Shanghai's first taxi fleet for the handicapped and seniors went
into service recently, just in time to cater for athletes
participating in the Special Olympics.
The fleet, 50 barrier-free minibuses operated by Dazhong Taxi Co
and 90 facility-friendly taxis by Qiangsheng Co, is named the
"Sunshine Fleet" and offers discounts to handicapped
passengers.
The Dazhong minibuses were made to order and equipped with an
elevator in the back to help wheelchair passengers get on and off
car without leaving their wheelchairs.
Disabled people get a 50 percent discount of the normal fare for
a trip of less than 10 kilometers and 70 percent for a trip of less
than 20 kilometers.
"The minibuses have fewer passenger seats to make room for the
special lift in the back. The discount is useful to the physically
handicapped people who are most often making short-distance trips,"
said an official with the Dazhong Co.
Qiangsheng's 90 taxis have the seat next to the driver's
modified to respond to a controller to spin out to pick up the
passenger from a wheelchair.
The local disabled persons' federation will pay 1.5 million yuan
(US$200,000) from community donations to help fund the special taxi
fleet.
"Calling for a taxi was very difficult for wheelchair users in
the city. Many cabbies were unwilling to stop for the special
passengers. It meant more time and trouble to help the passenger in
and out of the car," said Fu Chunhui, a handicapped man, who is
also an official with the local office to promote urban
barrier-free facilities.
"The taxi fleet offering barrier-free vehicles is not only great
news to people with limb difficulties. It is also needed by the
city's large group of seniors," he added.
The special taxis can be ordered on the companies' booking
hotlines.
Urban transport officials said the first task for the new cars
is helping athletes attending the Special Olympics.
"I have seen the special vehicles picking up a couple of
attendants in wheelchairs. They are very helpful though attendants
who are also physically handicapped make up only a very small part
of the delegations," said Chen Guifang, a star driver from the
Dazhong fleet. She is driving the head of the Israeli delegation
during the Games.
(Shanghai Daily October 4, 2007)