Accessible Taxis in NYC

WHY SHOULD YOU ATTEND? Arguments against adding more taxi and livery services for riders with disabilites have long been based on the low numbers of people using existing services. Based on the figures available, taxi and livery drivers assert that providing taxi service to PWD's cannot be profitable. Ridership of PWD's for the recently launched wheelchair accessible taxi project is below projected levels.

Tonight is the final forum and time is running out.

If PWD's fail to speak out at the forums and take part in the pilot program, we lose the opportunity to be heard publicly -- not only by the industry but also by elected officials and their staff who will be in attendance. We also run the risk of confirming hesitations voiced by the industry which stand to make it much more difficult to get additional accessible vehicles on the road in the future.

The Disabilities Network of NYC has brought together key decision-makers and experts from across advocacy, industry and government to examine the past, present and future of accessible taxi/livery service and answer YOUR questions at the first-ever Accessible Taxi & Livery Forums in every borough. To date, forums have taken place in Staten Island, Queens, Brooklyn and the Bronx. The final forum will taking tonight at the Borough of Manhattan College, 199 Chambers Street (bet. Greenwich & West Street).

Where we go from here is up to you.

TOPICS covered in the forums includes the TLC’s Accessible Dispatch Pilot Project and solution-based approaches to increasing transportation options for New Yorkers with physical, visual and hearing disabilities. FORUMS are being be moderated by Lawrence Carter-Long of the

Disabilities Network of NYC. PANELISTS include Samara Epstein, Assistant Commissioner of Constituent Affairs for the NYC Taxi & Limousine Commission (TLC), representatives from the Taxis for All Campaign, Fred Roberge, Vice President of Transportation for Easter Seals, and Avik Kabessa, Owner of Carmel Car Service and A Ride for All.

Take advantage of this rare public opportunity to speak DIRECTLY to those responsible for providing accessible taxi and livery services as the pilot program is launched so we can better affect the way services are provided going forward. There will be time for questions from audience members, like you, following the presentations.

WHEN:

Tonight, Thursday, December 4th from 6:30-8pm

WHERE:
Borough of Manhattan College, 199 Chambers Street (bet. Greenwich & West Street), in the Richard Harris Terrace
Campus Contact: Anita Samuels, Office of Special Events, 212-220-8007
http://www.bmcc.cuny.edu

**NOTE: Will be videotaped for broadcast on the Manhattan Neighborhood Network.

Presented in partnership with Easter Seals, City University of New York, Long Island University, City of New York Taxi & Limousine Commission, Taxis for All Campaign, A Ride For All, Brooklyn Center for Independence of the Disabled, Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities and our Disabilities Network Members.

All Forums are wheelchair accessible. ASL and CART provided at all locations.

Please promote and publicize these Forums to your constituents!

Directions available at:

http://www.dnnyc.net/About_Us/DirectionsTaxiForums.html

Accessible Dispatch Program:

Accessible Taxi Service for Passengers who use Wheelchairs

The NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) has launched an Accessible Dispatch Program. It is a temporary pilot project to try out a central dispatch system that matches passengers who use wheelchairs with accessible taxis. This project tests dispatching technology, measures demand for wheelchair accessible vehicles, and helps the City determine how to best provide accessible for-hire service. Currently, the Accessible Dispatch Program is for passengers who use wheelchairs only.

How it works: This system links passengers who use wheelchairs with accessible vehicles through a central dispatcher. Passengers call 311 for pre-arranged service. 311 connects the passenger to the dispatcher. The dispatcher collects the passenger's pick-up location and communicates electronically with participating drivers. The closest available driver accepts the dispatch and picks up the passenger.

Fares charged for Accessible Service are the same as the metered rate of all NYC yellow cabs.

TLC has partnered with the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities, the Mayor’s Office of Operations, and the Department of Information Technologies and Telecommunications to create this program.