MAPLE RIDGE- New Democrat MLAs Lisa Beare and Bob D’Eith say people who rely on wheelchairs in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows will soon have more accessible taxi services through the government’s Passenger Transportation Accessibility Program (PTAP).

“People with disabilities often experience high wait times due to a lack of accessible taxis in their communities,” said Lisa Beare, MLA for Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows. “Whether it’s going to work, school, getting groceries or simply going out to have fun, this funding will help remove barriers to everyday travel for people in B.C.”

In Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows, Alouette Taxi is receiving $65,328 and Meadow Ridge Taxi is receiving $16,132 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