NYC Cabs: Taxpayers, Wheelchair Users and Seniors Ignored
Author: United Spinal Association
Published: 2011/05/04 - Updated: 2024/02/23
Publication Type: Announcement / Notification
Topic: Public Disability Transport - Publications List
Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main
Synopsis: Response to Bloomberg administration and New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission on a taxi that could save taxpayers and serve wheelchair users and seniors. Mr. Weisman pointed out that the MTA could use wheelchair accessible taxis and greatly reduce the Access-A-Ride program that cost taxpayers $470 million dollars yearly, equivalent to the entire Metro North Budget.
Introduction
United Spinal Association responded today to the choice of the Bloomberg administration and New York City Taxi & Limousine Commission (TLC) as it failed to pick the next generation taxi that could save taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars, as well as serve wheelchair users and the fast growing aging population.
Focus
"If this decision holds, it will be a black eye on the legacy of Mayor Bloomberg's administration as it is financially inexcusable and perpetuates discrimination against people with disabilities for the next ten years," stated James Weisman, United Spinal Association senior vice president and general counsel.
Mr. Weisman pointed out that the MTA could use wheelchair accessible taxis and greatly reduce the Access-A-Ride program that cost taxpayers $470 million dollars yearly, equivalent to the entire Metro North Budget.
The City overlooked a wheelchair- and scooter-friendly taxi made by a Turkish company, Karsan, that could be made in Brooklyn employing 800 workers and chose, instead, a Nissan cab.
The New York Daily News and The New York Times reported Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, Assemblyman Micah Kellner and Public Advocate Bill DiBlasio have already called on city Comptroller John Liu to investigate the selection process, alleging a possible conflict of interest.
"The question is why overlook the needs and rights of tens of thousands of New Yorkers and countless visitors from all over the world when it would cost the City nothing, save MTA money and keep people with disabilities and seniors mobile" added Mr. Weisman.
Mr. Weisman drafted significant portions of the Americans with Disabilities Act and pointed out that every taxi in London can accommodate wheelchair users.
Related Stories
- New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission Sued for Lack of Accessible Taxis
- Wheelchair Accessible Taxis for New York City
- Disability Groups Fight NYC's Move to Dodge Wheelchair Taxi Duty
Attribution/Source(s): This quality-reviewed publication was selected for publishing by the editors of Disabled World (DW) due to its relevance to the disability community. Originally authored by United Spinal Association and published on 2011/05/04, this content may have been edited for style, clarity, or brevity. For further details or clarifications, United Spinal Association can be contacted at unitedspinal.org NOTE: Disabled World does not provide any warranties or endorsements related to this article.