This Blog is great, finally we can share about the issues of wheelchair taxi in Toronto

All I can say is WOW!! We seem to still be in the stoneage. When will Mayor Miller and his corrupt clan finish their renegade of terror with all of us in Toronto!

Here another example: If you think getting around the city is hard on you, you can only imagine how tough it is for those stuck in a wheelchair. The city was built for people with unobstructed mobility and for years it was hard for the disabled to catch up. But now there are more accessible buildings, announcements on the subway and buses made to take those who can\'t walk well. Still, regular taxicabs werent part of the progress parade. That changed Thursday, when Co-op introduced a new vehicle that allows the disabled to flag down a regular cab, just like everyone else. Those who were relegated for years to specially equipped taxis are ecstatic those long waits are over. "It's absolutely fantastic!" enthuses customer Warren Rupnarain. "It's on demand. I can come and go as I please. I don't have to book my ride ahead of time. I'm not on a set schedule. If I'm out with my friends or I'm out at a meeting, time is not an issue." Christine Squires finds herself temporarily unable to walk and welcomes the new cab. "I think it is its fantastic. That's one thing I will say. It's been incredibly difficult in the short term and I'm still quite mobile. I can imagine that full time it would be quite difficult so it's a great start." Advocates believe the innovation is long overdue and hope other cab companies in the city will take it up. "Although it's a small measure, it has huge impact if it's the first that happens and others follow," praises Andreia Spindel of the Ontario March of Dimes. The extra service comes with an extra bonus - it's offered at the same rates as regular taxi meters. How to Get One of the Cabs How do you get hold of one of the wheelchair cabs that Co-Op runs? You can flag one down, but if you need the specific cabs, you'd be wise to call them and let them know. Co-op has some 400 vehicles on the road. For now, only four are specially equipped. They hope more will be coming soon. How Do These Differ From Existing Accessible Cabs? Other entities require you to call in advance or are only available on specific timetables. The Co-op cars can be flagged down anywhere at anytime.

The increase in taxicab leasing has a dramatic effect on the economics of the taxicabindustry. Lease fees received by the owner are net income, as there are minimal or no operating costs attached to leasing a plate. A taxicab plate thus became primarily an investment opportunity. The increased price put the ownership of a plate beyond the reach of an average driver and led to an increase in the number of speculative or absentee owners/buyers. I believe this also applies to accessible taxis in Toronto and area.

Yes, it is so true and sad.

I also heard that there was major issues when they awarded the contracts. Something to do with councillors picking and choosing brokerages? I think it was Councillor Glenn De Baeremaeker I think.

it's so true. I also wanted to point out that these brokerages have never dealt with accessible transportation except for the contract that the city of Toronto gave them.