Taxi servies for disabled persons. Any good?
Hi my name is Drew, I am thinking of starting a business to help the disabled with transport to and from further education, and general help around town. I also thought it might be good to help with the non-medical side of things like note taking and shopping, trying to combine all these elements into one package. I thought the consistency would be good for every-one involved. If anyone has any thought whether I'm making a huge mistake or really onto something please let me know.
Drew
On to something? Have you worked out a feesability policy or done any research other than ask a question on here? Sounds a huge task and an expensive one - how much would you charge for this 'service' to 'cover your costs'?
You have a good plan in theory but you need to work out whether it will work or not in practice!
Last edited by Jay; 08-19-2011 at 07:24 AM.
To be honest I think its a bad plan.
Most taxi's are accessible now anyway.
A lot of disabled people have family and friends to help and then if not, they may have carers.
I think its a really bad plan to be honest - you did ask !
Well perhaps I might disagree with you. It may depend on what area of the country a person lives, but certainly here in Dudley West Midlands. I have a motobility, wheelchair adapted van, but I have to rely on my husband being around to drive for me. He works full time, so if I want to go out, I have to use a taxi. I am confined to an electric wheelchair, but to use a taxi, I need to have someone with me, purely because the taxis around here are only just big enough for me to get into (Doblo's etc) The ramps are often too short, and very narrow, making accessing the vehicle very difficult and requiring my carer to stand behind my chair to stop it tipping up, or the front wheels wobbling sideways. Once inside the vehicle, I have to remove both footplate to allow enough room for my chair to be juggled around, facing backwards. The journey is then uncomfortable and scary as the taxi drivers tend to drive without much consideration for a wheelchair passenger.Originally Posted by andypandy
I have found one taxi firm, consisting of one man operation. He has a large Transit with a safe rear full width ramp. I can access this vehicle and travel facing forwards. Providing he is available when I need him, I can remain independant and get myself safely to my destination. This is ONE genuinly safe and accessible, forward facing wheelchair friendly Taxi whithin the whole of the West Midlands.
It's fine to disagree with me, its an open forum everyone's opinions are respected equally, but I don't see what difference the OP would make to you and your chair
I do think something about discounts for disabled especially sometimes those people who are forced to use taxis because of lack of suitable public transport etc. I know some companies voluntary offer visually impaired discounts, but this kind if discount should be automatic for disabled even if it's say 20% off or something it would be a great help to a large number of people I would believe.
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