Wheelchair Taxis Begin Operating In Washington
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Wheelchair-accessible taxis have begun operating in Washington.
The 20 wheelchair taxis were put into commission Thursday with a $1 million grant from the Federal Transit Administration and $200,000 from the D.C. Taxicab Commission. They are operating under Yellow Cab and Royal Cab.
The taxis are regular minivans that have been modified so that the passenger can roll into the vehicle on a ramp. Passengers pay normal taxi rates, but drivers receive an additional $2 per trip from the grant funding.
The drivers have received special training and a special license from the taxicab commission.
More than 12,000 people in Washington travel in wheelchairs.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
