MISSION– New Democrat MLAs Pam Alexis and Bob D’Eith say people who rely on wheelchairs in Mission and Abbotsford will soon have more accessible taxi services through the government’s Passenger Transportation Accessibility Program (PTAP).

“I know from my time as mayor and hearing from my friends and neighbours what a difference an announcement like this can make,” said Pam Alexis, MLA for Abbotsford-Mission. “When we work to make the world more accessible, we are helping break down barriers for people in their everyday lives and strengthening our communities for everyone.”

In Mission, Mission Taxi is receiving $36,764 and in Abbotsford, Abbotsford Taxi is receiving $65,328 in order to improve wheelchair accessibility within their fleet.

“Enabling taxi services to include wheelchair-accessible vehicles is about more than convenience,” said Bob D’Eith, MLA for Maple Ridge-Mission. “It’s about respecting the right of individuals with disabilities to move freely and independently through their community, reducing barriers and making a difference in people’s everyday lives.”

Through the 2023/2024 intake of the PTAP, the province has provided $6,989,583 to 59 recipients to make accessible taxis more available by offsetting the costs that taxi companies and owner-operators face in providing wheelchair-accessible vehicles.

The funding either covers the cost of purchasing a Wheelchair accessible vehicle or, purchasing a vehicle and have it converted. The fund also provides reimbursement of eligible maintenance expenses as well as a flat-price insurance rebate and a flat-price fuel rebate per vehicle.

Learn More:

For a full list of 2023/2024 PTAP recipients: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/funding-engagement-permits/funding-grants/passenger-transportation-accessibility-program