Rob Martin, co-owner of Handicab, speaks during the public comment section of the March 24th Taxicab Authority meeting.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Residents With Mobility Issues Support Handicab at Nevada Taxicab Authority Meeting

Las Vegas, Nevada, March 25, 2009 – Tuesday’s meeting of the Nevada Taxicab Authority was standing room only as members of Las Vegas’ senior and disability community filled the hearing room in support of Handicab, a proposed taxicab company that would cater to people with disabilities.

Handicab has applied to the Taxicab Authority for medallions to operate up to 40 handicap-accessible taxicabs in Clark County. Opposition from the current taxicab companies is expected at the formal hearing of the case set for April 23-24. The opposing taxicab companies submitted a petition of summary judgment to deny Handicab’s application without a hearing. That motion will be discussed at a special meeting of the Taxicab Authority Board on April 7^th at 9 AM.

Organizers counted 36 activists in attendance at the regularly scheduled Tuesday meeting —many with wheelchairs, scooters, walkers and white canes.

Standing Room Only at the Nevada Taxicab Authority Meeting

During the public comment portion of the meeting, twelve residents spoke about the need for better taxi transportation options for people with mobility issues. Alan Bredow, a member of the Nevada Council of the Blind Lions Club, said, “The taxi drivers don’t want to leave their spot at the hotel taxi stand and come make a short run with somebody who has groceries. So I’m waiting and waiting. It’s disheartening.”

Santa Perez, president of the Nevada Chapter of People First, also spoke in favor of Handicab. Using a voice translator, Perez read a letter of endorsement from the Nevada Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities. She then added her own experiences with taxi transportation in Las Vegas. “They do not even talk to me or tie me down in the proper way.  This is a safety issue.  So, in my eyes, some taxicabs are violating the law.  Please give licensing to Handicab for people with disabilities to have a safe ride whenever they need or want a taxi,” says Perez.

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Rob Martin, co-owner of Handicab, explains to a group of senior citizens how Handicab will be different than the current cab companies.

Rob Martin, co-owner of Handicab, explains to a group of senior citizens why Handicab should be licensed.

Handicab is a new kind of cab company headed in a new direction. Handicab has applied for a license from the Nevada Taxicab Authority to launch a fleet of forty taxicabs which are all handicapped accessible, all monitored by GPS positioning signals and stationed at strategic points to offer quicker, more efficient service to residents and visitors alike.

Handicab’s application will be heard by the Nevada Taxicab Authority March 19th and 20th. If you agree that it is time for a new direction, please support Handicab by letting people know today.

Those who need accessible transportation know the current system doesn’t work well. But the powerful cab companies who hold the current permits are fighting to protect the status quo and resist any change.

Handicab, an applicant for a new cab company here in Southern Nevada, is challenging the old ways of thinking. Handicab has made an application to the Nevada Taxicab Authority to start a new taxi cab company and have permits (medallions) for a fleet of 40 cabs, 100% handicapped accessible.

Handicab believes there is a market for handicapped accessible taxi cabs—if they are properly managed, dispatched and trained to meet the needs of the disability community and the general public at the same time.

But nothing will change until public awareness is raised and the Taxicab Authority sees the need as well.