focus on reducing the cost of operating, purchasing and converting wheelchair-accessible taxis.

Those funds will also help provide drivers with training to better support the passengers who rely on them.