City Offers Free Medallion To Cabbie Who Wins Award For Service To Disabled
CHICAGO (CBS) -- The City of Chicago is offering a major reward to cabdrivers who serve disabled passengers - a free medallion.
As WBBM Newsradio's Nancy Harty reports, the city is soliciting nominations for this year's Taxicab Driver Excellence Award, and says those who have seen a driver go above and beyond in service to passengers – both able-bodied and disabled – should suggest that person.
The winner will receive a taxi medallion, which is worth, on average, $320,000.
The Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection says there are currently 6,665 active cab license holders in Chicago.
To be eligible for the contest, drivers must be in compliance with city laws, and have been driving a licensed Chicago taxi cab for at least three consecutive years. They also must have proof that they have driven a wheelchair-accessible cab for at least 250 days within the last year, and served wheelchair-bound passengers at least twice per 12-hour shift.
Drivers cannot be nominated by themselves, relatives, or current medallion holders. The winner of the medallion must put it on a wheelchair-accessible vehicle.
LISTEN: WBBM Newsradio's Nancy Harty reports
