Taxis are an essential mode of transport for disabled and older people. The combination of the personal service they offer, their wide availability and door-to-door operations enable them to respond particularly well to the travel needs of people with disabilities. Although several countries have made progress in improving the accessibility of taxi services, much remains to be done. This joint ECMT/IRU study examines factors relating to the design and manufacture of taxi vehicles and considers practical measures to increase the production and use of accessible taxis.
Table of contents:
Foreword Acknowledgements Summary 1. Introduction 2. Background 3. The Need for Accessibility 4. Methodology 5. The Taxi Market -Numbers and types of vehicles -Licensing and control -Financial benefits -Structure of the trade -Provision of taxis for disabled people 6. Design for Wheelchair Accessibility -Research on design requirements -Current and suggested design parameters -Matching the "ideal" design standards -Practical designs for wheelchair passengers 7. Taxis for Other Disabled People 8. The Proportion of Wheelchair-Accessible Taxis 9. Dispatch and Control of Taxis 10. Encouraging the Provision of Accessible Taxis 11.Support for Accessible Taxis 12. Infrastructure 13. Training for the Industry 14. Recommendations -Wheelchair-accessible taxis -Standard accessible taxis -Encouraging the provision of accessible taxis -Infrastructure -Training 15. Conclusions Annex 1. Companies and Organisations Consulted
