Taxi service : your thoughts please

[aqaforum]

AQA is meeting with 13CABS (former Yellow Cabs)

They are wanting to meet with organisations about our concerns re Wheelchair Accessible Taxis. They are currently wanting to re-vamp this area with their company as they are aware that consumers needs aren't being met.

This is a great opportunity to put forward concerns in regard to the taxi service for people who use wheelchairs.

Your feed-back is highly valued

thank you

[aqaforum]

created by Dutch

At the moment you can not rely on the Taxi booking system because it is so unreliable.

There needs to be a system that when a disabled person request a taxi the nearest cab must commit.

Sometimes I have waited 1,2,3 or more hours for a cab, depends on the day.

Drivers who drive accessible cabs need to be trained in some way to understand and cater for their client.

I have been in situation with a driver once who did not want to fasten my wheelchair down, he claimed that he was a fantastic driver and that I was safe with him. I was very calm with him and explained that I didn't doubt his driving but it’s very unsafe to not fasten down my wheelchair.

He had the cheek to get heavy with me and told me to get out.

No problems I said because I wasn't going to put up with that but then my wife, 3 year old son and I were stuck waiting for another cab for 1.5 hours.

I pursued the cab company and the Victorian Taxi Directory a number of times before they told me that he had disciplined ?

[aqaforum]

created by Sandra

I never use the taxi service, I always go through my private drivers. I'd suggest everyone do the same. Compile a list of good drivers. I think most wheelchair users are apathetic when it comes to complaining about taxi service. This is an ongoing issue and it won't change unless you report bad drivers and make it public.